The SUDS manual
On 13 November 2015, CIRIA (the Construction Industry Research and Information Association) published The SuDS Manual (C753). It was the result of a CIRIA research project (RP)992 and its preparation was guided by a project steering group.
SUDS (Sustainable urban drainage systems) are systems designed to manage the drainage of surface water in the urban environment, providing an alternative to, or addition to, traditional drainage systems that drain surface water into underground, piped drainage. SUDS techniques seek to capture, use, delay or absorb rainwater and include; filter strips and drains, swales, permeable surfaces, basins and ponds, underground storage, rainwater harvesting, and so on.
The SuDS Manual was first published in 2007 when SUDS was still a relatively new concept. The 2015 edition significantly revises the guidance to include the latest research and best practice. It complements by the government’s ‘non statutory technical standards’ but goes further, supporting the cost effective delivery of multiple benefits.
CIRIA describe C753 as the most comprehensive industry SuDS guidance available in the UK. It is intended to; support uptake, manage floods and create better places and spaces. It deals with the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of SuDS. It considers amenity and biodiversity and has supporting information about materials, landscape, community engagement, costs and benefits.
Its contents include:
- Introduction.
- Philosophy and approach.
- Applying the approach
- Technical detail.
- Supporting guidance.
- Appendices.
Its publication followed a ministerial statement by The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government earlier in 2015 which made it clear that SuDS must play a greater role in the planning system, and that it is a requirement in new major developments wherever appropriate.
Paul Shaffer, Associate at CIRIA said:
“The SuDS Manual reflects CIRIA’s stance that well designed SuDS deliver multiple benefits, as well as manage local flood risk. The Manual is the cornerstone of CIRIA’s work on SuDS that includes the BeST project (Benefits of SuDS Tool), susdrain, CIRIA’s SuDS training and extensive catalogue of SuDS related guidance. CIRIA is also developing future work to improve SuDS construction, planning and assessment providing the industry with the competence and confidence to embrace SuDS fully.”
C753 is free to download, available from the CIRIA website.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Flood insurance.
- Flood risk.
- Flood risk management plan.
- Future Water, The Government’s water strategy for England.
- Greywater.
- Pitt Review.
- Planning for floods.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- River engineering.
- SUDS.
- SuDS infographic.
- SuDS - is there light at the end of the tunnel?
- Sustainable urban drainage systems - latest guidance.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water consumption.
- Water engineering.
Featured articles and news
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.
Drone data at the edge: three steps to better AI insights
Offering greater accuracy and quicker access to insights.
From fit-out to higher-risk buildings.
Heritage conservation in Calgary
The triple bottom line.
College of West Anglia apprentice wins SkillELECTRIC gold.
Scottish government launch delivery plan
To strengthen planning and tackle the housing emergency.
How people react in ways which tend to restore their comfort.
Comfort is a crucial missing piece of the puzzle.
ECA launches Recharging Electrical Skills Charter in Wales
Best solutions for the industry and electrical skills in Wales.
New homebuilding skills hub launch and industry response
Working with CITB and NHBC to launch fast track training.