Climate adaptation pilots at Euvelgunne industrial estate
Many industrial estates are also experiencing the impact of climate change. For example, at the Euvelgunne estate, the sewers are overloaded during severe downpours. This causes local waterlogging and sewer overflows in the city centre. The municipality of Groningen is exploring measures to combat this. To this end, two pilots have been launched, in collaboration with the Groningen district water boards, the Groningen Assen Region, and the Zuidoost business association.
What do the pilots entail?
In the first pilot, the municipality is exploring, in collaboration with the district water boards and the business association, whether businesses can disconnect the downspouts at their own premises and possibly use the rainwater. The point of departure in this respect is that it is up to the businesses to implement the measures at their own premises. In the second pilot, the municipality is developing a sewer control model in concert with the district water boards.
What is the goal?
The main goals of the pilots are:
- Relieving the sewer system to reduce overflow in the city centre. This requires the implementation of specific measures with sufficient impact;
- Developing several examples for disconnecting downspouts and possibly utilising rainwater by businesses. A showcase must be compiled, featuring different solutions which other industrial estates can use.
In addition to combating waterlogging, the municipality also intends that these measures should foster the energy transition, biodiversity, circularity, the landscape, and the reduction of heat stress.
How have businesses been encouraged to participate?
The municipality has shown all the businesses on the estate a book of examples, featuring different measures for disconnecting downspouts, for reusing and retaining rainwater, and for infiltrating rainwater into the ground. The authorities have also reviewed the wishes of the businesses. Subsequently, proposals were elaborated for each business. A municipal grant scheme has been set up in the purview of the implementation of the measures.
What results have been obtained thus far?
Four businesses have already implemented measures and twelve businesses are still working on it. Once they have carried out the measures, half of the water issues at the Euvelgunne estate will be resolved. The measures will have the following positive effects:
- Less water will end up in the sewer system, thus reducing overflows;
- Businesses will use rainwater as cooling water and for flushing toilets, thus fostering a circular economy;
- Green rooftops will reduce the need for using air conditioning systems in office buildings. Furthermore, perceived outdoor temperatures will be lower;
- Wadis cool the environment;
- One wadi has specifically been designed to enhance biodiversity. This wadi has been seeded with a flowery mix;
- The sewer control model functioned well during a wet period in February 2020. It is now being optimised further;
- The participating businesses are positive;
- The Euvelgunne estate is regarded as a showcase for other businesses. A book of examples will be available in May 2020.
Monitored bioswale
In 2021, the bioswale near Salomon’s Metalen metalworks was monitored during a wet period. In 2022, the bioswale was monitored during a dry period. The bioswale design capacity is aimed at the collection of a 20 mm downpour. The first study showed that during a wet period, the bioswale can handle a 16 mm downpour without any problems. Probably, a 20 mm downpour will not pose any problems either. According to the study pertaining to the dry period, the groundwater level remains well below the bioswale floor. Rainwater will infiltrate the soil at an average rate of 3 cm per hour.
Special features
It is good to see how enthusiastically the businesses have embarked on their efforts. For example, the business that constructed a biodiversity wadi has also created a giant insect hotel. Another business is so proud of its measures that it has used drones to make a short film of the process.
Lessons to be learned
Involving the business association in the process right from the start is very important: the association is best versed with the situation of each individual member. Other lessons to be learned:
- Have the measures tie in with the requirements and wishes of the business. Identify opportunities and possibilities together;
- Ensure that the preparation of the measures does not require considerable efforts on the part of the businesses, but do give them ultimate responsibility for the realisation of the measures;
- Set the duty of care regarding the realised measures down in a contract.
Contact person
Bjartur Swart
Earth Care Solutions
Projectgroep Klimaatrobuust Euvelgunne
bjartur@earthcaresolutions.nl