We are delighted to share that our Climate Resilient Schools program in partnership with the Greater London Authority, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, received recognition at the prestigious Flood and Coast Awards. This accolade is a testament to the effectiveness and innovation of our approach to climate resilience.
We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to London's sustainability goals and support the city's commitment to addressing climate change.
At Meristem Design, we are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Climate Resilient Schools contract by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Our mission was to design, build, and install 564 SuDS Rain Planters across London's most flood-prone schools. In collaboration with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, our aim was to enhance the resilience of these schools in London, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change. Through this project, we aimed to create sustainable, climate-resilient environments while educating children on the importance of nature in combatting global warming.
We visited three schools and spoke to the teachers about their experience with these incredible rain planters, and the feedback was absolutely outstanding! Watch our short video to learn more about the Climate Resilient Schools project.
Focusing on Flood-Prone Schools
The Climate Resilient Schools project focuses on schools that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Priority is given to the top 10 percent of schools facing the highest surface water flood risk and falling within the most severe bands of the Climate Risk Map. Flooding can have a devastating impact on schools, as was evidenced in the summer of 2007 when extensive flooding in England led to widespread school closures, resulting in a staggering loss of 400,000 pupil school days and an estimated economic cost of £12 million.
Outlined below are the key elements of the program along with a list of participating schools:
- SuDS Rain Planters: To mitigate flood risk, 72 schools have received 564 Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) rain planters. These planters effectively capture rainwater from rooftops, providing a dual benefit of flood reduction and supporting biodiversity. The feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with their SuDS rain planters. In fact, one enthusiastic Year 2 student, while participating in the planting process, expressed their aspiration to become a gardener in the future.
- Smarter Business Visits: Thames Water's Smarter Business Visits program offers free assessments to identify leaks and install water-efficient fittings in schools. Measures such as tap restrictors, urinal sensors, and conversion from single-flush to dual-flush toilets have been implemented in 28 schools.
- Weather Stations and Educational Resources: To monitor the effectiveness of the SuDS rain planters, weather stations with loggers have been installed in 24 schools. This network of weather stations is one of the most extensive in any school system. Further details and data regarding this project can be accessed on the FreeStation website.
- Climate Adaptation Plans: Bespoke climate adaptation plans have been provided to 60 schools to assist in identifying potential measures for future implementation, aimed at addressing the risks associated with a changing climate and extreme weather events. Each school underwent a survey to determine high-risk areas within their premises, following which appropriate measures and interventions were suggested. Examples of such measures include green roofs or window shading to mitigate overheating.
The SuDS planters have proven to be a remarkable success, as they operate autonomously without requiring additional watering. The flourishing plants, nurtured by harvested rainwater, have delighted the children involved in the planting process. As part of the team at Meristem Design, we are proud to have contributed to the fabrication of the SuDS planters and the successful delivery of this project.
Rain Gardens and SuDS Planters:
SuDS planters are carefully designed green spaces that capture and manage rainwater runoff. They utilise natural processes to absorb, filter, and store excess water, reducing the risk of surface water flooding. By incorporating biophilic design principles, these planters create a harmonious blend of nature and built environments, fostering a sense of connection with the natural world.
Benefits of SuDS Planters:
The implementation of SuDS planters brings numerous benefits to climate-resilient schools. Let's explore some of these advantages:
- Flood Prevention: SuDS planters act as effective flood mitigation measures by capturing rainwater and preventing it from overwhelming drainage systems. By reducing surface water runoff, these planters alleviate the risk of flooding in and around schools.
- Improved Water Efficiency: With SuDS planters, schools can optimise water usage and minimise wastage. The planters capture rainwater, which can be utilised for irrigation purposes, reducing the reliance on freshwater sources and contributing to sustainable water management.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: SuDS planters provide a habitat for a diverse range of plant species, attracting pollinators and supporting local biodiversity. By creating green spaces within school premises, we foster ecological resilience and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Educational Opportunities: Our climate-resilient school’s program emphasises the importance of nature-inspired design and its role in combating climate change. By incorporating SuDS planters, schools provide hands-on learning experiences for children, educating them on the significance of sustainable practices and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship.
Urban Greening for Climate Resilience
Urban greening plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience in cities. By integrating nature into the built environment, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and create sustainable, livable spaces. Our SuDS planters contribute to this urban greening effort by bringing nature to schools and transforming concrete-dominated areas into vibrant green landscapes.
The Climate Resilient Schools project represents a significant step towards building a climate-resilient future. By implementing Rain Gardens and SuDS planters, we are not only reducing surface water flood risk but also promoting sustainable practices and educating children on the importance of nature-inspired design. Together, we can create resilient schools that serve as models for climate action, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among future generations.
