Evaluating the longer term benefits of sustainable drainage

Abstract

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can bring a wide range of benefits in addition to reductions in flood risk. However, there is limited quantified evidence of the value of these benefits. To help address this, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association led a project to develop the Benefits of SuDS Tool (Best). The approach presented in this paper shows how scenario planning can be used in Best to evaluate longer term benefits in the face of future uncertainty. Three case studies are presented, showing how this can inform robust decisions and the selection of SuDS options for maximum value.