Accelerated urbanization in Europe has profoundly altered natural hydrological processes by sealing soil, densifying buildings and expanding impervious surfaces. In this context, conventional "grey" drainage systems, historically designed to quickly evacuate water, are becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of climate change and the increased frequency of extreme rainfall and urban flooding.
We propose for your consideration this Guide for Low Impact Development (LID), which includes suggestions for approaches and good practices that can be translated into public policies for sustainable stormwater management. We also make a case for transforming the image of urban stormwater from a “Cinderella” to a valuable resource.
Executive Summary
Low Impact Development (LID), aligned with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), offers an integrated approach that manages stormwater at source, using natural processes such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, retention, reuse and distributed green infrastructure.
Supported by the European Green Infrastructure policy framework, LID simultaneously contributes to reducing flood risk, improving water quality, increasing biodiversity and climate adaptation.
This policy guide provides municipalities, urban planners, utility operators and decision-makers with a framework consistent with the directives and European Union environmental strategies for integrating DezIR into urban planning, development regulations and infrastructure investment strategies.
Definition of Low Impact Development (DezIR)
Low impact development is a planning and engineering approach designed to mimic natural hydrology by managing stormwater near where it falls. DezIR focuses on infiltration, evapotranspiration, retention, reuse and distributed green infrastructure systems.
In China, the DezIR concept was expanded leading to the “Sponge City” methodology, which has become an accepted and widely used approach worldwide.
Download the full guide (PDF)
The full guide, with technical details, public policy recommendations and implementation examples, can be found in the PDF document that can be downloaded here: