Exploring the Differences between Nature-Based Stormwater Management Approaches: A Comparison of BGI, GI, WSUD, SUDS, LID, ABC Waters, and Sponge Cities

Nature-based stormwater management approaches, including Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI), Green Infrastructure (GI), Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Low Impact Development (LID), ABC Waters, and Sponge Cities may all reduce runoff but differ in their primary focus and approach.

By Robert C. Brears

Stormwater management is a crucial aspect of urban planning and design, as cities are often challenged to manage increased runoff from impervious surfaces, such as buildings and roads. To address this challenge, cities worldwide have been exploring various solutions, including nature-based ones. In this context, several terms have been used to describe approaches to stormwater management that incorporate nature-based solutions:

• BGI: This term was first used in the Netherlands and refers to integrating water management and nature into urban areas. BGI encompasses a range of practices and approaches, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and urban wetlands, which can reduce runoff and improve water quality
• GI: This term was first used in the United States and refers to integrating nature into urban areas for multiple benefits, including stormwater management. GI encompasses a range of practices and approaches, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and urban wetlands, which can reduce runoff and improve water quality
• WSUD: This term was first used in Australia and refers to an approach to urban design that considers the water cycle, including rainfall, runoff, and evaporation. WSUD incorporates a range of practices and technologies, including green infrastructure, to manage stormwater in an integrated and sustainable manner
• SUDS: This term was first used in the United Kingdom and refers to a range of approaches to stormwater management that incorporate green infrastructure and aim to mimic the natural water cycle. SUDS can reduce runoff and improve water quality by slowing down and filtering stormwater through vegetation, soils, and other natural systems
• LID: This term was first used in the United States and refers to a range of approaches to stormwater management that aim to reduce the amount of runoff generated by the development. LID incorporates a range of practices and technologies, including green infrastructure, to manage stormwater in a sustainable and integrated manner
• ABC Waters: This term was first used in Singapore and refers to a concept of urban water management that integrates water into the built environment attractively and functionally. ABC Waters aims to create a more sustainable, liveable, and resilient urban environment by transforming concrete waterways into attractive and functional waterways that provide multiple benefits, including stormwater management
• Sponge Cities: This term was first used in China and refers to a concept of urban water management that aims to mimic the natural water cycle and reduce runoff. Sponge Cities incorporate green infrastructure and other nature-based solutions to slow down, store, and reuse stormwater, making cities more resilient to flooding and other water-related challenges

How are they different?

While these approaches share the common goal of reducing runoff and improving water quality, they each have a slightly different focus and emphasis. Here are five ways in which they are different:

1. Focus: The approaches differ in their primary focus, with some focusing on the integration of nature into urban areas (GI), some focusing on an integrated approach to urban design (WSUD), some focusing on mimicking the natural water cycle (SUDS), some focusing on reducing runoff generated by development (LID), some focusing on the integration of water management and nature (BGI), some focusing on reducing runoff and improving water quality (Sponge Cities), and some focusing on integrating water into the built environment attractively and functionally (ABC Waters)
2. Types of practices and technologies: The approaches may differ in the types of practices and technologies they incorporate, such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, urban wetlands, and river and stream restoration
3. Geographic origin: The approaches have different geographic origins, with some originating in the United States (GI, LID), some in Australia (WSUD), some in the United Kingdom (SUDS), some in the Netherlands (BGI), some in Singapore (ABC Waters), and some in China (Sponge Cities)
4. Emphasis on water cycle: Some approaches, such as WSUD and SUDS, place a greater emphasis on the water cycle, including rainfall, runoff, and evaporation, while others, such as GI and LID, place a greater emphasis on reducing runoff and improving water quality
5. Integration of multiple benefits: Some approaches, such as GI and BGI, place a greater emphasis on the integration of multiple benefits, such as improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and increased recreation opportunities, while others, such as LID and Sponge Cities, place a greater emphasis on reducing runoff and improving water quality

Strengths of Blue-Green Infrastructure

While other approaches like GI, WSUD, SUDS, LID, ABC Waters, and Sponge Cities share some similarities with BGI, BGI has several strengths that distinguish it from these other approaches:

1. Scalability and flexibility: BGI can be applied at different scales and in various contexts, from small-scale interventions like green roofs and rain gardens to large-scale projects like urban parks and green corridors. BGI can also be integrated with other urban design strategies and adapted to different climatic and socio-economic conditions
2. Multiple benefits: BGI provides a range of benefits beyond stormwater management, such as improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting human health and well-being. BGI can also support local economies by creating green jobs and attracting tourism and investment
3. Stakeholder engagement: BGI emphasises the participation and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including residents, businesses, local governments, and civil society organisations. BGI involves the co-creation of green spaces and water features that meet the needs and preferences of the community and fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship
4. Adaptive management: BGI is based on a continuous learning and feedback process, where the performance and effectiveness of the BGI is monitored and evaluated over time. This allows for adaptive management and improvement of the BGI systems, based on new knowledge, changing conditions, and evolving demands

The take-out

BGI is a holistic and innovative approach that addresses the complex and interrelated challenges of urbanisation and climate change while creating sustainable and liveable cities for all.

Blue and Green Cities

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