Infrastructure Engineering
Sponge City
The sponge city concept can reduce heat island effects and flood risks in densely populated areas and retain water for use during dry periods. But even in rural areas, it is important to strive for the most sustainable water management possible and to restore the natural water cycle. Gruner has many years of experience in the planning and implementation of water management, infrastructure construction and environmental projects.
In the so-called sponge city, rainwater is absorbed and stored locally instead of being channelized and drained away. Among other things, areas are specifically unsealed and greened, and infiltration and retention options are created for rainwater. Green spaces heat up less, vegetation can provide shade and evaporative cooling contributes to a better urban climate. The combination of water elements and vegetation is also referred to as blue-green infrastructure (BGI). Biodiversity and general well-being can also be promoted.
However, it is also becoming increasingly important in rural areas to retain water on site, preserve or restore the natural water cycle and feed the groundwater (sponge landscape). In addition to sustainable rainwater management, the promotion of biodiversity and soil protection and improvement play an important role here.
Advantages of the sponge city:
- Local retention of rainwater and water storage for dry periods
- Relief of the wastewater infrastructure and improvement of water protection
- Reduction of flood and inundation risks
- Improving the urban climate and reducing heat stress
- Promoting biodiversity and the resilience of the urban ecosystem
- Promotion of general well-being and health
Gruner Services:
- Concepts and projects for climate-adapted construction, client consulting
- Concepts for water storage and use
- Project planning for retention systems, site drainage and irrigation
- Concepts and projects for protection against surface runoff
- Environmental construction supervision (UBB) and pedological construction supervision (BBB)