Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

This practical course introduces the core principles, design approaches, and practical implementation of Sustainable
Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), also known as Green Stormwater Infrastructure or Low-Impact Development. The
curriculum covers the planning, design, and maintenance of SUDS features that reduce runoff, improve water quality,
support biodiversity, and strengthen urban resilience. It addresses the limitations of conventional drainage by focusing
on source-control solutions that mimic natural hydrology. Through various practical exercises, participants will be able
to design, assess, and integrate SUDS into urban projects, enabling them to meet regulatory requirements and advance
sustainable, climate-resilient water management.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is ideal for civil and environmental engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, and public works
professionals involved in water resources management, urban development, and environmental compliance, who are
responsible for designing, approving, or managing stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding, improve water
quality, and enhance urban sustainability.

COURSE OUTCOMES
Delegates will gain the skills and knowledge to:
• Evaluate the hydrological and water quality limitations of conventional drainage systems.
• Apply the core principles of SUDS (e.g., treatment train, multi-functionality) to urban planning and design.
• Design and size key SUDS components such as green roofs, permeable pavements, bioretention cells (rain
gardens), and swales.
• Analyze the long-term performance, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle costs of SUDS.
• Integrate SUDS into regulatory frameworks and develop effective stormwater management plans.

KEY COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
At the end of the course, you will understand;
• The fundamental principles and components of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
• Hydrological analysis techniques for green stormwater infrastructure design.
• Design methodologies for key SUDS components including green roofs and permeable pavements.
• Water quality treatment processes in bioretention systems and constructed wetlands.
• Integration strategies for SUDS within urban planning and development frameworks.
• Maintenance requirements and lifecycle management of sustainable drainage assets.
• Performance monitoring and evaluation methods for SUDS implementation.

Course Booking

Please use the “book now” or “inquire” buttons on this page to either book your space or make further enquiries.