In the heart of Europe, a silent revolution is brewing, one that promises to transform the way cities handle stormwater and, in the process, bolster urban resilience and sustainability. At the forefront of this movement is Kerta Kõiv, a researcher from the School of Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia. Her latest study, published in the journal Engineering Proceedings, delves into the world of smart nature-based solutions (NBSs) for stormwater management, offering a glimpse into a future where cities are not just concrete jungles, but thriving, green ecosystems.
Kõiv’s research focuses on seven pilot areas around the Baltic Sea, where she and her team have been testing the transition from traditional, low-tech stormwater management systems to high-tech NBSs. The results, as Kõiv puts it, are “nothing short of remarkable.” By integrating smart technologies with nature-based solutions like ponds, wetlands, and stormwater reuse systems, cities can significantly enhance their flood protection and water quality, all while reaping a host of co-benefits, from improved public health to increased biodiversity.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Quite a lot, as it turns out. For starters, smart NBSs can help reduce the energy-intensive processes often associated with traditional stormwater management. By mimicking natural processes, these solutions can lower the need for pumping and treatment, leading to significant energy savings. Moreover, the real-time data collection and analysis enabled by smart technologies can help energy providers better understand and predict demand, allowing for more efficient grid management.
But the benefits don’t stop at energy savings. Smart NBSs also offer a unique opportunity for the energy sector to diversify its portfolio. As Kõiv explains, “The integration of smart technologies with NBSs opens up new avenues for innovation and investment. From smart sensors to data analytics, the energy sector has a wealth of expertise that can be leveraged to drive the development of these solutions.”
The study’s findings also underscore the importance of a multidimensional approach to assessing the impact of NBSs. By quantifying and visualizing the distribution of benefits and co-benefits across different NBS designs, cities can make more informed decisions about where and how to implement these solutions. This, in turn, can help the energy sector identify new opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Looking ahead, Kõiv’s research is set to shape the future of stormwater management and urban planning. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change and urbanization, smart NBSs offer a promising path forward. By embracing these solutions, cities can not only enhance their resilience and sustainability but also create new opportunities for innovation and growth in the energy sector. The future of urban water management is here, and it’s smart, green, and full of potential.
