Floods and heavy rainfall events are on the rise – and with them the challenges for our cities. Climate change, the sealing of surfaces and inefficient drainage systems are exacerbating the problem. The need to respond effectively to these natural events is now more urgent than ever. The cross-media STOP THE FLOOD campaign is being launched to highlight solutions and bring the relevant stakeholders together. This programme is aimed at municipal decision-makers, architects, urban planners and companies to jointly develop and implement strategies and products for sustainable and resilient cities.

Why STOP THE FLOOD?

In recent years, extreme weather events have caused immense damage worldwide. Urbanised areas are particularly affected, as sealed surfaces are unable to absorb the water. Climate change is increasing the intensity of such events, meaning that short-term adaptations are no longer sufficient.

The STOP THE FLOOD campaign aims to identify ecological and technological best practices that enable sustainable stormwater drainage. It is aimed at all relevant stakeholders – from municipal planners to innovative companies – and shows how integrative measures and products can bring about long-term change.

The current situation: challenges in our cities

One of the biggest challenges is the inadequate infrastructure for rainwater management. Many systems were designed for less intense weather events and are reaching their limits in the face of increasing pollution. The consequences are dramatic:

• Flooding in urban areas causing damage to property and personal injury.
• Damage to infrastructure such as roads, underground railway systems and buildings.
• Pollution of the environment due to overflowing sewer systems that flush pollutants into bodies of water.
• Economic losses due to business interruptions and repair costs.

Traditional solutions, which often rely on concrete channels and pumps, are neither ecological nor sustainable. New approaches and technologies are needed that treat water as a resource and protect the urban environment at the same time.

Integrative solutions: The vision of STOP THE FLOOD

STOP THE FLOOD is based on a holistic approach that combines ecological, technical and social aspects. The aim is to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovation. The focus is on the following measures:

1. Green infrastructures: Green roofs, rainwater gardens and urban forests can absorb rainwater and help to relieve the burden on the sewage system. At the same time, they improve the microclimate and enhance the quality of life.

2. Intelligent water management systems: Systems equipped with sensors and digital platforms can channel and store rainwater more efficiently. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and control of water flows.

3. Modular construction methods: Flexible elements such as rainwater storage tanks or permeable paving can be easily integrated into existing structures.

4. Education and training: Municipal decision-makers and planners must be sensitised to the challenges and equipped with practical tools.

5. Cooperation between the public and private sectors: New products and processes can be implemented more quickly through cooperation between local authorities and innovative companies.

Best practices from the field

The STOP THE FLOOD campaign presents solutions that have already proven their worth. These examples show how sustainable measures work in practice and what benefits they offer:

• Copenhagen, Denmark: The city has implemented a comprehensive rainwater management system. Green roofs, urban rainwater routes and underground storage facilities have significantly improved the city’s resilience to heavy rainfall events.
• Singapore: The concept of the “water-sensitive city” combines ecological measures such as wetlands and water reservoirs with high-tech solutions. This not only reduces flooding, but also secures the drinking water supply.
• Freiburg, Germany: Through clever urban planning with permeable surfaces, unsealing and decentralised rainwater infiltration, the city has opted for near-natural solutions.

The role of companies

Innovative companies play a central role in the STOP THE FLOOD campaign. They develop products and technologies that enable sustainable rainwater management. Examples of such innovations are

• Permeable ground coverings that store water and allow it to seep away.
• Smart rainwater tanks that use sensors to regulate the water level and empty it as required.
• Rainwater utilisation systems that treat the collected water for irrigation or industrial processes.

By participating in STOP THE FLOOD, companies can present their products to a wide audience and position themselves as pioneers of sustainable urban development.

On the way to a liveable city of the future

STOP THE FLOOD defines what it takes to make cities sustainable and resilient. The combination of ecological approaches, technological innovations and an intensive exchange of knowledge is the key to successfully adapting to the challenges of climate change.

Companies that take part in the campaign have the chance to become part of this pioneering movement. They position themselves as pioneers in the field of sustainable urban development and actively contribute to securing liveable cities for future generations.

Become part of STOP THE FLOOD and help shape the city of the future! The time to act is now. Let’s drive change together – for sustainable, resilient and liveable urbanity.

More here.