Sustainable Water Consumption
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The comprehensive revitalization of the Augustenborg neighborhood aimed at sustainable development. The primary goal in water management was to minimize the risk of flooding through the construction of a cohesive drainage network that resembled a natural hydrographic system.u00a0

Engaging the residents in the environmental rehabilitation process was also essential. The Augustenborg neighborhood faced a socio-economic crisis and local flooding due to an overloaded sewage system. The outdated system was incapable of handling rainwater, domestic wastewater, and runoff from other parts of the city, resulting in floods and damages.u00a0

The solution involved implementing an open stormwater drainage system that enabled effective management of rainwater. Water was collected from roofs and other surfaces, with the excess directed to the traditional stormwater system. The project was carried out in collaboration with the city council, housing cooperative, and residents, who gained increased awareness of the importance of rainwater. Additionally, the neighborhood became home to the world’s first rooftop botanical garden, and the stormwater management system and green roofs retained a significant portion of rainwater.u00a0

The initiative in Augustenborg was recognized as a pioneering approach to sustainable water drainage, contributing to improved quality of life and reduced environmental impact. The total cost of the investment was up to approximately 22 million euros, with the city of Malmu00f6 and MKB, a social housing company, being responsible for its implementation.

In San Francisco, the majority of the city’s watershed is covered by impermeable surfaces, leading to surface runoff and limited infiltration of rainwater into the ground. This causes contamination and overwhelms the sewer system during heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding and environmental penalties.u00a0

To address this, the Sidewalk Garden project, part of the Urban Watershed Assessment programme, involves replacing concrete sidewalks with gardens that capture rainwater, reducing the strain on the sewer system. These gardens beautify the streets and incorporate native plants, permeable surfaces, and stone borders. Residents and organizations can propose and obtain permits for sidewalk gardens. The responsible institutions for the project are San Francisco Water Power Sewer and Friends of the Urban Forest.