RLB_UK_Riders_Digest_2013

UK CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
Sustainable Urban Drainage
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
(SUDS) delay rainwater going directly
to the drainage system. They act as
a buffer to prevent flooding. They
include: Pervious surfaces, Filter drains,
Filter strips, Swales, Basins, ponds
and wetlands, Soakaways, Infiltration
trenches, pipes and accessories,
Rainwater re-use and Green roofs. They
are fast becoming a popular option for
surface water handling, supported by
planning guidance, Building Regulations,
and organisations such as the
Environment Agency and the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency.
SUDS aim to replicate the natural
drainage pattern of a site prior to
development.
Reduction of flourates
Prevents flooding
Increases water table
Limitations
Extra cost can be offset by reduction site drainage
Solar Thermal
What is it?
Solar Thermal collectors
are used to generate
higher levels of heat
from solar energy than
can be achieved by
passive measures. The
main objective is to heat
domestic hot water,
although heating systems
can also be supplemented. A typical domestic solar hot water
system of 1,000 to 2,000kWh can provide about 70% of
annual hot water needs, saving about 0.2 to 0.4 tonnes of
carbon per annum.
Systems based on the circulation of liquids and air are both
available, with the most efficient and expensive, based on an
evacuated tube system, similar to vacuum flask technology.
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