Sustainable Retrofits

The comments in this theme gave practical ideas about how the principles of nature-based solutions to flooding and drought could be applied to existing properties at a household or community scale. There was a focus on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), stressing the importance of using these measures on both public buildings and residential properties.

Numerous comments focused on the benefits of practical measures such as tree planting and using rainwater butts for attenuation in urban areas. One of the exhibits at the public drop-ins was a model house that demonstrated household SuDS measures; this inspired people to look at easy things individuals could do at home, such as removing tarmac and installing water butts.

 “Stop covering driveways with impermeable surfaces.”
“Tree planting, Rainwater gardens - sumps, tanks, ponds, reduce impenetrable surfaces.”
“Sharing good practices- informal open gardens, tree planting, composting how to.” 
“Start local scheme and supply water butts.”

Councillor Workshops:

Councillors at workshops also came up with ideas around the theme of making buildings and how we use them more sustainable:

"Stop tarmac gardens - use gravel so water can soak away."
"Energy: Move parish buildings to green suppliers."
"Move services we commission to green companies."
"Push for water to be better managed- held during floods to be used in drought."
"Share the cost between all districts by bringing council tax into line."