Royal HaskoningDHV Partners With Viridian Logic To Prioritise Nature-Based Solutions In Flood Risk Management

Royal HaskoningDHV has joined forces with Viridian Logic to introduce an innovative modelling approach to UK water companies. Called FloodNbS, it enables the development of the most effective nature-based solutions, in the best locations to reduce flood risk.

Faced with the ongoing challenges presented by climate change, UK water companies need to find cost-effective means to manage flood risk, minimising damage while also delivering environmental benefits. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are recognised for providing societal value through sustainability, recreation, biodiversity and climate change resilience impacts. They are also becoming widely recognised as a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to flood risk management. The benefits of these solutions are further enhanced by ensuring they are sited in the most effective locations, with the capacity to measure the positive impact. Flood risk modelling experts Ambiental, part of Royal HaskoningDHV, has partnered with Viridian Logic, which provides Natural Flood Management and ecosystem service solutions, to address this.

A single, sustainable modelling solution
The two companies have amalgamated GIS and hydrology into a single modelling capability. FloodNbS can determine which natural solutions to create and where best to create them to reduce flooding most effectively. FloodNbS also quantifies the benefits that the various options will deliver, providing a detailed ranking of all potential solutions across a catchment, assessing how effective they will be within local constraints. After determining the optimum solutions for reducing flood damage, it can demonstrate them, using flood hazard maps and risk analytics data, minimising the cost of defences and maximising additional benefits.

Proven impact in the UK
The service has already been used by some UK water companies, including United Utilities, to demonstrate the impact of nature-based solution interventions on reducing peak flood flows and alleviating flood risk to drainage infrastructure and the communities which they serve. James Airton, Natural Capital Strategy and Planning Manager, Environment and Asset Strategy, at United Utilities stated that “We have been really impressed with the tools. The quality of the mapping and modelling work has been fantastic.”

Integrated solution with lower whole life costs
FloodNbS is a sustainable solution that can integrate flood, drought, diffuse pollution and erosion with all the non-water nature-based services such as carbon and biodiversity. This helps water companies to meet multiple objectives from the same interventions. It offers water companies a phased approach that reduces cost at each stage of the process – from initial broad modelling for stakeholder engagement, through to more detailed design.

Angus Middleton, Commercial Director of Viridian Logic explains that “this unique capability helps bring together new and innovative, natural flood mitigation approaches with the traditional, engineered flood protection methods. Furthermore, it can identify co-benefits such as improving water quality and connecting disparate habitats, which in turn helps with scheme acceptance and potentially unlocks alternative funding streams.”

Justin Butler, CEO of Ambiental Risk Analytics, a company of Royal HaskoningDHV commented that “this new capability further unlocks the potential for using natural solutions for mitigating flood risk as well as improving environmental performance and works effectively in combination with the well-established flood modelling, engineering and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) services.”

About Royal HaskoningDHV
Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent company delivering engineering, consultancy and project management services since 1881. We have almost 6,000 professionals operating from across the world who are eager to innovate and co-create with clients and partners to have a positive impact on people, our living environment and the economy. More and more we connect the digital with the physical world. Together with clients and partners, we use data and algorithms to solve new challenges and prevent problems. We help our clients in their digital transformation and we support their business with better and faster execution of their ambitions. Enhancing society together! For more information, visit royalhaskoningdhv.com.

About Ambiental Risk
Ambiental Risk Analytics, a company of Royal HaskoningDHV, is a global specialist in environmental hazard intelligence, predictive analytics and risk management. Ambiental provides flood forecasting systems using flood modelling techniques that support better decision-making around flood and climate risk management by predicting the location and severity of flooding, preventing damage, and protecting people, property and assets. For more information, ambientalrisk.com.