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The Life Cersuds project is an example of innovation in the field of urban planning, involving the development of a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) that manages runoff water at source. This allows the water to filter into the land and be reused, thereby helping to improve cities’ ability to adapt to climate change

Nº 6. September 2019
 

Life Cersuds manages about 1 million liters of water, which is filtered underground in order to replenish aquifers


The Life Cersuds demonstration project has successfully managed 28 rain episodes since its construction

The Technological Institute of Ceramics, which is coordinating the project, presented the last three years’ results of the LIFE CERSUDS project at the European conference "Adapting our cities to Climate Change: recent experiences at European level", explaining that the sustainable urban drainage system LIFE CERSUDS, has managed about 1 million liters of water, filtering it into the subsoil to replenish aquifers. Periodic checks carried out during each episode of torrential rains have verified the quality and purity of the recovered water.

Javier Mira, lead project researcher, presented the results showing that the LIFE CERSUDS demonstration project minimises the effects of urban storm flooding, reduces air pollution and improves water management, either diverting it underground or allowing it to be reused for irrigation and cleaning public spaces. The main advantage of this system is that the ceramics work by creating a natural watercourse, filtering rainwater directly down into the natural environment or allowing it to be stored for other uses.

More information: http://www.lifecersuds.eu/

Benicàssim is an example of sustainability, awareness and responsible resource use at European level

We spoke to Susana Marqués, Mayor of Benicàssim and the lead tow representative within the Life Cersuds consortium.
 
LC. Tell us about the leap of faith that led to you as Mayor taking the decision to back this project in Benicàssim? What moved you to say yes to such a complex  project?
SM. Benicàssim has enormous potential and has always encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation. This is why we saw it as a great opportunity for our town to host this European project, which is strongly focused to R&D+i.
I am convinced that the future of our cities has to lie in being more environmentally responsible and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development. Life Cersuds aims to improve the ability of cities to adapt to climate change.
We want Benicàssim to be an example of innovation and sustainability, which means it must take the lead in putting place policies to care for our environment, achieving a balance between environmental protection and sustainable urban development.
We must remember that our main asset is our natural environment. It is of enormous value and is what sets us apart. This is why I am convinced that the future of cities must involve conservation, which we can achieve through responsible and rational behaviour as consumers and in resource use,  minimising our impact on the environment.
This is why it has been such an extraordinary opportunity for Benicàssim to be chosen to host the European demonstrator of this pioneering drainage project, which makes it possible to improve the adaptation and sustainability of urban environments.
LC. How did local residents react to the project? What have been for the biggest problems or headaches in the development and implementation of the project?
SM. The project was designed based around the fundamental premise of PUBLIC INFORMATION from the outset. Involving citizens and getting them onboard was essential to ensuring the project’s success; Therefore, we wanted to tell everybody all about the project from the outset. We wanted the citizens of Benicàssim to understand this innovative rainwater drainage system and the improvements it could bring to the city. Our goal is for local residents to see the project as the great opportunity it is.
Obviously, and like any urban remodeling work, it causes disruption to the day-to-day life of the city, but we have tried to minimise the inconvenience.
Once the demonstration location in the street C / Torre de San Vicente was selected, our main concern was to mitigate the disruption from carrying out this work – not only to local residents, but also the general public. We focused on design alternative routes to solve mobility issues around the area of the works, so as to avoid a public backlash.
LC. What do you think are the main advantages of this project for the town itself and its inhabitants?
SM. Cities must be able to adapt to the effects of climate change. Rainfall has varied in recent years in Spain, with an overall decrease seen. This makes us especially careful with our water consumption. However, its location in the Mediterranean basin means Benicàssim experiences heavy rain episodes at specific times.
This drainage system, made with permeable paving, allows rainwater to be channeled, stored in reservoirs and reused for irrigation of the green areas of the urban environment of Benicàssim. In addition to alleviating flood problems in the area, this represents the potential for significant water saving and reuse.
In my opinion, this project represents an important advance for Benicàssim, enabling us to turn a problem into an opportunity. It provides us with a new system for saving resources and a more sustainable future outlook for water management.
LC. What is your overall conclusion? Do the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa? How do you feel about the project today?
SM. The overall experience has been absolutely positive, enabling us to position the city at European level as an example of sustainability, awareness and responsible resource use, which really is a success by everyone and for everyone.

LC. What has it meant for you to work in this consortium with ITC and Europe? Would you do it again? Or maybe not?
SM. As I said, we are very proud that Benicàssim has hosted this European project, which is so clearly committed to research and technological innovation within the public environmental field.
Having the opportunity to exchange experiences and share knowledge with academic entities and internationally-renowned organisers, with the institutional support and full commitment of the municipal technical team and the prestige of hosting a European project of this scope has been a great success for the city and makes us very proud of Benicàssim.

 
Life Cersuds News

Honorable mention to Life Cersuds in Tektónica

At the Tektónica 2019 fair, held in Lisbon (Portugal) last May, the Life Cersuds Sustainable Urban Drainage System received an Honorable Mention in the Innovation Awards, which received 31 entries. Tektónica is one of the world’s leading fairs in the field of international architecture and construction.

More information:
www.lifecersuds.eu
We have been in …

REGIONAL WORKING GROUP FINAL MEETING

The LifeCersuds regional working group met on 12/09/2019, to discuss the lessons learned in the final project phase and look at the possibility of continuing the LIFE CERSUDS working group beyond the lifetime of the project.

More information:
www.lifecersuds.eu

Innovative product award at BBConstrumat 2019

LIFE CERSUDS won the Innovation Award at the CONSTRUMAT 2019 show, held in Barcelona from May 13 to 17.
The organisers of BBConstrumat 2019 made a public statement announcing that "The biggest winner has been the most socially and environmentally friendly architecture"
More information:
www.lifecersuds.eu
 

EUROPEAN LIFE CERSUDS DAY

The event held on 09/18/2019 at the European Commission headquarters in Madrid enabled us to present the knowledge developed and the results of the Life Cersuds project, demonstrating it as an example of good practice, and excellent outcomes achieved thanks to the synergy between authorities, university and business.
More information:
www.lifecersuds.eu
Copyright © 2019 Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica
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