Issues
Areas
Solutions
TRL Level
SRL Level
Resiliants: WATER aims to create a predictive dashboard for avocado...
The vertical bioretention system uses modular concrete elements to manage rainwater and reduce floods. It supports vegetation, collects rainwater, and enhances urban sustainability, combining functionality and aesthetics for accessible urban spaces.
- Rainwater management
- Loss of biodiversity in city centres
- Flow of polluted rainwater directly into rivers
- Poor water quality in rivers
- Floods
- Coastal erosion
- Formation of urban heat islands (high temperatures in cities)
- Waterfronts along rivers unattractive for residents
This innovation addresses river floods, heavy precipitation / pluvial floods, droughts, heatwaves, sea level rise, and multi-hazard.
See more information about this level and the TRL and SRL levels.
1. The vertical bioretention system on riverbanks offers significant educational and capacity-building opportunities:
– Environmental Education: Provides hands-on learning for university students on ecological functions and water management.
– Professional Development: Workshops and training programs share best practices in landscaping and urban planning.
– Knowledge Sharing: Fosters cooperation among educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
2. The system promotes social and behavioral changes and enhances governance structures:
– Awareness and Engagement: Raises public awareness of sustainable rainwater management.
– Strengthening Community: Involves residents in planning and maintenance, fostering community bonds.
– Sustainable Behavior: Encourages environmentally friendly behaviors and knowledge of biodiversity.
– Collaboration: Enhances partnerships among stakeholders for sustainable urban development.
3. It protects and effectively uses water through:
– Rainwater Management: Captures and retains rainwater runoff, easing infrastructure stress.
– Cooling Effect: Increases evapotranspiration, reducing the urban heat island effect.
4. It benefits the built environment by:
– Managing Runoff: Reduces drainage system stress and improves water quality.
– Green Infrastructure: Showcases the value of integrating vegetation into urban projects.
5. It enhances water management systems by:
– Rainwater Capture: Reduces flood risk and stress on drainage systems.
– Water Quality Improvement: Filters contaminants from runoff.
– Infrastructure Integration: Improves efficiency and flood resistance.
– Climate Adaptation: Supports sustainable rainwater management and climate resilience.
The innovation was developed with support in research issues from dr hab. Eng. Tomasz Bergier, prof. AGH, Vice-Dean for Science and International Cooperation, Faculty of Geo-Data Science, Geodesy, and Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Krakow. Thecooperation was based on identifying potential research and problems to be solved, as well as proposing stages of research work. The initially proposed research on the system was to concern, among others:
– Research on the dynamics of water flow and its retention in the tested system;
– Research on the functioning of the system in various meteorological conditions;
– Assessment of the correctness of the selection of applied solutions (dimensions, shape, filling and other construction solutions) and their impact on the dynamics of water flow and retention
– Research on the effect of phytoremediation, improving the quality of rainwater in the studied system;
– Assessment of the impact of the applied solutions (dimensions, shape, filling, vegetation and other construction solutions) on water quality
– Research on the effectiveness of adiabatic cooling provided by the technology used (including the impact of evapotranspiration)
– Determination of the potential for lowering the temperature and limiting the heat island effect.
– Research on social effects
Vertical waterfront bioretention systems may encounter some limitations. During a flood, the modules may be flooded and their effectiveness in storing rainwater may be impaired. Erosion of unstable river banks can also affect their functionality. High groundwater levels can impede drainage and cause waterlogged conditions, affecting plant health. Limited riverbank space can limit the size and capacity of vertical waterfront bioretention systems, reducing their effectiveness in storing water and promoting biodiversity. To address these limitations, accurate location assessment is key. Factors such as flood risk, riverbank stability, groundwater conditions and available space should be taken into account. Complementary measures such as flood-resistant structures and erosion control techniques may be necessary to increase resilience. In general, while vertical waterfront bioretention systems can be effective in managing rainwater on riverbanks, factors such as flooding, erosion, high water tables and limited space can affect their performance and require proper planning and additional resources for optimal effectiveness.
The vertical bioretention system uses modular concrete elements to manage rainwater and reduce floods. It supports vegetation, collects rainwater, and enhances urban sustainability, combining functionality and aesthetics for accessible urban spaces.
- Rainwater management
- Loss of biodiversity in city centres
- Flow of polluted rainwater directly into rivers
- Poor water quality in rivers
- Floods
- Coastal erosion
- Formation of urban heat islands (high temperatures in cities)
- Waterfronts along rivers unattractive for residents
This innovation addresses river floods, heavy precipitation / pluvial floods, droughts, heatwaves, sea level rise, and multi-hazard.
The main components of the system have been tested separately, and an initial integration exercise has been conducted.
1. The vertical bioretention system on riverbanks offers significant educational and capacity-building opportunities:
– Environmental Education: Provides hands-on learning for university students on ecological functions and water management.
– Professional Development: Workshops and training programs share best practices in landscaping and urban planning.
– Knowledge Sharing: Fosters cooperation among educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
2. The system promotes social and behavioral changes and enhances governance structures:
– Awareness and Engagement: Raises public awareness of sustainable rainwater management.
– Strengthening Community: Involves residents in planning and maintenance, fostering community bonds.
– Sustainable Behavior: Encourages environmentally friendly behaviors and knowledge of biodiversity.
– Collaboration: Enhances partnerships among stakeholders for sustainable urban development.
3. It protects and effectively uses water through:
– Rainwater Management: Captures and retains rainwater runoff, easing infrastructure stress.
– Cooling Effect: Increases evapotranspiration, reducing the urban heat island effect.
4. It benefits the built environment by:
– Managing Runoff: Reduces drainage system stress and improves water quality.
– Green Infrastructure: Showcases the value of integrating vegetation into urban projects.
5. It enhances water management systems by:
– Rainwater Capture: Reduces flood risk and stress on drainage systems.
– Water Quality Improvement: Filters contaminants from runoff.
– Infrastructure Integration: Improves efficiency and flood resistance.
– Climate Adaptation: Supports sustainable rainwater management and climate resilience.
The innovation was developed with support in research issues from dr hab. Eng. Tomasz Bergier, prof. AGH, Vice-Dean for Science and International Cooperation, Faculty of Geo-Data Science, Geodesy, and Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Krakow. Thecooperation was based on identifying potential research and problems to be solved, as well as proposing stages of research work. The initially proposed research on the system was to concern, among others:
– Research on the dynamics of water flow and its retention in the tested system;
– Research on the functioning of the system in various meteorological conditions;
– Assessment of the correctness of the selection of applied solutions (dimensions, shape, filling and other construction solutions) and their impact on the dynamics of water flow and retention
– Research on the effect of phytoremediation, improving the quality of rainwater in the studied system;
– Assessment of the impact of the applied solutions (dimensions, shape, filling, vegetation and other construction solutions) on water quality
– Research on the effectiveness of adiabatic cooling provided by the technology used (including the impact of evapotranspiration)
– Determination of the potential for lowering the temperature and limiting the heat island effect.
– Research on social effects
Not a member yet?
No worries, you can register here.
Name field No Space Allowed.
Already a member? login here
Not a member yet?
No worries, you can register here.
Enter some personal details
and you’re good to go!
You know what they say, sharing is caring! You can share this innovation with as many people you feel will be interested in it.
Tip: include a message about why it caught your eye.
Did something peak your interest? You can share any questions, praises, comments, or concerns and the company will recieve them directly. No need for middle-men here.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
