What Does SuDS Becoming Mandatory in England Mean For The Construction Industry?

In today's edition, we're diving into a significant development in the world of sustainable construction practices: the mandatory implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in England. While SuDS has been a recommended practice for some time, this new legal requirement represents a major shift in the industry. Let's explore what this means for developers, builders, and the construction sector as a whole.

SuDS encompasses a range of drainage techniques designed to manage surface water runoff in a sustainable manner. These techniques include permeable paving, attenuation tanks, green roofs, swales, and detention basins. The primary goal of SuDS is to replicate natural drainage processes by managing runoff near its source and releasing it gradually, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.

Previously, SuDS was recommended but not mandatory in England, except for specific sites. However, updated planning guidance has now made it mandatory to include SuDS in major developments unless they can be demonstrated to be inappropriate.

While many major construction projects have already incorporated SuDS into their designs, this legal mandate reinforces the importance of these systems and ensures they are considered in all developments.

The mandatory inclusion of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in the UK construction sector brings forth a range of significant benefits. Firstly, it clarifies responsibilities, requiring developers to consistently consider SuDS, with local authorities empowered to enforce their incorporation. This creates a level playing field where developers can be confident that competitors won't opt out, ensuring fair competition. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of SuDS will foster greater industry expertise in sustainable drainage techniques, driving innovation as developers continually refine designs to meet onsite drainage needs. Lastly, including SuDS in construction projects demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, ultimately enhancing a company's reputation in the industry.

The mandatory implementation of SuDS brings England in line with Wales and Scotland in terms of sustainable development practices. While SuDS has been widely adopted, these legal mandates ensure that sustainable drainage is a consideration in every project. This not only fosters a more equitable marketplace but also allows the construction industry to build expertise and drive innovation in surface water management.

Did you catch one of our latest clips in which we explored a question that's often on the minds of many: "Is rainwater safe to drink in the UK?"

Here's the link to it in case you missed it.

With an increasing focus on sustainable practices and a growing interest in harvesting rainwater for various uses, it's essential to understand the safety aspects.

In this video, we wanted to shed some light on the potential benefits and challenges of rainwater harvesting for drinking purposes, helping you make informed decisions about water usage in your projects.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, share your thoughts, and don't forget to give the video a thumbs up if you found it valuable.

Let's dive into the recent sales figures from builders' merchants in the UK. These insights provide a valuable snapshot of the industry's performance and emerging trends.

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals intriguing trends in the UK builders' merchant industry. When comparing March to May 2023 to June to August 2023, value sales increased impressively by 3.3%, volumes rose significantly by 5.3%, but prices fell by 2.0%. Contrasting this, August 2023 saw a -3.3% decrease in value sales compared to the previous year, with a more substantial -10.5% drop in volume sales, countered by an +8.0% price increase. Looking at the month-to-month comparison for August, total merchant sales slipped by -1.9% compared to July, with volume sales declining by -3.2% and prices rising by +1.4%. Furthermore, the twelve-month trend from September 2022 to August 2023 reveals a -1.1% decline in total merchant sales, with volumes decreasing by -12.8% while prices climbed by +13.3%.

Eight of the twelve categories performed exceptionally well in August 2023 compared to the previous year, with renewables and water savings leading the way with a remarkable growth rate of +37.6%. Other categories that showed significant increases include workwear and safetywear (+11.6%), plumbing, heating, and electrical (+10.8%), and decorating (+10.8%). However, landscaping (-7.0%) and timber and joinery products (-13.2%) faced challenges.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research, the organisation behind this report, provided some insightful commentary: "Britain isn't in recession, unlike some others. But in October, consumer confidence lost all its gains since April. So it's good to report that builders' merchant volume sales were up +5.3% in the three months June to August on the previous three months."

Rigby also noted that the wetter summer months and various concerns have impacted the industry. However, he highlighted that the "repair, maintain, and improve" market offers significant growth opportunities as people choose to enhance their current homes.

These sales figures provide a nuanced view of the builders' merchant industry in the UK. While there have been challenges, there are also clear opportunities for growth and adaptation.

Stay tuned for more updates and industry insights in our future newsletters. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these trends further, please don't hesitate to reach out.