{"id":2218,"date":"2016-05-01T07:14:00","date_gmt":"2016-05-01T07:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cbbcfocus.com\/?p=2218"},"modified":"2021-02-28T12:50:45","modified_gmt":"2021-02-28T12:50:45","slug":"sponge-citiies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/sponge-citiies\/","title":{"rendered":"Arup and the British companies creating China&#8217;s \u2018sponge cities\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Cities are becoming smarter but it\u2019s the development of sponge cities that will reduce flooding, preserve water, clean up China\u2019s rivers and improve quality of life. By Tom Pattinson and Patrik Li<\/h2>\n<p>The concept of \u2018smart cities\u2019 started after IBM, along with other global technology companies, started seeking solutions to the many environmental challenges found in large urban areas. Big data, cloud software, wireless technology, and collaborative systems enabled tech companies to work with developers, engineers and town planners to add \u2018smart\u2019 elements to infrastructure projects. These also include so-called \u2018sponge cities\u2019 to improve water management.<\/p>\n<p>The goal has been to reduce inefficiencies, to have a positive social impact, and importantly, to improve the physical environment, reconnecting cities with nature. In 2013, China\u2019s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced its first list of pilot smart cities. By April 2015, there were 285 smart cities in China as well as 41 special pilot projects.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/energy-wind\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441\"><style> .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #E74C3C!important; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -moz-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -o-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -webkit-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); text-decoration:none; } .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441:active, .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#E74C3C; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u7e6fc3e1bb078f2d049afaec417ec441:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">Read Also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">What will the 14th Five Year Plan mean for China's offshore wind industry?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Since then, the government has announced intentions to speed up smart city implementation and to enact a new national urbanisation plan. These policies aim to take a scientific and people-centric approach to developing new cities in China.<\/p>\n<p>So what makes a city smart? The list ranges from smart transport technology that includes real-time transport monitoring and car tracking, to smart healthcare systems with cloud-based medicine databases and patient records. Other factors include smart energy with remote monitoring, energy saving and energy transfer systems, as well as more green spaces included in urban plans.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the 13<sup>th<\/sup> Five-Year Plan highlighted water conservation as a priority in the nation\u2019s built infrastructure network. After enduring rapid urbanisation, poor water management, high levels of water pollution and frequent drought and flooding, China has launched an initiative to create \u2018sponge cities\u2019. These cities aim to absorb and reuse rainwater instead of funnelling it away. The recycled water will then irrigate gardens and farms and refill aquifers; when treated correctly, it can be used in homes for flushing toilets or drinking.<\/p>\n<p>New areas will be designed to capture, clean and reuse water, maximising water retention, whilst minimising the effects of flood, drought and pollution.<\/p>\n<p>In 2015, the central government allocated between RMB 400 million and 600 million per year to each of the 16 pilot sponge cities to allow rainwater to be stored and purified using permeation systems.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>A high priority on the relationship between our water and our urban areas needs to be addressed<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Roads and public spaces will be made with permeable surfaces that enable storm water to be absorbed and reused. China states that 20% of all urban areas should be classified as sponge cities by 2020, and that 80% of rainfall should be efficiently managed by 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Arup is one company helping China reach these targets, successfully applying a Sponge City Master Plan in Baotou, a city in Inner Mongolia. Using innovative and sustainable concepts, the British company is developing over 15 square kilometres of the autonomous region\u2019s urban area.<\/p>\n<p>Taking into account ecological and environmental considerations, smart networks were utilised to develop the area to ensure minimal impact on the natural wetlands. This in turn reduces the chance of urban flooding, maximises the reuse of rainwater and constructs drainage networks, as well as ensuring the preservation of the municipal water supply.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe design provides an opportunity to create beautiful, successful and resilient places,\u201d explains Michael Zhao of Arup China. \u201cThe design utilises green infrastructure such as parks and pocket gardens to manage rainfall,\u201d he says. \u201cDuring the summer months water features will be filled, and plants will be watered using harvested rainwater and runoff,\u201d he continues. \u201cGreen infrastructure also allows surface runoff to permeate into the earth, providing a habitat for wildlife and creating attractive spaces for people.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/can-china-be-carbon-neutral-by-2060\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3\"><style> .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #E74C3C!important; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -moz-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -o-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -webkit-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); text-decoration:none; } .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3:active, .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#E74C3C; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u5ddc8dde238114832ae0632569b5fcd3:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">Read Also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">Is China's 2060 carbon neutrality goal realistic?\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<p>However as the country faces the challenges of a growing population and climate change, Zhao feels the relationship between our water and our urban areas needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConventional drainage design ignores the importance of infiltration into a natural healthy hydrology,\u201d he says. \u201cA lack of capacity in the sewer systems can also introduce a serious risk of flood. By taking rainwater runoff for use, pressure on existing infrastructure and flood risk can be reduced,\u201d he continues. \u201cThis is particularly important for Chinese cities, where the urban density is high, yet the sewer capacity is lacking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Working to protect against flooding is Cambridgeshire-based company Hydro International, which has just installed its first storm defence system in China.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA trial site was identified in Chaohu, Anhui province, to assess its suitability for a combined sewer overflow solution,\u201d says Charlie Zhong, Hydro International\u2019s China business manager. \u201cThis could help solve wider water quality challenges in Anhui and potentially throughout China.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Funded by a Chinese government special innovation initiative, the aim is to prevent flooding whilst improving inland river water quality by minimising sewer outflow pollutants going into the river.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Sponge cities absorb a lot of money as well as water, and offer little financial return. \u201cIt\u2019s done primarily for environmental reasons and it needs legislation in China to move it on<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Haskoll is another British company charged with preserving rural water supplies. It has been appointed lead architectural design company on the Zhengzhou Yellow River Master Plan, a rural water plan to develop and preserve the natural environment of the Huancui Valley near Zhengzhou in Henan province.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur project is to protect the valley, which is of great natural beauty and has a lot of diversity in terms of wildlife and plant life, with waterfalls and a river course,\u201d explains Peter Goldsmith, Chairman of Haskoll China. \u201cHowever, the river course itself has had problems with lack of water in recent years. We want to manage the river so that it doesn\u2019t run dry for quite a lot of the year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a protected valley that has a lot of cultural interest, including relics from different dynasties, so we are trying to develop it as an amenity for the incredibly densely populated city of Zhengzhou.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The government\u2019s recent investment and focus following the 13<sup>th<\/sup> Five-Year Plan is essential. As Goldsmith explains, sponge cities absorb a lot of money as well as water, and offer little financial return. \u201cIt\u2019s done primarily for environmental reasons and it needs legislation in China to move it on, to encourage the private sector to take up these things and take this seriously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe next stage of development for China is not just speed,\u201d he continues. \u201cIt\u2019s about quality and efficiency and lifestyle issues. Quality of life is high up the agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cities are becoming smarter but it\u2019s the development of sponge cities that will reduce flooding, preserve water, clean up China\u2019s rivers and improve quality of life. By Tom Pattinson and Patrik Li The concept of \u2018smart cities\u2019 started after IBM, along with other global technology companies, started seeking solutions to the many environmental challenges found in large urban areas. Big data, cloud software, wireless technology, and collaborative systems enabled tech&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2220,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[129,126],"tags":[152,153,158],"class_list":["post-2218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","category-infrastructure","tag-energy","tag-environment","tag-water"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Arup and the British companies creating China&#039;s \u2018sponge cities\u2019 - Focus - China Britain Business Council<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"British companies including Arup and Haskoll are creating master plans for China&#039;s pioneering &#039;sponge cities&#039; \u2013 but why?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/sponge-citiies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Arup and the British companies creating China&#039;s \u2018sponge cities\u2019 - 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