Nature-based solutions using Leca® as a way to increase urban sustainable development and contribute to stormwater management

Cristina M. Monteiro*, Cristina Santos, Jaran R. Wood, Kim Rosenbom

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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Abstract

In recent decades, the increase of building systems and the consequent imper-
meabilization of the inner-city environment, poses several negative environ-
mental risks, especially those regarding global warming and water management.
Urban green infrastructure (GI) provides benefits to urban inhabitants, but their
potential depends on their suitable implementation, under the responsibility of
different stakeholders. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are an effective means to
restore vegetation urban areas contributing to its sustainability and resilience.
The use of NbS infrastructure helps to reduce flood incidences, furthermore
contributing to the mitigation of the urban heat island effect and air pollution
reduction. Several NbS such as green roofs and green walls, rain gardens, infil-
tration trenches and permeable pavements, are being implemented worldwide
as an effective strategy to improve the environmental performance of densely
populated urban cities. Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA®) has
been widely incorporated in several innovative urban GI solutions due to their
key characteristics (e.g. lightweight, porosity and good drainage), developing a
crucial role in stormwater management and water runoff quality. This chapter
aims to report the potential influence that several NbS have on urban stormwater
management, considering several case studies using Leca® LWA—demonstrat-
ing their engineering benefits and innovative properties.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUrban green spaces
EditorsRui Alexandre Castanho , José Cabezas Férnandez
PublisherIntechOpen
Pages1-24
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9781803551579
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Nature-based soltuions
  • Urban green infrastructures
  • Urban stormwater management
  • Urban sustainability
  • Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA)
  • Climate resilience

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