Modular SUDS Training

Background
Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) are arguably one of the most significant developments in urban drainage in many years. Awareness by practitioners and their implementation in developments is steadily increasing. Practical experience has led to a re-definition of best practice and a greater understanding of basic principles. It is important that practitioners not only have access to the best possible information, but also have the confidence to implement guidance and use SUDS within developments. Recent consultation exercises undertaken by the National SUDS Working Group and others have suggested that further training and expertise is required for decision makers and practitioners to facilitate improved linkages between the implementation and maintenance of SUDS. These training modules have been developed in partnership with Sustainable Drainage Associates to build on current SUDS guidance and assist with the dissemination and implementation of good practice. The training programme will enable practitioners to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage SUDS schemes in accordance with best practice guidance and the relevant legal and regulatory framework.

Who should attend?
The training modules are designed for all levels of knowledge from less experienced professionals fairly new to SUDS through to professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience of sustainable drainage concepts. The training will be relevant to clients landscape architects consulting engineers contractors local authorities planners highway authorities architects developers environmental regulators sewerage undertakers manufacturers and suppliers.

Content and format of training
The modules will build on the information presented in SUDS guidance and will cover strategic as well as practical issues of implementing SUDS in the built environment. The modules will be delivered by a team of nationally recognised practitioners who have practical experience of implementing SUDS in a variety of developments. Course content will be interactive using a range of learning styles to engage and inspire participants and the modules will include a number of demonstrative group exercises and case studies. The use of design examples will be central to the modules.

The Hopwood Park Motorway Service Area ‘demonstration site’ will be used as a common design example and benchmark throughout the training modules. Delegates can either attend individual modules or a combination. Each module is fully accredited for CIWEM and construction Continuing Personal and Professional Development (CPD) schemes. Modules are designed to facilitate networking, with an informal drinks reception in the evening of the event. The programme where appropriate will include guest speakers and will be designed to be flexible.

Modules include:

• SUDS fundamentals
• SUDS design planning and evaluating
• SUDS schemes maintenance and adoption of SUDS.

Dates
Training dates are:

• 24 November 2005, SUDS Fundamentals, Loughborough
• 17-18 January 2006, Designing SUDS, Loughborough
• 16 February 2006, Planning and evaluating SUDS, Loughborough
• 28 March 2006, Maintenance and adoption of SUDS, Loughborough

Additional information is available from CIRIA