EXAMPLE: The Ekostaden Augustenborg initiative, Malmö (SWE)

General description

The neighbourhood Augustenborg in south-western part of Malmö (Sweden) suffered from floods caused by overflowing drainage systems. Resulting flooding was leading to damage to underground garages and basements, and restricted access to local roads and footpaths. In order to minimise flood risk, between 1998 and 2002, the ‘Ekostaden Augustenborg’ initiative installed a “Sustainable Urban Drainage System” (SuDS). The project was carried out collaboratively by the city council and the MKB social housing company, with extensive participation of the residents in Augustenborg. As part of the project, green roofs, ditches, retention ponds, green spaces and wetlands were created. Due to the installation of the SuDS, rainwater run-off has decreased by half. Additional benefits include improved water quality, reduced carbon emissions, aquifer recharge (relieving stress in water scarce areas), and increased biodiversity through the creation of new wetland habitats.

As the project involved significant physical changes in infrastructure, a main challenge was to ensure the acceptance of the local residents. An extensive and iterative process of stakeholder engagement was also initiated during the design and execution of this project, involving a ‘rolling programme’ of consultation with local residents, representatives from the local school, practitioners, city staff and local businesses. The physical improvements in Augustenborg and related projects totaled approximately 21 million Euro. About half of the funds were invested by the MKB housing company. Without the partnership between resident companies and public authorities, the funding for this project would not have been sufficient.