Edinburgh Sustainable Rainwater Management Guidance

The Scottish government has declared a Climate Emergency updating targets on carbon fixing and reduced emissions. Thirteen of the UN Sustainable development goals link to water highlighting that water management is a core issue in bring about an adaptable, sustainable future. This guidance is part of the commitment made by City of Edinburgh council's sustainability programme which aims to achieve a carbon neutral status by 2030. It is designed to enable everyone involved in planning, maintenance, change or development in Edinburgh to routinely consider opportunities to identify and integrate sustainable drainage and green infrastructure.
This innovative guidance is the first of its kind in Scotland (the second in the UK) and sets a high benchmark for integration of blue-green infrastructure in the City of Edinburgh. It takes a holistic approach to rainwater management and climate change adaption that focuses on positive, placemaking, people and nature.
This guidance is particularly relevant at this moment when the global pandemic has allowed us as a nation to pause and reassess how we live and work in our cities. It provides a practical, accessible guide that covers the ' why, ' how' and ' where' of bringing about positive change, restoring nature, greening our cities and creating beautiful inclusive places.