LIFE in RUNOFF

LIFE in RUNOFF pilots specifically designed green-blue infrastructure that aims to mitigate risks from stormwater flows in 3 districts of Budapest (7th, 12th and 18th districts), areas that, due to their topographical (e.g. hilly) locations and relatively dated sewage systems, are in danger of flooding during torrential rains. These are common in the summer and have become more intense as a result of climate change.

In order to mitigate risks caused by stormwater, the project proposes the instalment of pilots of specifically designed green-blue infrastructures that slow down rain as it falls, while, at the same time, also help to ‘green’ the surroundings, bring back ecological ecosystems into the urban environments, and increase the quality of life of the districts’ residents.

An integrated system for impact and local vulnerability measurement is set up by the Hungarian National Meteorological Institute to measure the impact of the pilots, decide on their best-fit locations and determine protocols on the way these green-blue infrastructures should be better set up.

Moreover, the project also seeks to develop integrated business models to promote private investments for (ecosystem-based) stormwater storage facilities, develop a dialogue with (and among) local residents & businesses to help them place green-blue infrastructures on their properties, and facilitate the future implementation of these infrastructures in other districts of Budapest and beyond.

The project has been submitted under the LIFE+ programme (Climate action sub-programme) in October 2020, and has been selected for funding in 2021. I have worked on the project in cooperation with Grants Europe Consulting.

A link to the LIFE in RUNOFF website will be made available as soon as possible.