Cities are facing growing challenges from climate change, urban flooding, and water scarcity. This June, Isle Utilities brought together leading European water utilities and experts for a TAG Focus Session on Urban Resilience — sharing insights, best practices, and actionable strategies to make cities stronger and more adaptable.
Innovative Case Studies Across Europe
- Genoa, Italy: Smart sensors and predictive modelling help forecast flooding and manage drainage proactively.
- Blackpool, UK: 150–200 trees and SuDS-enabled rain gardens intercept surface water, reduce flooding, and green the city.
- Leidsche Rijn, Netherlands: Stormwater separated from sewage from the start, creating a natural and effective water system for a new community.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: A park transformed into a giant water storage basin, with the business case revised to respond to more frequent rain events.
Challenges & Opportunities
Key hurdles include complex funding, engaging communities, misaligned priorities, and scaling pilots city-wide.
Opportunities identified:
- Shared funding and maintenance models
- Stronger, proactive community engagement
- Facilitated workshops to align priorities
- Open data and shared planning tools for smarter decisions
Turning Insights into Action
Through the TAG network, Isle helps cities connect with peers, access proven solutions, and act on priorities to strengthen urban resilience. By turning insight into action, we can build cities ready to face climate challenges head-on.
Interested in joining future sessions or exploring resilience strategies for your city? Reach out to the Isle TAG team at Beth Neucker.