OVERVIEW
We are delighted to share that our Climate Resilient Schools program in partnership with the Greater London Authority, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, received recognition at the prestigious Flood and Coast Awards. This accolade is a testament to the effectiveness and innovation of our approach to climate resilience.
We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to London's sustainability goals and support the city's commitment to addressing climate change.
At Meristem Design, we are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Climate Resilient Schools contract by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Our mission was to design, build, and install 564 SuDS Rain Planters across London's most flood-prone schools. In collaboration with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, our aim was to enhance the resilience of these schools in London, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change. Through this project, we aimed to create sustainable, climate-resilient environments while educating children on the importance of nature in combatting global warming.
FOCUSING ON FLOOD-PRONE SCHOOLS
The Climate Resilient Schools project focuses on schools that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Priority is given to the top 10 percent of schools facing the highest surface water flood risk and falling within the most severe bands of the Climate Risk Map. Flooding can have a devastating impact on schools, as was evidenced in the summer of 2007 when extensive flooding in England led to widespread school closures, resulting in a staggering loss of 400,000 pupil school days and an estimated economic cost of £12 million.
Outlined below are the key elements of the program along with a list of participating schools:
The SuDS planters have proven to be a remarkable success, as they operate autonomously without requiring additional watering. The flourishing plants, nurtured by harvested rainwater, have delighted the children involved in the planting process. As part of the team at Meristem Design, we are proud to have contributed to the fabrication of the SuDS planters and the successful delivery of this project.
AquaPlanter - Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Planters (Timber)
AquaPlanter - Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Planters (Steel)
Revitalising Heddon Street: A Burst of Colours and Nature with Custom Planters
Brent Parklets and Planters, London
AKRI large Corten planters enhance public space
AKRI planters transform residential roof-top
Brent Parklets and Planters, London
Dewsbury Town Centre, Yorkshire
Canary Wharf, London
Greenwich Park Peninsula