Rising temperatures are causing a major decrease in biodiversity as well as several issues with the world water systems, increasing flood risks and compromising air and water quality. This is especially true in the so called “urban heat islands”.
Recently, climate change experts have defined urban heat islands as the phenomenon of highly populated cities, which are experiencing higher air temperatures than the countryside. One of the main reasons for this is the high amount of hard landscaping and concrete that gets used for new developments in cities. This absorbs lots of heat and releases it back to buildings and the environment.
Large cities like London are affected by the urban heat phenomenon. “London is a growing city. By 2050 it is expected that up to three million more people will live there. (Urban greening | London City Hall). Hence, the government, engineers, and architects must work hard to reduce the effects of this on people and the environment.
The 2018 London Environment Strategy stated that we need to increase green areas within the built environment. And we need to do it fast. The document also included policies around Healthy Streets and Sustainable Drainage Action Plans having a direct impact on climate resilience.
Creating greener streets
Adding greening elements to cities’ buildings, pavements and roofs is one of the best ways to reduce the urban heat island effect. Due to high-density developments in cities, we are losing even more biodiversity and unbalancing natural ecosystems. In November 2022, the UK government published the Biodiversity Net Gain strategy, requiring developers and local authorities to demonstrate an increase in at least 10% of biodiversity in their development plans (Marston Holdings).
Other than increasing biodiversity, plants are incredibly important to absorb heat and carbon emissions, helping to clean air and water. They also play a significant role in increasing the urban spaces’ attractiveness, making it look welcoming and safer. Overall, green spaces increase the economic value of a city, with houses and neighbourhoods’ prices being noticeably higher when they are close to parks and green areas.
Implementing Healthy Streets and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs)
Urban greening elements and better active travel infrastructure are core elements of the Healthy Streets guidance. This includes the idea of enabling the community to take on more sustainable modes of transport such as cycling and walking. When designing healthy streets, engineers must find a balance between implementing sustainable road measures and allowing communities to still access car and parking facilities.
Designing healthy streets also comprises of well-thought sustainable drainage systems and flood alleviation schemes. These play a significant role in slowing down storm water and filtering its quality. This is becoming fundamental as climate change is increasing flooding across the UK, causing damage to people and properties.
How can we help you?
Project Centre works with local authorities and private sector clients across the country to develop solutions that help your communities become more resilient to climate change. Below are just some of the many examples of our work.
From installing rain gardens, permeable paving and underground storage tanks, to engaging with the community to create wetlands and attenuation basins, our team developed a comprehensive approach to address flooding. The alleviation schemes in Memorial Park, Larkswood Park and the Rolls Sport Centre provide a combined flood attenuation of over 5000m3.
Our projects have also given residents the opportunity to increase their interaction with wildlife. Through improving local parks, as well as creating a space for socialising, contemplation, and recreation. Recently, our Waltham Forest schemes have won the Highways Award for Winter Service and Climate Resilience.
Greening Hammersmith Grove
This scheme introduces ‘light touch’ streetscape elements (parklets) to substantially transform the character and use of the town centre. This responds to the ambitious agenda of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham becoming ‘the greenest borough in the country’. The scale of this project is substantial, with multiple parklets being introduced in a relatively small area.
The project also includes new electric vehicle charging points and changes to the kerb alignment. This contributes to lowering carbon emissions as well as creating a safer and more sustainable urban environment.
Speak to Marston team to make a payment or discuss your circumstances:
0333 320 1822
Our opening hours are 8 AM to 8 PM Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays.
Contact by post:
It is always quicker and easier to contact us by phone or email. If you do need to send us anything in the post, please send it to:
Marston, PO Box 324, Rossendale, BB4 0GE
To pay by post, send a postal order, cheque or banker’s draft, made payable to ‘Marston’ to the address above. Make sure that you write your name and our reference number on anything you send us and if sending us a payment, on the back of the postal order, cheque or banker’s draft so we know what the payment is for.
If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) you must follow the instructions on the reverse of the notice which contains full contact details for the applicable enforcing authority.
This service allows you to apply for County Court Judgments to be transferred to the High Court for enforcement.
Writ of delivery instruction form
Our Enforcement Officers are well equipped and experienced in recovering all types of fixed assets whether it be a single car or fleet.
Money judgment enforcement form
We can enforce judgments obtained in the High Court and almost any judgment issued in the County Court.
Commercial forfeiture instruction form
Landlords may instruct us to take peaceful possession of their commercial property.
CRAR enforcement form
Instruct us to recover commercial rent arrears.
Trespasser removal enforcement form
We can handle the process quickly and resolutely. Our dedicated team will attend the scene on receipt of the warrant and effect eviction without delay.
Residential possession enforcement form
Instruct us for evicting residential tenants.
Process serving and tracing instruction form
We specialise in process serving throughout England and Wales. Court and legal documents are served on a same day-basis when required. We also undertake trace enquiries.
Employment Tribunal Enforcement Form
Instruct us to enforce employment tribunal awards. We can apply to the court to register the award as a Judgment.
European Enforcement Order Instruction Form
If you have a Judgment from a Country outside of the Jurisdiction of England and Wales but where the Debtor resides in England and Wales then we can assist you.
If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) you must follow the instructions on the reverse of the notice which contains full contact details for the applicable enforcing authority.
