Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

At ME Consulting Engineers (MECE), we develop and deliver sustainable, cost-effective drainage solutions that meet both environmental targets and planning requirements across the UK, Middle East, and Africa.

Our SuDS strategies and designs are developed in line with the latest national standards—including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in the UK—and are adapted to comply with regional requirements in Dubai (UAE), Qatar, and African countries experiencing rapid urban growth and flood risk challenges

What Are SuDS?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a modern approach to managing surface water runoff in urban environments. Unlike traditional piped drainage, SuDS mimic natural processes by managing rainfall close to where it falls—through infiltration, attenuation, and treatment.

These systems help to:

  • Reduce flood risk
  • Improve water quality
  • Enhance biodiversity and urban amenity
  • Contribute to sustainable development goals

Our SuDS Services

We offer comprehensive SuDS services tailored to each project’s planning, regulatory, and environmental needs:

  • Drainage Assessments (SuDS and Surface Water)
  • SuDS Design & Modelling (surface features, tanks, ponds, etc.)
  • Contaminated Land & Water Quality Assessments
  • Groundwater Flood Risk Mapping & Modelling
  • Soakaway Design & Infiltration Testing
  • Site Investigation & Feasibility Studies

SuDS & Regulatory Compliance

Our drainage reports and designs comply with:

  • SuR1: Management of surface water runoff from developments
  • SuR2: Flood risk assessments (Code for Sustainable Homes)
  • BS 8582:2013: Code of practice for surface water management
  • BREEAM requirements – to earn credits under sustainable infrastructure criteria
  • UAE & Qatar Municipal Requirements, such as: Dubai Municipality drainage and SuDS regulations. Ashghal standards for sustainable drainage and dewatering

    Expertise Across Regions

    United Kingdom

    • Full compliance with NPPF, PPG, and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) requirements
    • Detailed planning-stage SuDS reports and strategies
    • Desktop flood risk studies to discharge planning conditions

    UAE & Qatar

    • Adaptation of SuDS to arid climates and deep drainage infrastructure
    • Ground infiltration and water reuse considerations
    • Alignment with Dubai Municipality and Ashghal approval processes

    Africa

    • Groundwater-dependent SuDS and cost-effective runoff mitigation
    • Incorporating natural flood management (NFM) techniques
    • Scalable solutions for low-to-medium income developments

    Why Choose MECE for SuDS?

    • Excellent working relationships with regulators and local planning authorities across all regions
    • Proven ability to speed up the planning approval process
    • Direct access to senior SuDS specialists and civil engineers
    • Rapid, innovative, and cost-efficient design delivery
    • Ability to integrate SuDS with flood mitigation, contamination control, and groundwater risk management.