Smart Water Webinar: Combining Green, Grey, and Digital Infrastructure for Resilient Cities
On July 22, 2023, Smart Water Magazine and Bentley Systems hosted the second session of their Smart Water Cities Webinar Series. Titled 'Advancing Resilient Urban Infrastructure with Digital Stormwater and Flood Solutions', the event explored how municipalities can combine green and grey infrastructure with digital innovation. Moderated by Cristina Novo, Technical Editor at Smart Water Magazine, the panel featured Cecilia Correia, Pedro Teixeira, and Professor Ben Hodges.
The panelists agreed that integrating green, grey, and digital infrastructure is vital for resilient cities. Pedro Teixeira, Environmental Engineer at Lisbon Municipality, emphasized the need for a holistic approach addressing climate, social, economic, and infrastructural challenges. Cecilia Correia, Global Water Industry Solutions Strategist at Bentley Systems, introduced the concept of 'water-wise cities', treating the city as an interconnected ecosystem for resilience.
Stormwater management, often overlooked until it fails, was highlighted as a key area for improvement. Professor Ben Hodges, Forsman Centennial Professor in Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, stressed that resilience in stormwater management means designing systems to recover quickly after being overwhelmed, rather than preventing every event. All panelists agreed that municipalities play a crucial role in leading long-term climate adaptation, as seen in Lisbon's Master Drainage Plan and rethinking water supply strategies. Equity and community engagement were also emphasized as crucial factors.
The webinar concluded that combining green, grey, and digital infrastructure, along with community engagement and equity, is essential for municipalities to reduce flood risks, foster sustainability, and build more livable cities. The panelists' insights highlight the importance of holistic planning and investment in stormwater management for urban resilience.
