Green spaces that manage stormwater and biodiversity
The “Sustainable Schoolyards Initiative” transforms Chiang Mai school grounds into models of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), educating students and the community about sustainable water management while creating green spaces that manage stormwater and support biodiversity.
Objectives
- Education and Awareness: Teach students and the community about WSUD principles and the importance of sustainable water management.
- Stormwater Management: Retrofit schoolyards to capture and manage stormwater, reducing runoff and preventing flooding.
- Water Conservation: Implement rainwater harvesting systems to provide water for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
- Biodiversity Promotion: Create green spaces that support local flora and fauna, enhancing urban biodiversity and providing outdoor learning environments.
- Cultural Integration: Incorporate traditional Lanna design elements to blend cultural heritage with modern sustainability practices.
Key Features
- Rain Gardens and Bioswales: Install rain gardens and bioswales in schoolyards to capture and filter stormwater, improving water quality and supporting native plants.
- Permeable Playgrounds: Use permeable materials for playground surfaces to reduce runoff and increase groundwater recharge.
- Green Roof Classrooms: Develop green roofs on school buildings to manage rainwater, provide insulation, and create outdoor learning spaces.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Implement rainwater collection systems to irrigate school gardens and flush toilets, promoting water conservation.
- Outdoor Classrooms: Create outdoor classrooms and educational signage to teach students about WSUD and environmental stewardship.
- Traditional Design Elements: Integrate traditional Lanna architectural features into the design, such as wooden gazebos and decorative carvings, to celebrate cultural heritage.
Reducing stormwater runoff, Promoting biodiversity in schoolyards.
This project will provide hands-on learning experiences about sustainability and WSUD for students and the community. It will reduce stormwater runoff, enhance water quality, and promote biodiversity in schoolyards, creating healthier, more engaging educational environments.
70%
Reduce stormwater runoff from schoolyards within the first year.
50%
Achieve a reduction in key pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphates.
30%
Introduce and maintain 15 new native plant species and increase bird and insect diversity over two years.
40%
Increase use of green schoolyard spaces for classes and events.