Chinese students visiting the Augustenborg project in Malmo found out just how much more eco-efficient one can be. Augustenborg suffers from flooding every year from heavy rains. This can cause damage in residential areas and swamp sewage treatment works resulting in occasional discharges of untreated waste. The programme involves building a system of small channels taking rainwater from drainpipes to small canals which empty into slightly larger canals and on into a system of controlled flooding areas and holding ponds. The ponds and canals are a real asset to Augustenborg's urban landscape.
Children can skate or swim there in different seasons.
The special canal design including small waterfalls which create a movement in the water to sweep away particles and keep maintenance of the system to a minimum. This clearly impressed the young students. Green roofs are another part of the rainwater management programme. Roofs are planted or covered with lightweight prefabricated mats, so that the rainwater run-off is minimised. Other environmental benefits are to encourage biodiversity, protect the roofs from ultraviolet and frost damage.