Blue-green surface water solutions

Description of the action and objectives

Green Deal action

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are known as blue-green storm-water solutions referring to the color combination of water and vegetation, respectively. These systems replace the draining of rainfall or precipitation out to sea via drainage systems as quickly as possible as has been the case. Instead, SuDS allow water to filter through permeable surfaces into the soil, mimicking the natural cycle as closely as possible. Vegetation can absorb and utilize a significant amount of rainwater, allowing for various solutions to significantly reduce stress on current drainage piping and decreasing flooding when the drainage system does not handle the water volume.

Implementation period

Planned completion in the first half of 2022

Status: Completed

Status report on July 1, 2022

The Climate Action Plan mandates the utilization of water and SuDS in new neighborhoods and during the renewal of older neighborhoods. This implementation is complete and is expressed in the terms of the land-use plan and urban district planning guidelines. The project is underway, including the installation of SuDS around the Hlemmur area. Similar measures are anticipated for Ártúnshöfði and other new development projects, including those outlined for the CityLine.

Older status reports

Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Timing Progress description
July 2022

The Climate Action Plan mandates the utilization of water and SuDS in new neighborhoods and during the renewal of older ones. This implementation is complete and is expressed in the terms of the land-use plan and urban district planning guidelines.

The actions of the Green Deal are linked to Reykjavík City's policies, which include:

Reykjavík City departments:

Related actions

The table below contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Action name Status Completion Departments
Blue-green surface water solutions In progress 2022

Department of Environment & Planning
Flood control infrastructure to become gardens and outdoor recreational areas In progress 2025

Department of Environment & Planning