Research Collaboration (National)
The Blue-Green Cities Research Consortium’s primary vehicle for national collaboration was the EPSRC FCERM.Net, led by Prof. Gareth Pender at Heriot-Watt University.
The Network’s core academic members were drawn from the three research consortia funded at the April 2012 ‘Sand Pit’, which include this Consortium plus ones led by Chris Kilsby at Newcastle University and Graham Coates at Durham University.
Flood MEMORY: Multi-Event Modelling Of Risk & recoverY, Chris Kilsby
Flood MEMORY concerns the most critical flood scenarios caused by sequences or clusters of extreme weather events striking vulnerable systems of flood defences, urban areas, communities and businesses. The research assessed the risk of situations where a second flood may strike before coastal or river defences have been reinstated after damage, or householders and small businesses are in a vulnerable condition recovering from the first flood. By examining such events and identifying the worst case scenarios, the researchers hope their findings will lead to enhanced flood resilience and better allocation of resources for protection and recovery. Ultimately the processes developed could be used worldwide.
Organisational Operational Response and Strategic Decision Making for Long Term Flood Preparedness in Urban Areas, Graham Coates
Finding ways of promoting small and medium enterprise (SME) adaptation to flood risk (SESAME)
This project developed cutting-edge computer modelling to look at how emergency planners, the emergency services, local authorities, businesses and other key players interact in the aftermath of a flood. The research led to the creation of the first unified framework which integrates and evaluates organisations' changed behaviours in the face of flood events and how these impact on business continuity management and future preparedness. The findings will go towards better planning and response in the future as well as mitigating economic losses.