Climate adaptation in practice: advice and innovation from TBS-SVA

The need for climate adaptation is becoming increasingly urgent. Municipalities and engineering firms are faced with the challenge of making water management future-proof within the constraints of urban space and regulations. Flooding, heat stress due to drought and pollution lead to damage to infrastructure, soil pollution and reduced water quality. This calls for innovative solutions and sound advice. Lars Emans, climate adaptation project consultant at TBS-SVA, is on the road every day sharing his knowledge and helping clients with practical solutions.

Looking for the right solution

"Many municipalities know they need to get started with climate adaptation, but don't know exactly how," begins Lars. "They face challenges such as pressure on underground space, fluctuating groundwater levels and limited budgets. In addition, stricter environmental requirements and the need for future-proof infrastructure play a major role. Moreover, every project is different, which calls for a specific approach." To provide insight into the possibilities and solutions, he visits municipalities, engineering firms and landscape architects throughout the Netherlands.

Water Framework Directive

In presentations, he addresses changing regulations, such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which requires from 2027 that projects must no longer have a negative impact on ground and surface water. "I show what needs to be taken into account and what innovative solutions are available," Lars explains. "Often clients don't realize that drainage of water also involves pollution. Infiltration packages and wadis become polluted, which can release harmful substances into the environment. That's where we can offer innovative solutions with AquaCare."

A total water management package

TBS-SVA's AquaCare program offers a wide range of climate adaptive products. At InfraTech 2025, TBS-SVA presented these solutions together with DDC AquaCare and IE Systems. "For DCC, this was the first exhibition under the DDC AquaCare name and it really loosened up the AquaCare program," says Lars. "We noticed a lot of enthusiasm, especially from municipalities and engineering firms. The demand is there, we can capitalize on it."

Climate adaptive products

Products such as the Mini Rain Garden, the Cyclone Filter Pit and the Gully Box attracted a lot of interest. "These products combine filtration, buffering and infiltration," Lars explains. As an example, he mentions the Mini Rain Garden: a solution that combines the three elements of gray (a robust concrete container), green (planting with substrate that contributes to cleaning and biodiversity) and blue (managing rainwater). "This interplay provides a thoughtful and efficient approach to water management in urban areas. Moreover, the Mini Rain Garden is modular, movable and reusable. That makes it a future-proof solution, especially with changing infrastructure."

The Gully Box is another innovative product. "This is an infiltration package that is fully inspectable and cleanable, and suitable for the heaviest traffic class with only 35 cm of ground cover. Even at high groundwater levels, this offers possibilities. Thanks to its robust construction and efficient design, it can be incorporated into both new and existing infrastructure."

The approach

AquaCare's approach follows a logical stack of measures: first, rainwater is treated, then filtered, then buffered and infiltrated. It also considers control and maintenance of the systems. "Through this layered approach, we prevent pollution and utilize water optimally," he explains.

In addition to physical products, TBS-SVA also offers knowledge and advice. Thanks to the cooperation with DDC AquaCare, capacity calculations for infiltration packages can now be made. "We have developed an online platform that will soon be freely accessible. This will allow customers to make their own calculations and make informed choices. This gives them the opportunity to select the right solutions early in the design process and integrate them into their plans," he adds.

Recognition for innovation

TBS-SVA's innovations are not going unnoticed. One of their latest products has been nominated for the 2024 RIONED Innovation Prize Foundation. "This is a nice confirmation of our role as a frontrunner in innovative solutions," Lars believes.

With the AquaCare microsite, its growing range of sustainable water management solutions and its partnership with DDC AquaCare, TBS-SVA is setting a new standard in the industry. "Our products and advice really help customers move forward. And if they have specific questions? Then I just come along. Together we look at the best solution for their situation," he concludes.