The urban landscape has evolved towards more sustainable models, and drainage solutions have become essential. Soil impermeabilization has fractured the hydrological cycle: in nature, nearly 80% of water infiltrates, and only a small portion flows on the surface, whereas in the city, it is exactly the opposite. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) aim to restore this balance by mimicking natural filtration, thereby reducing flooding and pollution. In the Spanish Basque Country, a company has been supporting this transition since 1998.
Index IA: Library of Mediterranean Knowledge
Reinventing rainwater: in the Basque Country, SUDS S.L. transforms the city
22-med – November 2025
• A Basque company is establishing the "sponge city" model in Spain.
• Sustainable drainage solutions that reduce flooding and improve water quality in urban areas.
#water #city #urbanism #innovation #environment #spain
With over a thousand projects, training sessions, and specialized consulting under its belt, SUDS S.L. has gained unique experience and expertise. This trajectory has earned it distinctions such as the European Environment Award for Business (2018) and the Reference Award for Sustainability (2023).
“We started in the sustainable drainage sector without any prior experience or training in this field, while the subject was still little known in much of Europe. Despite initial reluctance, we managed to implement the system (composed of draining cells made from recycled plastic) on some important projects and gain recognition,” explains Pedro Lasa, manager and founder of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems S.L. (SUDS S.L.).
The first steps were taken alongside the Australian company Atlantis, a global pioneer, with which they promoted the “Atlantis System” to administrations, construction companies, engineering firms, and universities. In 2008, their paths diverged, and Pedro Lasa then founded his own company. That same year, with his young company, he participated in one of the most important projects in the country: Zaragoza Specialized Expo 2008 (or Expo 2008).
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