Obuda University Leads ResSuDSCita: A New European Initiative for Sustainable Urban Water Management

Obuda University Leads ResSuDSCita: A New European Initiative for Sustainable Urban Water Management

Overview of ResSuDSCita

The ResSuDSCita project marks a significant step forward in the effort to create resilient, sustainable cities across Europe. By combining advanced research, practical engineering, and policy support, the initiative aims to transform how urban water is managed in densely built environments. The project’s core focus is on nature‑based drainage systems that restore ecological balance while mitigating flood risk and improving urban quality of life.

Key Challenges in Urban Water Management

Rapid urbanisation, coupled with climate change, has intensified several problems that city planners and civil engineers must address:

  • Increased flood risk due to extreme rainfall events.
  • Soil degradation and reduced infiltration capacity.
  • Urban heat island effect, which raises local temperatures and exacerbates stormwater runoff.
  • Limited space for traditional grey infrastructure.

ResSuDSCita tackles these issues by promoting solutions that work with natural processes rather than against them.

Nature‑Based Solutions and Circular Economy

At the heart of the project is the development of nature‑based drainage systems (SuDS). These systems use vegetation, permeable surfaces, and engineered wetlands to capture, infiltrate, and treat stormwater on site. The circular economy principle is woven into the design by exploring how industrial by‑products—such as recycled aggregates or bio‑based polymers—can be repurposed as construction materials for SuDS components. This dual focus reduces waste, lowers construction costs, and enhances the sustainability profile of urban infrastructure.

Benefits of SuDS

  • Reduces peak runoff volumes, lowering flood risk.
  • Improves water quality by filtering pollutants.
  • Enhances biodiversity and green space in cities.
  • Provides recreational and aesthetic value for residents.

Role of Obuda University and Dr. Andrea Pődör

Obuda University plays a pivotal leadership role in ResSuDSCita. Dr. Andrea Pődör, Associate Professor at the Alba Regia Faculty and Director of the Institute of Geoinformatics, coordinates the university’s research activities. Her expertise in spatial analysis and data modelling is essential for mapping urban water flows, assessing soil conditions, and evaluating the performance of proposed SuDS designs.

Through its Institute of Geoinformatics, Obuda University will provide:

  • High‑resolution GIS datasets for participating cities.
  • Remote sensing analysis to monitor vegetation health and infiltration rates.
  • Simulation tools that integrate climate projections with urban hydrology models.

Data‑Driven Innovation: Sensors, AI, and Drones

Between 2026 and 2028, the project will deploy a network of sensors across test sites to capture real‑time data on water flow, soil moisture, and biodiversity indicators. Artificial intelligence algorithms will process this data to identify patterns, predict flood events, and optimise maintenance schedules. Drones equipped with high‑resolution cameras and LiDAR will map terrain changes and assess the structural integrity of SuDS installations.

Practical Steps for Data Collection

  1. Install flow meters and rain gauges at strategic points.
  2. Deploy soil moisture probes to monitor infiltration.
  3. Use drones to capture aerial imagery before and after rainfall events.
  4. Feed data into a central platform for real‑time analytics.

Implementation Roadmap 2026‑2028

The project follows a phased approach:

  • Phase 1 (2026): Baseline data collection and pilot site selection.
  • Phase 2 (2027): Design and construction of prototype SuDS units.
  • Phase 3 (2028): Monitoring, evaluation, and scaling up to additional urban districts.

Stakeholder engagement is integral throughout each phase, ensuring that local authorities, residents, and industry partners are actively involved.

Benefits for Hungarian Cities

Hungary’s rapidly growing urban centres—Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged—stand to gain significantly from ResSuDSCita. By adopting nature‑based drainage, cities can:

  • Reduce the frequency and severity of urban flooding.
  • Improve groundwater recharge and water quality.
  • Create green corridors that enhance urban livability.
  • Align with EU sustainability targets and secure funding opportunities.

How Professionals Can Get Involved

Urban planners, civil engineers, environmental consultants, and policy makers can play a vital role in the project’s success. Here are actionable ways to contribute:

  1. Participate in the data collection network by installing sensors in your jurisdiction.
  2. Collaborate with Obuda University researchers to model local hydrological scenarios.
  3. Advocate for policy frameworks that support nature‑based solutions.
  4. Engage community groups to raise awareness and gather feedback.

By integrating ResSuDSCita principles into your projects, you can help build cities that are both resilient and sustainable.

Next Steps and Resources

To learn more about ResSuDSCita and how you can participate, explore the following resources:

For professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, consider enrolling in Obuda University’s advanced courses on urban water management and GIS analytics. These programs provide the technical foundation needed to implement nature‑based solutions effectively.

Ready to contribute to a more resilient future? Contact Obuda University today to discuss partnership opportunities and project involvement.