Infiltration system at the Emme Education Center

During the core renovation of the Emme Education Center in Burgdorf (bzemme), the drainage system was also redesigned. The aim was to drain the large, 3,000 m² flat roof by means of infiltration and thus return the rainwater to the groundwater.

In addition to the large retention volume of 37m³, the very deep water connections and the proximity to the building posed challenges during the construction of the new infiltration system. This is 13 meters long, is located underground (type B, without topsoil passage) and comprises two shafts with two seepage pipes. The infiltration system is designed for peak discharges during a 10-year rainfall event. As the planner, Gruner was responsible for the design and construction of the system throughout all SIA phases.

The sponge city concept is being implemented more and more frequently in Switzerland. With this principle, rainwater is not channeled and drained away, but absorbed and stored by the soil. It is then fed into the water cycle or evaporated by the plants, which cools the air. The sponge city also helps to reduce the risks of surface runoff and flooding during heavy rainfall.

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