The Environment Agency report on Flood and Coastal Erosion
Working with major UK glass manufacturers, TuffX Glass are actively seeking to work with the Environment Agency to outline why glass solutions could be a go-to material for the UK’s flood defence strategy.
Last year, the Environment Agency published the National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk in England 2024 report. Within this document, it confirmed that the National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) would provide a single picture of current and future flood risk from rivers, the sea, and surface water across England.
In this report the Environment Agency highlight a significant increase in properties at risk of flooding, noting that that approximately 6.3 million properties are currently in areas susceptible to flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water. With the projected impacts of climate change, this number could rise to around 8 million, emphasizing the urgent need for robust and adaptable flood defence strategies. The Guardian newspaper also reported, following the impact of Storm Bert in November 2024, that underfunding was a key factor needing to be addressed long term.
So, it is clear that within the United Kingdom, the escalating threat of flooding due to climate change necessitates innovative and effective flood defence solutions.
Among these, the use of processed glass as a flood defence material has emerged as both a practical and aesthetically pleasing option. Contrary to the perception of glass as a novel approach, several successful implementations across the UK underscore its viability and advantages over traditional flood defence methods.
So why glass as a proven flood defence solution?
With UK glass processors like TuffX Glass holding the Made in Britain accreditation, the product and logistics for material delivery are a straightforward option.
Glass provides both flood protection (for a very small percentage of time) and enhanced aesthetic appeal (for the vast majority of the time), making it ideal for areas where visual appearance and flood resilience are equally important.
Glass is impermeable to water, this is obvious, but proven projects already exist in the UK.
Glass Flood Walls in the UK – some examples
Kendal, Cumbria (2023): High-performance glass panels within stainless steel frames were introduced as part of the town’s flood defence scheme. These panels, developed in collaboration with Pilkington UK and Kuraray, feature a 35mm laminate structure with self-cleaning properties. This design ensures durability against floodwaters while preserving the town’s historic riverside views. Read more in Glass Magazine >>
Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex: The Adur Tidal Walls project incorporated virtually transparent glass barriers as a direct flood defence. This approach was particularly suitable for Shoreham’s unique heritage and environment, offering protection without compromising the area’s visual appeal. Read more >>
Paull, East Riding of Yorkshire (2016): The village installed the UK’s longest glass flood wall, spanning 1,700 feet. This then, £835,000 project was designed to protect 14,000 homes while maintaining unobstructed views of the Humber estuary. Read more on the BBC >>
Glass advantages vs traditional flood defence structures
Transparent barriers preserve scenic views and blend seamlessly into the environment, addressing common objections related to the visual impact of traditional flood walls.
The unobtrusive nature of glass flood walls often leads to greater public support, facilitating smoother project approvals and implementation.
Modern glass panels are engineered to withstand significant hydrostatic pressure and debris impact. Features like self-cleaning coatings reduce maintenance requirements, ensuring long-term clarity and performance.
Considerations for Specifiers
When evaluating glass as a flood defence material, specifiers should consider key elements such as structural integrity. Ensuring the glass panels meet necessary strength standards to withstand expected flood conditions is essential. Collaborating with experienced glass specialists, such as TuffX Glass can support in achieving this.
While initial costs may be higher than traditional materials, the longevity, reduced maintenance, and community benefits of glass flood walls can offer favourable long-term value. It’s also important to assess the environmental footprint of materials and construction methods, aiming for sustainable solutions that align with broader environmental goals.
In Summary
The application of glass in flood defence is not merely an innovative concept but a proven solution within the UK. Its successful deployment in towns like Kendal, Shoreham-by-Sea, and Paull illustrates its effectiveness in providing robust protection while enhancing the aesthetic and social value of flood-prone areas.
For specifiers seeking to balance functionality with design, glass flood walls present a compelling option that meets both protective and visual criteria.
