Green Infrastructure

The Center’s research has explored the integration of Low Impact Development with traditional green infrastructure approaches. The combination of these two philosophies into a governing principle of green design and development offers an opportunity to better integrate developed and developing areas with the natural environment. Comprehensive programs that use LID to extend green space through urban and developed areas can provide water quality protection, air quality improvements, carbon sequestration and heat island benefits.  

This work focuses on issues of sustainability from a number of perspectives: (1) the upkeep and rehabilitation of aging and failing infrastructure and alternative methods of replacement; (2) developing resource protection strategies and environmental compliance programs that are environmentally sound and cost effective; and (3) identifying holistic strategies for environmental protection that provide multiple benefits and provide greater cost benefit to municipalities and government. 

Integrating LID with green infrastructure provides an alternative to traditional gray infrastructure and a method that can be used to complement traditional water systems. This greener approach is a viable option for many communities struggling with the maintenance of aging systems. In addition, by providing multiple benefits, this approach offers the potential for municipalities to more cost effectively manage a number of environmental regulatory requirements. The eventual aim is develop integrated, green programs that are economically and environmentally sustainable by providing enhanced natural resource protection. 

The LID Center has completed several projects in this research area focusing on stormwater and combined sewer overflow mitigation, green highways, and integrated site design. Future efforts will involve identifying and defining urban sustainability criteria and establishing strategies for integrated infrastructure and natural resource programs in urbanizing areas.   

To review some of the outcomes of this research please read Rooftops to Rivers: Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows. This policy report prepared by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the LID Center evaluates how green infrastructure can be used for urban stormwater and CSO management and is available at http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/rooftops/contents.asp.



Links

LID Center Green Highways Information