The public’s awareness of green infrastructure is growing, thanks in part to better understanding the effects that urbanization has on our health and that of our planet. Now, instead of “gray” infrastructure (pipes, roads, and concrete channels) being the only construction most people are familiar with, natural and semi-natural systems are becoming familiar as they’re increasingly used to manage stormwater, improve air and water quality, and enhance city life.
Green infrastructure projects with high visibility include:
-
- Planting rain gardens and trees to absorb stormwater runoff.
- Adding insulating vegetative layers to the tops of buildings via green roofs.
- Installing permeable pavements that let water infiltrate the ground under roads and byways.
- Restoring wetlands so they can filter and store water while also mitigating the effects of flood-inducing storms.
All of these practices play a vital role in improving our urban environments, providing benefits such as:
-
- Stormwater Management – Stormwater is processed through the sewer system in many cities and municipalities, where adding green infrastructure elements like cisterns and bioswales greatly eases the effects of flooding and reduces strain on the system. In areas with a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), rainwater is directed into basins or natural bodies of water, separate from the sewer. Green infrastructure benefits MS4 situations, too, by reducing the amount of water that flows through those channels.
- Reduction of Urban Heat Islands – Cities are typically warmer than their surrounding areas due to the dense grouping of buildings and all the asphalt surfaces that absorb and retain heat. Green infrastructure such as tree canopies, green roofs, and parks help cool urban areas by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air, thereby combating the “heat island” effect.
- Air Quality Improvement – Plants and trees naturally filter the air, removing pollutants and providing cleaner oxygen. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated areas where air quality suffers due to vehicle and industrial emissions.
- Enhanced Biodiversity – Green infrastructure supports biodiversity by creating habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. This strengthens urban ecosystems, inviting a diverse range of species — from pollinators to larger wildlife — that previously deserted cities in search of vegetation and water sources.
- Improvement in Public Health & Quality of Life – Access to green spaces is linked to better mental health, lower stress levels, and increased physical activity. Urban planning that prioritizes green infrastructure creates these natural places where residents can enjoy nature, exercise, or simply gather with others, fostering well-being and strengthening community connections.
- Economic Benefits – Green spaces can also increase property values, attract businesses, and encourage tourism. Additionally, infrastructure elements like green roofs and trees can reduce energy costs in cities by cooling buildings naturally and lowering the demand for air conditioning in hotter months.
Green Infrastructure: A Powerful Difference-Maker
As urban zones continue to grow, it’s imperative that we carefully consider how infrastructure affects those who live there, as well as the natural environs surrounding them. Implementing green infrastructure is difference-making at these levels and powerfully impacts the quality of urban life. To see how one city is embracing green infrastructure, check out our case study of the Ewell Plaza project in Lancaster, PA.
Are you in the planning stages of an urban or municipal project that concerns green infrastructure? Contact Flyway Excavating to discuss how our expertise can help you successfully navigate the process ahead.