Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure, in contrast, may be defined as the system of land, natural resources, and natural habitats that collectively comprise a community’s underlying ecosystem. Green Infrastructure is present in every city, although its size, diversity, and strength vary greatly. Importantly, green infrastructure can be used to help offset negative environmental impacts, for example stormwater runoff and urban heat island effect.

Green infrastructure systems are primarily comprised of:

Landscaped / cultivated green spaces including farmlands, cultural resources, green roofs, playfields, parks and recreational spaces, and soft and hard surface trails; and
Natural areas that provide wildlife habitat, riparian buffers, and water recharge areas.

Governments are under increasing pressure to support growing populations in ways that are fiscally accountable, environmentally responsible, and socially enriching. Green infrastructure offers a way to balance all three needs. Green infrastructure management has emerged as a powerful tool with uses that span almost all areas of local government operations and service.