The Benefits of Investing in Green Infrastructure

Nashville was recently named as one of only 14 cities for its efforts to reduce flooding and make waterways cleaner by using green infrastructure design such as: green roofs, rain gardens, parklands, and trees.

“By making the cityscape literally greener, Nashville is making its rivers cleaner too – and with much greater return than conventional solutions,” said Rebecca Hammer, attorney in the Natural Resources Defense Council’s water program. Hammer lists: a more attractive city, higher property values, energy savings, and cleaner air among add-on benefits of green infrastructure design.

The NRDC report says Nashville is one of the leading cities in committing to increase green infrastructure. It cited Metro’s master plan to do so, demonstration projects, how-to manuals, dedicated funding and other initiatives.

“Metro must lead by example, and I hope the light this shines on our successes will spur the private sector to also adopt low-impact development, such as green roofs and natural plantings designed to absorb and filter storm water,”

Mayor Karl Dean said in an emailed statement. Metro’s Green Infrastructure Master Plan, PDF, adopted in 2009, identified green practices for handling the city’s storm water and many examples both from the private and public sector can be found throughout the city. Green infrastructure “can actually save developers money,” said Gwen Griffith, program director for the Cumberland River Compact. Greenery can be less costly than piping, curbs and gutters while allowing more space for a project.

Currently, Metro Water Services charges residential ratepayers about $3 a month for improvements to its antiquated combined storm water and sewage system, which overflows during heavy rains and a credit, is offered for installing green, water-grabbing elements. However, NRDC recommends putting more and better incentives in place. Metro Nashville is in the midst of doing just that, according to Chris Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of Environment and Sustainability.

A Low Impact Development Manual should be complete early next year to be part of Metro’s storm water management rules. Incentives are planned for green features that capture the first inch of rain that falls on the property. That first inch can carry the most vehicle oils, pesticides, pet wastes and other pollution off a property to a creek or river. The carrot could include, for instance, a 75 percent reduction in the storm water user fee or a waiver of other fees.

CRT promotes green infrastructure through its Quality Growth Toolbox. Green infrastructure saves both private and public costs over the long term and provides more attractive spaces. As our local governments work to address funding challenges associated with infrastructure demand, green infrastructure design is one tool that will be employed more and more.

Story adapted from:
The Tennessean, November 17, 2011
“Nashville lauded for green practices”

*Image Courtesy from Metro’s Green Infrastructure Master Plan, PDF