In 2008, EPA provided the City of Greenville, South Carolina with technical assistance for the sustainable redevelopment of a one acre property with a former service station and adjacent supermarket. EPA helped analyze the redevelopment plans to incorporate green and sustainable features into a conceptual site plan. More
specifically, the technical assistance looked closely at stormwater management strategies for the site that will promote sustainable redevelopment opportunities elsewhere in the community.
MORE
Green Avenue Sites: Technical Memorandum - Conceptual Design for Sustainable Redevelopment (PDF)
Focusing on challenges, stories, and issues important to the redevelopment of Brownfields in the South . http://www.southernbrownfield.com
Showing posts with label green infrastructure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green infrastructure. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Financing Stormwater Retrofits in Philadelphia and Beyond
SOURCE: NRCS - Stormwater runoff is a principal cause of urban waterway pollution nationwide, fouling rivers, lakes, beaches, and drinking water supplies. To reduce the environmental and public health threats posed by polluted stormwater and to comply with the Clean Water Act, cities nationwide are making significant investments to reduce stormwater runoff. However, traditional solutions that rely solely on fixing or expanding existing sewer and stormwater infrastructure can be extremely expensive and fail to address the root cause of the problem: impervious spaces in the built environment that generate 10 trillion gallons of untreated runoff per year.
Executive Summary
This is why some cities have embraced green alternatives to help solve stormwater problems. Whereas traditional solutions involve expanding and adding to existing cement and pipe systems that convey rainwater away from where it falls, green infrastructure manages stormwater onsite through installation of permeable pavement, green roofs, parks, roadside plantings, rain barrels, and other mechanisms that mimic natural hydrologic functions, such as infiltration into soil and evapotranspiration into the air, or otherwise capture runoff onsite for productive use. These smarter water practices also yield many important co-benefits, such as beautifying neighborhoods, cooling and cleansing the air, reducing asthma and heat-related illnesses, lowering heating and cooling energy costs, and creating jobs. Green infrastructure techniques, while more cost-effective than traditional gray infrastructure, still require significant financial investment, if they are to be implemented at the scale necessary to protect urban waterways. Fortunately, the use of green infrastructure practices—in combination with stormwater fee and credit systems that reward investment in retrofits—creates tremendous opportunities for private investment to underwrite much of the cost.
More than 400 cities, towns, and utility districts nationwide utilize parcel-based stormwater billing practices that charge property owners stormwater fees based entirely or in part on the amount of impervious area on their property. Those which provide property owners the opportunity to obtain a credit, or discount, on their stormwater fees by installing stormwater management practices can motivate private property owners to manage much of their own stormwater onsite. This reduces stormwater runoff into municipal sewers and local waterways, reducing stormwater management costs for the city or utility district.
Philadelphia has taken the lead among cities nationwide by establishing a parcel-based stormwater billing structure that provides a very significant credit (up to nearly 100 percent) for non-residential owners who can demonstrate onsite management of the first inch of rainfall over their entire parcel. Philadelphia’s fee and credit structure and the incentive it creates for private property owners to install stormwater retrofits complements the city’s Green City, Clean Waters program, which recently received approval from state
regulators. That program requires the city, over the next 25 years, to retrofit nearly 10,000 impervious acres of public and private property to manage an inch of stormwater runoff onsite.
Executive Summary
This is why some cities have embraced green alternatives to help solve stormwater problems. Whereas traditional solutions involve expanding and adding to existing cement and pipe systems that convey rainwater away from where it falls, green infrastructure manages stormwater onsite through installation of permeable pavement, green roofs, parks, roadside plantings, rain barrels, and other mechanisms that mimic natural hydrologic functions, such as infiltration into soil and evapotranspiration into the air, or otherwise capture runoff onsite for productive use. These smarter water practices also yield many important co-benefits, such as beautifying neighborhoods, cooling and cleansing the air, reducing asthma and heat-related illnesses, lowering heating and cooling energy costs, and creating jobs. Green infrastructure techniques, while more cost-effective than traditional gray infrastructure, still require significant financial investment, if they are to be implemented at the scale necessary to protect urban waterways. Fortunately, the use of green infrastructure practices—in combination with stormwater fee and credit systems that reward investment in retrofits—creates tremendous opportunities for private investment to underwrite much of the cost.
More than 400 cities, towns, and utility districts nationwide utilize parcel-based stormwater billing practices that charge property owners stormwater fees based entirely or in part on the amount of impervious area on their property. Those which provide property owners the opportunity to obtain a credit, or discount, on their stormwater fees by installing stormwater management practices can motivate private property owners to manage much of their own stormwater onsite. This reduces stormwater runoff into municipal sewers and local waterways, reducing stormwater management costs for the city or utility district.
Philadelphia has taken the lead among cities nationwide by establishing a parcel-based stormwater billing structure that provides a very significant credit (up to nearly 100 percent) for non-residential owners who can demonstrate onsite management of the first inch of rainfall over their entire parcel. Philadelphia’s fee and credit structure and the incentive it creates for private property owners to install stormwater retrofits complements the city’s Green City, Clean Waters program, which recently received approval from state
regulators. That program requires the city, over the next 25 years, to retrofit nearly 10,000 impervious acres of public and private property to manage an inch of stormwater runoff onsite.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sustainability in Public Works Conference
June
25-27, 2012 -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The
Fourth Annual Sustainability in Public Works Conference is designed to explore
the latest and most innovative tools, practices, and case studies in public
works. The demands for economic, social, and environmental responsibility are
increasing daily. This conference provides access to the latest resources and
experts in sustainability applications in the public works arena. Click
here for
more information.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The International Parking Institute Publishes Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and Operations
The International
Parking Institute (IPI) recently published its
Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and
Operations, outlining industry-wide goals and organization
action items that provide education, incentives, and forums for
members to learn about and contribute to sustainable parking
solutions.
According to IPI Chair Casey Jones, CAPP, "This Framework represents a fundamental shift in thinking and reflects the integral role parking professionals play in helping communities achieve sustainability goals." Jones noted that the Framework is not an endpoint, but a living document that will be adapted over time to accommodate new ideas and advancements in the sustainability movement.
As stated in the Framework on Sustainability, parking and transportation solutions should balance economic feasibility, public health and welfare, and consideration of environmental effects. The Framework lists seven goals related to sustainability, as well as 10 action areas through which IPI, in close collaboration with its members, will focus efforts.
In the Framework on Sustainability, IPI pledges to promote and support seminars, publications, awards, education certification programs, and other tools and resources on sustainability topics. The Framework also states support for peer-to-peer sharing, long-term views, and third-party collaboration, which are all critical steps in making informed sustainability decisions.
IPI has already made significant strides in implementing many of the actions. Two years ago, the association created a Sustainability Committee, now co-chaired by Rachel Yoka, LEED AP BD+C, CPSM, Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. and Rick Decker, CAPP, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. In addition to working collaboratively with other organizations to advance environmental approaches, a book on parking sustainability, including case studies, is in the works.
Sustainability will also be a focus at IPI's 2012 Conference and Expo, the world's largest parking industry event. Scheduled for June 10-13 in Phoenix, Ariz., this year's conference includes an educational track on the topic.
In addition, IPI's annual Awards of Excellence competition, which recognizes outstanding achievements in parking, recently added two new categories to reward environmentally-friendly innovation in new and renovated facilities, as well as operations.
"Contrary to common misperceptions, parking is vital to sustainability," said Shawn Conrad, CAE, executive director of IPI. "well-planned parking can increase use of mass transportation, reduce the number of people commuting, and encourage alternative travel methods such as bicycling.
Conrad also noted that just reducing the amount of time it takes for drivers to find a parking spot can significantly reduce fuel waste and emissions, and this can be accomplished through smart planning combined with new technologies and mobile apps that make it easier to find and navigate to available parking spaces.
According to IPI's 2011 Emerging Trends in Parking report, an increasing demand for green and sustainable parking solutions is a leading industry trend.
Many parking facilities today are adopting best practices in sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and innovative water and waste management systems to reduce their carbon footprints. These include implementing recycling systems, using local and recycled materials in construction, and installing renewable energy technology such as photovoltaic, wind power, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. An increasing number of parking facilities are also supporting sustainability by accommodating alternative fuel vehicles.
The International Parking Institute is the world's largest association representing parking professionals and the parking industry. Learn more and download IPI's Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management and Operations at www.parking.org.
Download the full Framework.
# # #
According to IPI Chair Casey Jones, CAPP, "This Framework represents a fundamental shift in thinking and reflects the integral role parking professionals play in helping communities achieve sustainability goals." Jones noted that the Framework is not an endpoint, but a living document that will be adapted over time to accommodate new ideas and advancements in the sustainability movement.
As stated in the Framework on Sustainability, parking and transportation solutions should balance economic feasibility, public health and welfare, and consideration of environmental effects. The Framework lists seven goals related to sustainability, as well as 10 action areas through which IPI, in close collaboration with its members, will focus efforts.
In the Framework on Sustainability, IPI pledges to promote and support seminars, publications, awards, education certification programs, and other tools and resources on sustainability topics. The Framework also states support for peer-to-peer sharing, long-term views, and third-party collaboration, which are all critical steps in making informed sustainability decisions.
IPI has already made significant strides in implementing many of the actions. Two years ago, the association created a Sustainability Committee, now co-chaired by Rachel Yoka, LEED AP BD+C, CPSM, Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. and Rick Decker, CAPP, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. In addition to working collaboratively with other organizations to advance environmental approaches, a book on parking sustainability, including case studies, is in the works.
Sustainability will also be a focus at IPI's 2012 Conference and Expo, the world's largest parking industry event. Scheduled for June 10-13 in Phoenix, Ariz., this year's conference includes an educational track on the topic.
In addition, IPI's annual Awards of Excellence competition, which recognizes outstanding achievements in parking, recently added two new categories to reward environmentally-friendly innovation in new and renovated facilities, as well as operations.
"Contrary to common misperceptions, parking is vital to sustainability," said Shawn Conrad, CAE, executive director of IPI. "well-planned parking can increase use of mass transportation, reduce the number of people commuting, and encourage alternative travel methods such as bicycling.
Conrad also noted that just reducing the amount of time it takes for drivers to find a parking spot can significantly reduce fuel waste and emissions, and this can be accomplished through smart planning combined with new technologies and mobile apps that make it easier to find and navigate to available parking spaces.
According to IPI's 2011 Emerging Trends in Parking report, an increasing demand for green and sustainable parking solutions is a leading industry trend.
Many parking facilities today are adopting best practices in sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and innovative water and waste management systems to reduce their carbon footprints. These include implementing recycling systems, using local and recycled materials in construction, and installing renewable energy technology such as photovoltaic, wind power, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. An increasing number of parking facilities are also supporting sustainability by accommodating alternative fuel vehicles.
The International Parking Institute is the world's largest association representing parking professionals and the parking industry. Learn more and download IPI's Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management and Operations at www.parking.org.
Download the full Framework.
# # #
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Corpus Christi, Texas, Receives Grant For "Innovative" Green Space Project.
The Corpus Christi Caller Times (1/24) reports, "Corpus Christi is one of five
cities in the US to receive a $25,000 grant from Scotts Miracle-Gro for an
innovative green space project. Mayor Joe Adame's Fitness Council is
spearheading the project." The construction of the garden "is expected to begin
in late spring with the opening planned for late summer, said Angela Gonzalez,
program coordinator the Mayor's Fitness Council." The garden, which "will
include a raised garden area with 20 plots measuring 8 feet by 8 feet, a turf
demonstration area, a network of rain water harvesting barrels and compost
bins," will "benefit residents who already use the park, which are low-to-middle
income families and children who qualify for reduced or free lunch at school.
Families and organizations will have an opportunity to cultivate and harvest
vegetables for their own meals, and be able to share or sell their goods at
community events planned for the park."
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
EPA Encourages Use of Green Infrastructure, Water Quality Trading to Manage Discharges with DRAFT INTEGRATED PLANNING APPROACH FRAMEWORK
When it comes to brownfield redevelopment, particularly here in the Deep South, the integration of smart growth and green remediation/infrastructure principles has (it's sad to say) been lacking. Ten points are given for "Environmental Benefits from Infrastructure Reuse/Sustainable Reuse" in the Brownfield Assessment Grant Criteria. Yet, because "green infrastructure" is not typically addressed in Comprehensive Plans in a majority of southern cities/towns/counties, southern Brownfield Grant Proposals suffer and the grants continue to be funneled to other areas of the U.S. It's time to think big picture and begin working green infrastructure principles into our Comprehensive Master Plans. EPA has drafted guidance on the subject. Here's a summary and link to the DRAFT framework.
In recent years, EPA has begun to embrace integrated planning approaches to municipal wastewater and stormwater management. EPA further committed to work with states and communities to implement and utilize integrated planning approaches to municipal wastewater and stormwater management in its October 27, 2011 memorandum “Achieving Water Quality Through Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Plans.” Integrated planning will assist municipalities on their critical paths to achieving the human health and water quality objectives of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by identifying efficiencies in implementing the sometimes overlapping and competing requirements that arise from distinct wastewater and stormwater programs, including how best to make capital investments. Integrated planning can also facilitate the use of sustainable and comprehensive solutions, including green infrastructure, that protect human health, improve water quality, manage stormwater as a resource, and support other economic benefits and quality of life attributes that enhance the vitality of communities. The integrated planning approach does not remove obligations to comply with the CWA, but rather recognizes the flexibilities in the CWA for the appropriate sequencing of work. The purpose of this framework is to provide further guidance for EPA, states and local governments in developing and implementing effective integrated plans. The framework identifies the operating principles and essential elements of an integrated plan.....
See Full DRAFT Document - http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/integrated_planning_framework%20_draft.pdf
In recent years, EPA has begun to embrace integrated planning approaches to municipal wastewater and stormwater management. EPA further committed to work with states and communities to implement and utilize integrated planning approaches to municipal wastewater and stormwater management in its October 27, 2011 memorandum “Achieving Water Quality Through Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Plans.” Integrated planning will assist municipalities on their critical paths to achieving the human health and water quality objectives of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by identifying efficiencies in implementing the sometimes overlapping and competing requirements that arise from distinct wastewater and stormwater programs, including how best to make capital investments. Integrated planning can also facilitate the use of sustainable and comprehensive solutions, including green infrastructure, that protect human health, improve water quality, manage stormwater as a resource, and support other economic benefits and quality of life attributes that enhance the vitality of communities. The integrated planning approach does not remove obligations to comply with the CWA, but rather recognizes the flexibilities in the CWA for the appropriate sequencing of work. The purpose of this framework is to provide further guidance for EPA, states and local governments in developing and implementing effective integrated plans. The framework identifies the operating principles and essential elements of an integrated plan.....
See Full DRAFT Document - http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/integrated_planning_framework%20_draft.pdf
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