Top 6 Things We Can Do to Get More Green Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions Into Our Communities

Green infrastructure (a.k.a. nature based solutions) incorporates both the natural environment and engineered systems to provide clean water, conserve ecosystem values and functions, and provide a wide array of benefits (adapted from American Rivers).

Green infrastructure (GI) concepts have been around for over 25 years. GI is now often called nature based solutions (NBS). Since its first introduction there has been expansion of the definition, combined with refinement and improvements. GI has proven that it adds value to the livability and resiliency of our communities. However, the pace of adoption in policy, planning, and design is slow, with many still doubting its effectiveness. Here are my top 6 things as a planning and design professional I recommend we all do to get more GI into our communities.

1.      Always think about green infrastructure. Stop talking about green infrastructure as something additional or separate to land planning, development, and stormwater management. GI should be in every planner’s and designer’s toolbox as something we just do.

2.      It’s not green vs. gray. Green complements gray infrastructure and vice versa. Constructing or protecting GI can minimize the amount and size of gray infrastructure (smaller stormwater pipes, less intensive water treatment plants, etc.). Also, well-designed gray infrastructure, such as stormwater outfalls, bottomless culverts, and good sewage treatment, can complement and protect valuable natural resources.

3.      Expand GI and NBS definitions. GI and NBS definitions need to be broad enough to include the landscape scale (streams, wetlands, floodplains, open space) down to the building and site scale (green roofs, raingardens, porous pavement, trees and tree boxes). Protecting and restoring natural systems and constructing specific practices like rain gardens and green roofs are ALL part of it. It is all connected and important – promote it all.

4.      Put human and ecological elements in the forefront. Human interaction and ecological function need to be mandatory in infrastructure goals. We must stop thinking of them as secondary or additional benefits. The result will be fewer concrete channels and more natural streams with great greenways and trails along them.

5.      Natural spaces make people happy. Natural spaces and connection to water are scientifically proven to make people happier. GI that makes people happier seems like a strong selling point.

6.      Find early adopters. There doesn’t have to be a national policy or city-wide ordinance to get GI and NBS going in a community. Roger’s Curve of Innovation shows that cultural changes happen through early adopters and innovators and then the masses follow. Find those early adopters and innovators and do amazing GI and NBS projects – the larger cultural change will follow.