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04 August 2018

The Roles Played By Green Infrastructure Planning Company

By Karen Sullivan


Green infrastructures refer to engineered ecological systems that act as living infrastructures because they are built to cultivate ecosystems. They are strategically engineered environmental features primarily designed to manage wet weather impacts, such as stormwater runoffs. Green infrastructure planning company New York aims to bring the benefits of this type of construction to more urban areas.

Green infrastructure is an approach to water management that tries to reduce sewer runoff into rivers, lakes, and oceans by imitating the natural water cycle. This construction is very cost effective since it condemns the building of treatment plants and supply dams in favor of planting trees and choosing efficiency. This way, clean water is provided and ecosystem functions are conserved.

Rain that hits the concrete pavement, unsoaked by the ground, makes its way into canals, gutters, and sewers. This continues to be discharged into bodies of water, taking remnants of pollution and dirt with it. Referred to as the stormwater runoff, it considerably aggravates water pollution. Through the installation of small gardens in neighborhoods, compounds, and communities, rainwater can be prevented from entering sewers because the soil can already absorb and clarify it instead.

A full network of green infrastructures simultaneously operates on both small and large scale processes. Private homeowners may choose to plant rain gardens in their yards. Companies pushing green movements can incorporate this approach into neighborhoods, towns, and major institutions.

There are small and large scale applications of GI and perhaps the most basic one is known as the rain garden. Rain gardens can be planted almost anywhere. These patches of land help absorb rainwater from rooftops, streets, and sidewalks. Dense urban areas can benefit from what are called plant boxes. These small urban rain gardens can absorb runoff from sidewalks and parking lots.

Another example of green construction perhaps often mistaken as an architectural design is the permeable pavement. These pavements also serve a practical purpose. They trap rainwater and store it rather than letting it seep into gutters. These pavements are highly beneficial for areas susceptible to flooding. Green alleys and streets do not only serve as urban aesthetics but also absorb rainwater the same way that permeable pavements do.

GI hopes to build an interconnected ecological network operating at a variety of scales. Green spaces are constructed not only to enhance environmental values, but also to serve functional purposes that ultimately benefit the community. Clean water, clean air, climate regulation, and flood prevention are just some of its benefits.

With more plants and trees strategically designed around urban areas, the metropolitan heat is also significantly reduced. With the management of stormwater runoffs, large bodies of water and marine life can benefit from reduced water pollution. Other than its practical functions, large GI spaces are also perfect for recreational activities.

However, there are some drawbacks linked to GI planning which is why urban planners often refrain from incorporating the approach into their designs. These include power line interference, maintenance costs, and fire hazards. To successfully implement these environmental solutions, comprehensive planning and thorough assessments are critical. Urban development plans need not suffer for the green movement to flourish. Instead, environmental solutions must only be incorporated into development plans. Established practices will not be disturbed as long as phased implementation and careful preparation are observed.




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