“Green Infrastructure” (GI) refers to stormwater management features that mimic nature. GI features use plants, soil, and other natural materials to remove pollutants and allow stormwater to absorb back into the ground which helps prevent flooding and reduce the amount of water that goes into the city’s storm drains. GI has many environmental, social, and economic benefits, including urban heat island reduction, added greenspace, and public health improvements. Additional information about green infrastructure – reasons why GI is important, strategies for GI implementation, detailed descriptions of GI features, information on how the City of Boston utilizes GI in its built environment – can be found on the City of Boston's Green Infrastructure website.
Proponents of projects larger than 100,000 square feet must provide 1.25” of stormwater infiltration per square inch of impervious development — areas covered by roofs, terraces, balconies, or otherwise paved surfaces like sidewalks, driveways and parking areas — in accordance with Smart Utilities and Boston Water Sewer Commission standards. The Smart Utilities review team works with all project teams on implementing GI systems such as tree pits, permeable pavers, and green roofs. Learn more about best practice solutions for the the Right of Way on the City of Boston's website.
The features that fall under the umbrella of Green Infrastructure are varied, including but not limited to the following:
The installation of Green Infrastructure provides the following benefits:
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Lower embodied carbon material impact in infrastructure planning
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Lower pump operational usage
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Greater climate resilience through stormwater surge management
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Urban heat island reduction
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Added greenspace
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Improved health and wellness for local community