Although "green" and "sustainability" have been buzzwords for more than a decade, the concepts have recently gained significant interest for public infrastructure projects, both large and small.
Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes shaped into aesthetically pleasing rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, or constructed wetlands. The less aesthetic options, which include permeable, pervious, and porous pavements-like their vegetative counterparts-are also intended to manage water and create healthier environments.
By now, most people are familiar with green concepts with the goal of capturing precipitation while preventing fast entry into traditional storm sewers. However, my experience assisting in the development, construction, and maintenance of several green infrastructure projects within open parkland and roadway environments has helped me understand how to ensure project success. As I've found, successful green infrastructure projects address the following topics: