Cities around the world are crafting stormwater management policies that include natural and manmade methods to store and absorb runoff to reduce flooding.
A prime example is Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The low-lying city created an urban park that features a giant holding tank with a capacity of 450,000 gallons. This “water plaza” public space makes use of the stormwater in cascading channels with pools and fountains. During dry times, the public can make use of a basketball court, skate park, and an amphitheater.
The city is also planning more water storage areas in unused parking lots. To trap stormwater before it hits the ground, every municipal building is topped by a green roof.
Dutch specialists have helped New Orleans draft its Living with Water plan for stormwater, which supplements the city’s system of levies and pumps with new water storage sites and natural infrastructure to help contain and filter floodwater. The 50-year program for upgrades and retrofits to stormwater management incorporates the principals used in the Netherlands.
(http://grist.org/cities/to-make-our-cities-green-we-have-to-think-blue/)
(http://livingwithwater.com/)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
Green Specifications | Jul 8, 2016
World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050
All new buildings and major renovations to be net-zero by 2030.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Urban Planning | Jul 7, 2016
Y Combinator project would build new city using new technology, urban policies
Zoning, property rights, building codes all could be re-imagined.
Green | Jul 6, 2016
U.S. healthcare system’s GHG emissions rise 30% in past decade
If U.S. healthcare were a country, it would rank 13th in GHG emissions.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2016
State legislature fails to pass law to extend design-build for New York City projects
Would have allowed five city agencies to use alternate delivery method.
Energy | Jun 30, 2016
Energy Department partnership with CoStar Group will study sustainability impact on property valuation
Database will offer rich data set on energy-efficient buildings in the U.S.
Contractors | Jun 30, 2016
Chicago contractor found guilty of fraud on city’s requirement on minority-owned businesses
Alleged to have been sham business in bid to win city public works contract.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2016
OSHA starts evaluation of construction industry noise standards
New studies indicate significant number of construction workers suffer hearing loss.
