A partnership between the Philadelphia Water Department and Drexel University’s Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Lab uses sensors to monitor the effectiveness of green stormwater mitigation systems.
The Green Infrastructure Living Laboratory (GILL) collects real-time data on green infrastructure systems using low-cost sensors. The data, collected at both public and private sites, will eventually inform improvements to green infrastructure design.
The program will aid Philadelphia’s 25-year stormwater mitigation plan that includes wide-scale adoption of green infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows into rivers and streams. Researchers are collecting climate data—temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and air pressure—and hydrology data to observe fluctuations in soil moisture, water level, or unit weight.
Among the findings so far: the benefits of green infrastructure systems, such as rainwater harvesting cisterns, have not been well quantified in the past. This means rainwater harvesting cisterns have much potential for businesses and residential buildings as cost-saving systems that manage stormwater and provide non-potable water sources.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Washington, D.C., to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032
Includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
Canada’s National Building Code will include climate change obligations
New durability requirements for new buildings in the works.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
LEED v4.1 beta registration begins in January
First releases are O+M, BD+C, and ID+C.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
U.S. Appeals Court says general contractors can be cited for subcontractor violations
Ruling will prompt review of OSH decision that said GCs cannot be held liable for subs’ violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval
New provisions to be included in the 2021 International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
ASHRAE’s Low-Rise Residential Buildings standard update now available
Performance measures are at least 50% more efficient than 2006 IECC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New York’s ‘Scaffold Law’ under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.
Codes and Standards | Dec 19, 2018
Guidance for water utilities on indoor recycled water use released
Provides recommended ranges on 13 different parameters of water quality.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2018
Development in Africa, Asia, and uptake in air conditioning will require more efficient buildings
Dramatic action will be needed for global building sector to cut carbon in line with international agreements.