Urban communities that opt for green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and on-site water treatment features, might be able to find willing volunteers to help maintain it.
Because it is decentralized across a city and requires constant maintenance and upkeep, green infrastructure is difficult to maintain for public works departments. A study by the University of Illinois and Reed College found that residents value such landscaped features and some said they would be willing to help maintain them.
The researchers in Chicago and Portland, Ore., offered respondents a series of hypothetical scenarios aimed at reducing flooding, improving water quality, and strengthening aquatic habitats in local rivers and streams. The study found that people would be willing to spend a considerable amount of time working to support environmentally beneficial features especially if it directly benefitted their local community. Respondents strongly valued efforts to improve habitat for aquatic creatures and to reduce water pollution to make rivers and streams more usable.
The study also indicated support for fees or taxes to fund these projects.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2018
New standard supports community resilience
ASTM International guidance supports cost-effective ways to withstand and recover from disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2018
Lessons learned from decades of Superfund cleanups guide contaminated land reuse
Sites repurposed for residential, commercial use, and solar energy generation.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2018
Vibrant downtown core the key for urban multifamily development
Nighttime activity makes the difference.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2018
ILFI launches new Zero Carbon Certification
Offers greater flexibility around project fuel types and offsetting renewables.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2018
New Green Globe pilot program launched
Precursor to revised Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.
Codes and Standards | Apr 17, 2018
Contractor charged with fraud in winning $200 million in federal contracts
Accused of falsely claiming veteran- and minority-owned business status.
Codes and Standards | Apr 16, 2018
Wide variations in adoption of National Electric Code could jeopardize safety
An NFPA report found that code adoption is under heavier political scrutiny, leading to delays and decisions motivated by factors other than safety concerns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2018
Corruption in New York City construction industry is common
Scale of projects, number of players involved contributes to problem.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2018
Urgent need for government to make communities, infrastructure more resilient
More than 350 people died from extreme weather events in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2018
Boosting energy efficiency helps reduce health risks
Cleaner air results in fewer heart attacks, respiratory disease, and premature deaths.
