Banking on Green: A Look at How Green Infrastructure Can Save Municipalities Money and Provide Economic Benefits Community-Wide
Looks at the most cost-effective options for managing polluted runoff and protecting clean water, and finds that green infrastructure solutions save taxpayer money and provide community benefits by managing stor
Author: American Rivers, Water Environment Federation, American Society of Landscape Architects, and ECONorthwest
Date published: 2012
Basic Principles of Watershed Restoration and Stormwater Management in the Chesapeake Bay Region
This document provides an overview of the most relevant urban stormwater management and watershed restoration issues, common mitigating practices, and regulations relevant in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Author: University of Maryland Extension and Maryland Sea Grant
Date published: 2020
Community Based Public-Private Partnerships and Alternate Market-Based Tools for Integrated Green Stormwater Infrastructure
This guide provides guidance for local governments who wish to engage in community based public-private partnerships and alternative based tools for integrated green stormwater infrastructure.
Author: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Date published: 2015
Forging the Link
Illustrates the advantages of low-impact development (LID) in the economic terms of how municipal land use decisions are commonly made.
Author: University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center
Date published: 2010
Green Infrastructure Design and Implementation Resources
Provides resources on the design, construction, and maintenance of GI features.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Green Infrastructure Modeling Tools
List of models that can be used to assess the costs and environmental outcomes associated with green infrastructure approaches.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Green Infrastructure Webcast Series
Intended for public officials and practitioners beginning to implement green infrastructure, as well as for those looking to enhance established programs, this series has featured leading academics and professio
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Green Values National Stormwater Management Calculator
An interactive tool that can be used to compare the performance, costs, and benefits of green infrastructure compared to conventional stormwater practices.
Author: Center for Neighborhood Technology
Date published: Ongoing
Holistically Analyzing the Benefits of Green Infrastructure: Guidance for local Governments
Changes in the regulatory landscape, coupled with budget-constrained environments, are driving local governments to search for new or evolving strategies and investments that deliver more value than conventional
Author: University of Maryland, Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2017
Integrating Valuation Methods to Recognize Green Infrastructure's Multiple Benefits
Reviews current methods, tools and case studies of valuation of the economic and social benefits produced by green infrastructure practices, particularly in urban settings.
Author: Center for Neighborhood Technology
Date published: 2010
Landscape Performance Series
A collection of existing resources that show landscape performance using sustainable practices, including LID and Green Infrastructure.
Author: Landscape Architecture Foundation
Date published: Ongoing
Measuring Effectiveness of Best Management Practices
This 12 page informational report discusses the Chesapeake Bay's degrading health, and the actions that are (can be) taken by The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund recipients to improve w
Author: Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund
Date published: Undated
Overcoming Barriers to Green Infrastructure
Identifies common barriers to green infrastructure that arise throughout the development process, from design to installation, and suggests strategies to overcome them.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Promoting Green Infrastructure: Strategies, Case Studies and Resources
Reviews financial, regulatory, and incentive-based strategies for promoting the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
Author: Environmental Finance Center Network
Date published: 2012
Rooftops to Rivers II
Update to NRDC's seminal 2006 publication. Profiles 14 geographically diverse cities that are all leaders in employing green infrastructure solutions to address stormwater challenges.
Author: Natural Resources Defense Council
Date published: 2013
Saving the Rain: Green Stormwater Solutions for Congregations
This guide was created to help congregations work through the process of enhancing their grounds by implementing green stormwater management practices.
Author: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Date published: 2020
Stormwater Management: Reducing Water Quantity and Improving Water Quality
This resource discusses the importance of managing stormwater runoff, and the problems encountered with high levels of impervious surfaces.
Author: Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund
Date published: Undated
The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing its Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits
Cumulatively assesses the multiple benefits of low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure (GI) as a municipal or private investment.
Author: Center for Neighborhood Technology, American Rivers
Date published: 2010
Urban Forest Systems and Green Stormwater Infrastructure
This resource manual provides a synthesis of the science around how urban trees help mitigate problems associated with stormwater runoff.
Author: United States Forest Service
Date published: 2020
US EPA Green Infrastructure website
Comprehensive source for tools and resources related to green infrastructure design, implementation, maintenance, funding, and modeling.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities: Sustainable Stormwater Best Management Practices
Provides resources for effective communication and implementation of green infrastructure concepts, as well as case studies that examine successful efforts in cities across the United States.
Author: Water Environment Research Foundation
Date published: Ongoing
Water Quality Scorecard: Incorporating Green Infrastructure Practices at the Municipal, Neighborhood, and Site Scales
A program evaluation tool that local governments can use to collaboratively identify the barriers to green infrastructure in local codes and ordinances.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2009
21st Century Land Development Code
A complete planning and law model code integrating traditional Euclidean zoning with green codes, new urbanism, and smart growth.
Author: American Planning Association
Date published: 2008
Accounting for Trees in Stormwater Models
This report intends to help the stormwater engineering community more easily account for trees in runoff and pollutant load calculations and models so that trees will more readily be incorporated into stormwater management strategies.
Author: The Center for Watershed Protection
Date published: 2018
Adapting a Subdivision Ordinance to Meet Your Community's Water Quality Goals
Provides sample subdivision ordinance language addressing street design and impervious surface, lot layout, and green infrastructure.
Author: Northland Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO)
Date published: Undated
Benefits of a Green Street website
This EPA website describes the benefits of green streets and links to relevant resources.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Better Site Design Code and Ordinance Worksheet
Allows users to enter data to see how the local development rules in their community stack up against the model development principles outlined in CWP's Better Site Design Handbook.
Author: Center for Watershed Protection
Date published: 1998
Blackberry Creek Watershed Zoning Code Analysis and Ordinance Language Recommendations
Provides suggested changes to subdivision and zoning codes for municipalities and counties in the Blackberry Creek watershed that can be used as a model for other watersheds.
Author: Conservation Design Forum
Date published: 2004
City of Lancaster Green Infrastructure plan
This plan provides guidance on green infrastructure techniques that seek to solve problems created by the combined sewer system, applicable to both the older areas of the city and surrounding suburban area.
Author: The City of Lancaster & CH2M Hill, Inc.
Date published: 2011
Design Principles for Stormwater Management on Compacted, Contaminated Soils in Dense Urban Areas
Details design considerations for managing stormwater on compacted soils and provides sources for additional information.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2008
Economics and LID Practices Fact Sheet
Two-page fact sheet summarizing the economic benefits associated with LID; provides three short case studies.
Author: UNH Stormwater Center
Date published: Undated
Federal Regulatory Programs: MS4s, CSOs, and TMDLs
Part of EPA’s GI clearinghouse, this website contains a comprehensive list of resources and discussions on integrating green infrastructure into federal regulatory programs for municipal separate storm sewer sys
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Flood Loss Avoidance Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management
Analyzes and quantifies the potential flood loss avoidance impacts of distributed stormwater control using green infrastructure and low impact development.
Author: Atkins, US EPA
Date published: 2015
Green Infrastructure and Health Guide
This guide helps local government, communities, and health care organizations connect green infrastructure and public health in innovative ways.
Author: Willamette Partnership and Oregon Public Health Institute
Date published: 2018
Green Infrastructure and the Sustainable Communities Initiative
Shares the green infrastructure best practices and outputs of communities and regions around the country that received Sustainable Communities Initiatives grants from a federal HUD-EPA-DOT partnership.
Author: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Date published: 2015
Green Infrastructure Case Studies: Municipal Policies for Managing Stormwater with Green Infrastructure
Examines the policies adopted by 12 local governments that have successfully promoted green infrastructure, as well as the policy drivers and policy outcomes.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2010
Green Infrastructure Map
This map provides examples of green infrastructure financing stories from diverse communities across the country showcased in an interesting and accessible way.
Author: Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2014
Green Infrastructure Opportunities that Arise During Municipal Operations
This document provides local government officials and municipal program managers in small to midsize communities with approaches to incorporate green infrastructure components into work they are doing in public spaces.
Author: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Date published: 2015
Green Infrastructure Resource Directory
Directory of helpful resources related to green infrastructure: economics and cost/benefit; policy guidance; codes and ordinances; regulatory programs; design and implementation; operations and maintenance, perf
Author: New England Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2012
Green Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Manual
Provides a summary of routine maintenance activities for rain gardens, vegetated swales, and permeable pavements.
Author: Seattle Public Utilities
Date published: 2009
Growing Greener Model Ordinance Version 2.0
This model ordinance, consisting of model language for both zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances, provides regulations that can be added to typical, existing ordinances to implement the princip
Author: Natural Lands Trust
Date published: Undated
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters
This document provides guidance and information for developing watershed based plans to improve and protect water quality.
Author: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Date published: 2008
International Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Database
Summarizes the findings of more than 400 BMP studies. Users of the website can perform custom queries or download technical papers summarizing performance results.
Author: International Stormwater BMP Database Project
Date published: Ongoing
Issue Brief: Auditing Your Town’s Development Code for Barriers to Sustainable Water Management
This issue brief informs local officials about how development regulations in their community affect local water resources. Municipal development codes control the built environment and can have a great influence on ways in which water is transported, collected or absorbed.
Author: Environmental Finance Center Network
Date published: 2013
Kentucky Wet Growth Tools for Sustainable Development: A Handbook on Land Use and Water for Kentucky Communities
Provides extensive tools and resources for local communities to achieve "wet growth" -- land use and development that is sustainable with respect to water.
Author: Center for Land Use and Environmental Responsibility, University of Louisville
Date published: 2009
Making Your Community Forest-Friendly
This worksheet was designed to help communities review and revise their development regulations, so that future projects conserve and protect valuable trees and woodlands and encourage new plantings.
Author: The Center for Watershed Protection
Date published: 2018
Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure: Municipal Handbook
Provides local governments with a step-by-step guide to growing green infrastructure in their communities.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2008
National Pollutant Removal Performance Database for Stormwater Treatment Practices
Summarizes the results of more than 150 pollutant removal studies.
Author: Center for Watershed Protection
Date published: 2000
NOAA Green Infrastructure Tools website
Offered by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), this site includes green infrastructure resources organized into the categories of information, data, guidance and training.
Author: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Date published: Ongoing
One Drop: Why We Need Green Infrastructure
Two-minute animation illustrating the benefits of green infrastructure.
Author: American Rivers
Date published: 2012
Performance of Green Infrastructure
Website with links to research on the performance of green infrastructure practices including green roofs, permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and planter boxes, bioswales, urban tree canopie
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Rebuilding America: APA National Infrastructure Investment Task Force Report
Section 3, Green Infrastructure, provides guidance to planners on implementing green infrastructure. Includes examples, case studies, and references for more information.
Author: American Planning Association
Date published: 2010
Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices
Contains 17 case studies that examine the economic viability of green infrastructure practices compared to traditional stormwater management design practices.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2007
Reevaluating Stormwater: The Nine Mile Run Model for Restorative Development
Presents a model for resolving a history of chronic sewer overflows into the public streets, parks, and waters of the Pittsburgh region, while simultaneously restoring and revitalizing the region's urban communi
Author: Rocky Mountain Institute
Date published: 1999
Regular Inspection and Maintenance Guidance for Bioretention Systems/Tree Filters
Checklist of inspection and maintenance activities for bioretention systems and tree filters and a checklist for inspection.
Author: University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center
Date published: 2011
Regular Inspection and Maintenance Guidance for Porous Pavements
Checklist of inspection and maintenance activities for porous pavements and a checklist for inspection.
Author: University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center
Date published: 2011
Rooftops to Rivers
Seminal policy guide for decision-makers looking to implement green strategies for stormwater management.
Author: Natural Resources Defense Council
Date published: 2006
Runoff Reduction Method Technical Memo – Appendix F: BMP Research Summary Table
Presents the results of more than 100 papers in tabular form.
Author: Center for Watershed Protection
Date published: 2008
SmartCodes: Model Land Development Regulations
A guide to the development of model smart growth ordinances, including models that may be adapted by local governments to implement special planning policies for multimodal transportation, infill development, af
Author: American Planning Association
Date published: 2009
Soak Up the Rain: Permeable Pavement
Website with information and examples on using permeable pavement to manage stormwater. Includes local resources for several New England states.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Stormwater Best Management Practice: Bioswales
Describes bioswales as a stormwater best management practice and provides guidance on design and maintenance.
Author: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Date published: 2005
Stormwater Best Management Practice: Constructed Treatment Wetlands
Describes constructed wetlands as a best management practices for treating stormwater and improving water quality.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2004
Stormwater Best Management Practice: Control Stormwater Runoff with Trees
Describes how trees can be used to manage stormwater.
Author: Center for Urban Forest Research, Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service
Date published: 2002
Stormwater Best Management Practice: Sand Filters
Describes sand filters as a stormwater best management practice and provides guidance on design, installation and maintenance.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 1999
Stormwater Financing Case Story: Scranton, PA
EFC worked with Scranton, PA to identify opportunities to implement green infrastructure practices in order to save money and reduce stormwater flows to the City's over-burdened system.
Author: University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2013
Stormwater Financing Case Story: Warrington Township, PA
Warrington Township, PA passed a voter referendum in 2012 committing $3 million to open space protection.
Author: University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2014
Stormwater Model Ordinance for NC Local Governments
Developed for Phase II stormwater regulations as implemented in North Carolina.
Author: University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center
Date published: 2007
The Economic Value of Riparian Buffers in the Delaware River Basin
This report values losses in ecosystem services that may result from losing riparian forests and buffers. It promotes conservation of these systems as climate change and urbanization have threatened their utilization in the Delaware River Basin.
Author: ECONorthwest
Date published: 2018
The Economics of Low-Impact Development: A Literature Review
Reviews methods for evaluating the financial benefit of green infrastructure compared to traditional "gray" stormwater mitigation practices.
Author: ECONorthwest
Date published: 2007
The Importance of Operation and Maintenance for the Long-Term Success of Green Infrastructure: A Review of Green Infrastructure O&M Practices in ARRA Clean Water State Revolving Fund Projects
Examines the O&M practices of 22 green infrastructure projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2013
The Sustainable Urban Forest A Step-by-Step Approach
This guide is designed to help municipalities assess the state of their urban forest, identify management concerns, and move toward long-term sustainability.
Author: Michael Leff Davey Institute / USDA Forest Service USFS Philadelphia Field Station
Date published: 2016
Top Ten Green Infrastructure Issues in Plans and Codes: Common Problems and Tested Solutions
Slides from a webinar presentation about how to recognize and overcome barriers to GI / LID in local codes and ordinances.
Author: Tetra Tech
Date published: Undated
Tree Ordinance Development Guidebook
This guide is designed to aid communities in the revision of existing or development of new tree ordinances. It covers steps for forming a tree ordinance working group, getting support, evaluating needs, defining your vision, and preparing the final draft of a tree ordinance.
Author: Georgia Forestry Commission Urban & Community Forestry Program
Date published: 2005
URBAN TREE CANOPY ASSESSMENT: A Community’s Path to Understanding and Managing the Urban Forest
The report is designed to help a community move forward with Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) project planning and assessment by providing an overview of the approaches, methods, and data sources used in UTC assessments, focusing on the initial steps of project planning, assessment, and analysis.
Author: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Date published: 2019
US EPA Sustainable Water Infrastructure website
Directory of useful information related to sustainable water infrastructure, including financing & pricing, water & energy efficiency, asset management, and effective utility management.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
US EPA Watershed Academy website
Provides training and information on implementing watershed approaches.
Author: US EPA
Date published: Ongoing
Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices
Reviews nine common Smart Growth techniques and examines how these techniques can be adapted to prevent or manage stormwater runoff.
Author: US EPA
Date published: 2005
Webinar: Using Local Codes to Cultivate Green Infrastructure and Foster Sustainable Stormwater Management
Describes the interaction of zoning and building codes with water quality; presents several examples of code audits conducted in Illinois, Ohio, and Minnesota; and highlights the top 10 obstacles to green infras
Author: US EPA, Region 5
Date published: 2011