Page 41 - Green Builder March-April 2016 Issue

CREDIT: JAMES STEAKLEY

Go Native. Rain gardens can be designed for any region. Native plants are usually the best choice for these features, as they are adapted for
the climate, which may include periodic drought.

CREDIT: ENVIROMAT

Double Duty. When constrained by space, consider designing in CREDIT: PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT
stormwater features that serve more than once purpose, such as a
permeable parking area. Tight Squeeze. Stormwater planters, such as this one installed
along a street in Philadelphia, make the most of tight spaces.
when space is limited (for example, in a retrofit project or tight
urban lot). Designers have developed strategies for overcoming RESOURCES
this challenge:
EPA Green Infrastructure website: http://1.usa.gov/1SIVDH3
Features that serve multiple purposes. Integrate swales and Evaluation of Urban Soils (EPA publication): http://1.usa.gov/1Q9oUtO
bioretention areas into landscaped areas, medians or parking strips.
Permeable pavements provide volume reduction and water quality
treatment without requiring additional space.

Features for small spaces. Planter boxes, tree pits and other green
infrastructure features can be custom designed to fit into small
spaces.

Subsurface storage. Underground storage or infiltration tanks can
serve as an alternative when space is too limited for any surface
features. GB

www.greenbuildermedia.com March/April 2016 GREEN BUILDER 39