Insights on the Economics of Green Infrastructure: A Case Study Approach

Managing stormwater runoff through traditional “grey” infrastructure systems results in a variety of challenges, including high construction, maintenance, and repair costs; increasing Combined Sewer Overflows; and introduction of pollutants into source water. Low impact development (LID) and green infrastructure (GI) can address these challenges and ensure that the nation can provide the quality and quantity of water demanded in the future. Hair, Clements, and Pratt developed case studies to investigate the different methods employed by 13 U.S. public water entities to estimate the financial, environmental, and social benefits and costs of local LID and GI programs. This manuscript describes the evaluation methods that have been successfully applied and highlights local entities where LID/GI has been shown to be economically beneficial. The objective is to provide utilities, state and municipal agencies, and other stormwater professionals with information and insights that they can draw upon during their own planning and analysis efforts.