Planning for longstanding sustainability: Addressing the downfalls of green infrastructure planning
Abstract
Cities worldwide face issues associated with sewer overflows, pollution, and the adverse
effects of extreme weather patterns. Green infrastructure (GI) comprises natural vegetative
systems and green technologies that collectively provide economic, environmental, and social
benefits to communities. These natural assets can be harnessed to respond to these pressing
problems and become an essential practice for the future of urban planning. This study
analyzes existing barriers facing GI practices and from these barriers, proposes solutions on
how to address these challenges in practice. This research comprises a literature review, semistructured
interviews, and a case study analysis to identify several solutions to address the
barriers facing the GI practice. The literature shows that GI is currently not as widespread as
standard “grey infrastructure” practice, often making it an afterthought in city planning. Unlike
grey infrastructure, which is an engineered system with just one primary function, GI provides
co-benefits and a wide variety of ecosystem services by expanding green space. The case
study analysis outlines a successful urban wetland project, demonstrating the value of urban
wetlands (natural assets) and how they can be utilized as a sustainable and affordable practice
for stormwater management. The results of the literature, semi-structured interviews, and case
study analysis uncover four solutions to address the most pressing challenges within the GI
practice.