Conclusion

As we continue to experience severe weather episodes and extreme shifts in weather patterns and temperatures, concern grows regarding the effects that human infrastructure is having on climate change. More municipal, state, and federal agencies are requiring that projects meet LEED®, SITES™ or IgCC criteria and/or are initiating their own sustainable design and code standards. In 2010, three northeastern states established new stormwater regulations and guidelines that require more green open space or the creation of rain gardens and bioswales to address stormwater runoff at the point source.

Compliance with these new regulations and criteria can be met through the use of one or more of the methods and solutions described in this article. Structural soils, modular underground bioretention cells, pervious flexible pavement systems, suspended paver grate systems, tree grates, modular decking systems, and seasonal green parks are design techniques that either directly or indirectly provide a means to increase urban green space, reduce heat island effect, improve water and air quality, and enhance the health and well-being of people within the urban environment.