Green Infrastructure

About Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is designed to manage stormwater and help it infiltrate into the ground instead of directing runoff into the stormwater system.

Traditional stormwater management such as gray infrastructure uses conventional pipe drainage and water treatment systems that are designed to move stormwater away from where it falls as quickly as possible.

Green Infrastructure uses plants, soils, and other elements and practices to manage water and filter pollutants close to where it falls. Infiltration protects surface water quality and reduces flooding downstream.  

Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in our local rivers and lakes. Green infrastructure reduces and treats stormwater at its source while providing economic, environmental, and social benefits.

View a map of green infrastructure initiatives in our community.

kirkway det basin

Learn more about Green Infrastructure Practices and Low Impact Development methods that can help maximize the value of your development and protect water quality in Southeast Michigan.

Benefits of Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure offers many economic, community, and environmental benefits at residential, commercial, industrial, and public spaces.

  • Improve site aesthetics
  • Increase property value
  • Improve project marketability
  • Increase marketing potential & faster sales
  • Expand recreational opportunities
  • Reduce Infrastructure costs
  • Reduce construction costs
  • Reduce maintenance costs
  • Increase retail sales
  • Energy savings for heating, cooling, and irrigation
  • Help meet landscape and open space requirements
  • Provide wildlife habitat to support biodiversity
  • Provide greenspace for residents, clients, and employees
  • Improve mental health and worker productivity for office employees with access to greenspace

Community Benefits

  • Improves water quality & reduces polluted runoff
  • Reduces flooding in streets and homes
  • Lessens flood risk by slowing and reducing runoff
  • Supports groundwater recharge
  • Provides wildlife and pollinator habitat, corridors, and linkages
  • Improves mental and physical health with access to green space
  • Improves air quality along roadways
  • Traffic calming and buffers from roadway for pedestrians

Green Infrastructure Resources