Green infrastructure has been getting a lot of buzz in the national news recently as cities look for ways to be more sustainable in cost-effective ways.
Green roofs are an example of a sustainable solution that can manage storm water naturally. Among other benefits, they can reduce the amount of runoff that flows into the sewer system, act as a natural filter of pollutants—especially those that might run off during the first flush of a storm—and reduce the urban heat island effect.
SWS recently visited the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, which boasts a green roof, bioswales, solar panels and other sustainable technologies to reduce its runoff and energy usage. Keep an eye out for an article detailing its green roof monitoring project in the March/April 2015 issue of SWS.
Has your facility implemented any green technologies, or does it plan to? Let us know at [email protected].
