1. Incorporate green infrastructure into planning and zoning regulations: Municipalities can update their land-use regulations to require the integration of green infrastructure policies into all development projects. This can help ensure that all new buildings and public spaces include green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and other sustainable infrastructure.
2. Demonstrate the economic benefits of green infrastructure: Cities and towns can organize cost-benefit studies to demonstrate the economic benefits of green infrastructure. This includes reduced energy bills, fewer stormwater management costs, improved air quality, and even increased property values.
3. Educate the public: Urban design can promote the use of green infrastructure by educating the public about its benefits. Providing information and resources on how to plan and implement green infrastructure can help ensure community support, a critical factor in making the strategy successful.
4. Collaborate with street designers: Urban design professionals can collaborate with street designers to create nature-based street designs that incorporate green infrastructure measures. For example, green streets can be created using rain gardens and bioswales.
5. Create nature-based public spaces: Urban design can create nature-based public spaces that encourage the use of green infrastructure. This includes public parks and community gardens that incorporate green roofs, rain gardens, and other sustainable infrastructure.
6. Collaborate with developers: Urban designers can collaborate with developers to integrate green infrastructure into new developments. This includes green roofs, rain gardens, and other nature-based features that can help absorb stormwater runoff and provide other ecological benefits.
7. Utilize case studies: Urban leaders can use case studies to show how other cities have successfully integrated green infrastructure into their urban design. This helps local communities see how green infrastructure can be incorporated into their local context and what benefits they can expect.
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