What is Green infrastructure?
Green infrastructure is an approach to urban design that incorporates natural and semi-natural features into urban areas to build sustainable and resilient urban environments. This planning strategy not only improves the aesthetic and recreational value of urban environments, but it also helps with stormwater management, urban heat island effects reduction, air quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancement. Green infrastructure components include parks, green roofs, urban forests, and rain gardens, among others. These components work together to offer ecological services, improve urban life quality, and promote strong urban development.
What are the benefits of Green infrastructure?
- Stormwater Management: Green infrastructure absorbs and filters precipitation, reducing flooding and relieving pressure on urban drainage systems.
- Climate Adaptation: It reduces the heat island effect in cities by providing shade and releasing moisture into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.
- Plants collect pollutants and particulates, which improves air quality.
- Biodiversity Support: It creates habitats for a variety of species within urban areas, encouraging ecological diversity.
- Recreational places: Provides vital green places for recreation and social contact, which benefits inhabitants’ mental and physical well-being.
- Economic benefits: Include increased property values, lower energy costs, and the potential for new job possibilities in green businesses
Niagara region Green Infrastructure Initiatives
Niagara is aiming to maximize the numerous benefits of green roofs by developing a comprehensive approach that includes research, design, development, policy lobbying, and community engagement. The goal is to create supportive rules and bylaws that will encourage the broad use of green roofs across communities. The Canada Games arena on the Brock University campus is an example of an effective green roof and a step in the right direction.
Niagara Parks contains a wide range of natural environments, including the world-famous Niagara Falls, calm forested regions, large gardens, and scenic hiking paths along the Niagara River. The large network of pathways connecting cities and natural sites demonstrates the region’s commitment to preserve these open places. The region’s pristine grounds not only provide habitat for a variety of species, but also play an important part in the maintenance of the local environment, making Niagara a true sanctuary for both biodiversity and individuals seeking peace away from urban life.
