Green Infrastructure in Your Neighborhood

When we hear the word “infrastructure”, pipes and concrete often come to mind. But what if infrastructure looked like green gardens and lush trees, collecting stormwater when it rains and providing shade on sizzling summer days?

This rain garden in Ward 7 captures and absorbs stormwater runoff, helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the local watershed.

 
 

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure (GI) manages stormwater by using natural systems to collect and clean rain where it falls. Beyond this important function, green infrastructure installations can also serve as neighborhood amenities, beautifying outdoor spaces in our communities with greenery and providing homes for local wildlife.

What does Green Infrastructure look like?

You may have seen green infrastructure projects like these throughout the District of Columbia. GI can come in many shapes and sizes, including rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavement, and rain barrels. When incorporated with other features such as park benches, artistic murals, and educational signage these installations can offer practical and aesthetic benefits to residents.  

Green infrastructure in this DC schoolyard helps mitigate localized flooding and provides a beautiful environment for education.

What are the benefits of Green Infrastructure? 

Green infrastructure provides numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits.  

  • Environmental: As climate change continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, GI plays a crucial role in reducing some flood risks, mitigating urban heat, and combating polluted runoff from entering our rivers (like the Anacostia!).  

  • Social: GI has the potential to transform urban streets into attractive green spaces, offering community members accessible ways to spend time outside. Increased access to green space can lead to improved mental health, reducing rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. 

  • Economic: Green infrastructure can also lead to increased property values, reduced property management costs, and green job creation.

Check out this fact sheet to dive deeper into the benefits of green infrastructure:

How can I take advantage of Green Infrastructure initiatives in my neighborhood? 

In an effort to clean up the District’s waterbodies and engage local communities in the process, DOEE has launched several innovative green infrastructure initiatives including the Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program and RiverSmart programs. In this effort, The District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) has become a leader in green infrastructure initiatives amongst major US cities. Not only do these programs serve a greater environmental purpose, but they also provide financial incentives for District property owners to help solve stormwater problems and reap the benefits of green infrastructure.

The SRC Program: The Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program was established in 2013 when new stormwater regulations were passed, requiring developers to more effectively manage stormwater and help remedy the negative impacts of large-scale development on District waterbodies. Developers have the option to meet a portion of their stormwater retention requirement by purchasing SRCs, or stormwater retention credits. SRCs are generated from off-site, green infrastructure installations or through the removal of impervious surfaces throughout District communities. The first program of its kind, buying and selling credits to manage stormwater is certainly an innovative approach, but what does it mean for DC property owners?

There are essentially two ways that you can take advantage of the SRC Program:

  1. Generate SRCs by installing green infrastructure on your property that meets DOEE’s SRC eligibility and certification process. which can be sold on an open market or, if eligible, to DOEE at a fixed rate through the SRC Price Lock Program.

  2. Partner with an SRC Aggregator to build green infrastructure on your property. SRC-aggregating businesses can install and maintain green infrastructure on your property, often at no cost to you. Typically, these services are in exchange for the right to some or all the SRCs generated by the project.

For a local example of SRC program in action, check out the rain garden that was installed at the Progressive National Baptist Convention in Ward 7.

Beyond the SRC Program: DOEE recognizes that small, single-family homes may not have the capacity to install SRC-generating green infrastructure, but that doesn’t mean residents can’t take advantage of other opportunities and weigh-in on local projects. For example, DOEE’s RiverSmart Homes program can help install green infrastructure features on your property such as rain barrels and rain gardens at reduced rates. Even renters are able to sign up for RiverSmart Homes with the consent of the property owner! Other RiverSmart programs, such as the RiverSmart Rewards program, can provide a discount of up to 55% off DOEE’s Stormwater Fee and up to 20% off DC Water’s Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge.

Are you interested in green infrastructure projects in your neighborhood? Whether you are a proud DC property owner, engaged resident, or passionate supporter of green initiatives, we want to hear from you. By participating in this brief survey, you can help us gather valuable feedback and insights so we can all enjoy the benefits of green infrastructure.

Want to Learn More?

Contact Clean Water Action: Nathan Peebles, DC Program Coordinator

Contact DOEE:  Beatrice Ohene-Okae, Environmental Protection Specialist