What is the benefit of using green infrastructure for stormwater management?

The benefit of using green infrastructure for stormwater management lies in its ability to mimic natural processes. This approach utilizes natural systems and vegetation to manage stormwater in a way that the environment would naturally handle rainfall and runoff. Green infrastructure techniques, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, absorb, infiltrate, and filter stormwater, effectively reducing runoff and improving water quality.

By imitating the natural hydrological cycle, green infrastructure helps maintain the ecological balance that can be disrupted by traditional stormwater management practices, which often rely on hard, impervious surfaces. This mimicking of natural processes allows for better infiltration of water into the ground, decreasing the risk of flooding and erosion while supporting local ecosystems and habitats.

Conversely, industrial expansion, increased concrete surfaces, and the elimination of vegetation do not align with the principles of green infrastructure and can ultimately lead to greater environmental challenges related to stormwater management.