Blue and Green Cities: The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Managing Urban Water Resources (2nd Edition)

A completely revised and updated new edition of this successful book focused on urban policy innovations that promote the application of blue-green infrastructure in managing water resources sustainably. Since the first edition published, nature-based solutions in general and blue-green infrastructure, in particular, have become a more recognised solution to various societal challenges, including mitigating climatic extremes in cities while restoring the natural environment and enhancing biodiversity. This new edition provides updated research on urban policy innovations that promote the application of BGI in managing water resources sustainably. In particular, the book contains case studies that illustrate how cities of differing climates, lifestyles and income levels have implemented policy innovations that promote the application of BGI in managing water, wastewater and stormwater sustainably to enhance resilience to climate change and reduce environmental degradation. The seven case studies are leading cities that have implemented various fiscal and non-fiscal policy tools to encourage the implementation of BGI on both public and private property to reduce stormwater runoff volumes, enhance the health of waterways, enhance resilience to climate change and meet regulatory requirements. Acknowledgements Contents List of Figures List of Tables 1 Introduction 2 From Traditional Grey Infrastructure to Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Traditional Grey Infrastructure Impacts of Traditional Grey Infrastructure on Water Quantity Changes in the Local Hydrological Cycle Increased Peak Flows Downstream Flooding Risks Changes in Groundwater and Surface Water Levels Increased Climate Change-Related Flooding Events Impacts of Traditional Grey Infrastructure on Water Quality Pollutants Entering Waterways Poor Visual Quality Thermal Pollution The Challenge of Climate Change on Traditional Grey Infrastructure Rapid Urbanisation Increasing Environmental Degradation Mega-Cities Large Cities Medium–Small Cities Regulatory Response to Managing Stormwater Blue-Green Infrastructure Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure Through Spatial Planning Blue-Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management Multifunctionality of Blue-Green Infrastructure Multiple Co-Benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure Economic Benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure Deferring or Replacing Costly Grey Infrastructure Blue-Green Infrastructure is Less Capital-Intensive Reduced Water Treatment Costs Lower Landscape Maintenance Costs Increased Groundwater Resources Reduced Water Imports Reduced Energy Costs Enhanced Ecosystem Service Values Increased Employment Increased Investment Increased Land and Property Values Environmental Benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure Reduced Flood Risk Reduced and Delayed Stormwater Runoff Volumes Stormwater Pollutant Reductions Reduced Sewer Overflow Events Improved Waterway Quality Enhanced Water Conservation Increased Groundwater Recharge Improved Air Quality and Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced Urban Heat Island Effects Improved Habitats Carbon Sequestration Social Benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure Increasing Life Expectancy and Reducing Health Inequalities Improving Levels of Physical Activity and Health Improving Psychological Health and Mental Well-Being Social Interaction, Inclusion, and Cohesion Increased Quality of Neighbourhoods Increased Public Safety Healthier Air Food Production Recreation and Pleasure Quality of Place Safer Water Quality Reduced Crime Levels Educational Opportunities Beautifies Neighbourhoods Enhanced Climate Resilience Barriers to Blue-Green Infrastructure Notes References 3 Blue-Green Infrastructure in Managing Urban Water Resources Introduction Natural Water Features: Ponds, Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands Stormwater Detention or Retention Systems Stormwater Detention or Retention Basins Bioretention Basins or Rain Gardens Vegetated and Bioretention Swales Riparian Buffers, Restored Waterways, and Constructed Wetlands Riparian Buffers River and Stream Restoration Constructed Wetlands Human-Made Water Features: Green Buildings, Streets, and Spaces Green Buildings Green Roofs Blue Roofs Disconnecting Downspouts and Rain Barrels Rainwater Harvesting Green Streets Buffer Vegetation and Lawns Stormwater Planters Stormwater Bump-Outs Stormwater Tree Trenches Pervious Pavement and Depaving Gravel Trenches Detention Tanks/Underground Systems Green Parking Spaces Green Spaces: Urban Forests and Vegetation Parks and Open Spaces Multifunctional Public Facilities Notes References 4 Adaptive Management and Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Urban Resilience Qualities of Resilient Cities Actions to Build Urban Resilience Urban Analysis Climate Change Risk Analysis Vulnerability Analysis Physical Vulnerability of People and Infrastructure Unfavourable Organisational and Economic Conditions Attitudes and Motivations Resilience Planning Adoption of an Iterative Decision-Support Framework Adaptive Management Conditions for Using Adaptive Management Adaptive Management in Climate Change Adaptation Adaptive Management and Natural Resources Management The Role of Time in Adaptive Management Uncertainty in Natural Resources Management Adaptive Management and Blue-Green Infrastructure Operationalising Blue-Green Infrastructure Using the Adaptive Management Framework Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Stormwater Fees/Rates Stormwater Fee Discounts and Credits Stormwater Fee Discounts Stormwater Credits Stormwater Credit Trading Grants Rebates and Installation Financing Public–Private Partnerships Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Information and Awareness Fast-Track Project Review Pilot and Demonstration Projects Learning Alliances Mandates Awards and Recognition Programmes Notes References 5 Amsterdam Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Strategic Vision Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Subsidy for Blue-Green Roofs Subsidy Scheme for Green Roofs and Facades Subsidy for Greenery and Water in Your Garden Subsidy for Greening and Rainproofing Schools Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Amsterdam Rainwater Ordinance Replacing Tiles with Green Smart Blue-Green Roofs Project Rainproof Teaching Programmes Rainproof Coaching Brochure: Build Green and Blue Handbook: The Rainproof Garden Action Demonstration Project: Travelling (Smart) Rain Barrel Green Tramways Projects 96 Green Roofs on Sheds in Noord Spaarndammerheart Rainproof Orange Runner Rainproof Shelter in Amsterdam Tram Stops Rainwater System for Roof Gardens Sluishuis Green–Blue Roof on Municipal Real Estate Green Parking Spaces: Amsterdam West Case Study Summary Notes References 6 Copenhagen Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Climate Adaptation Plan Cloudburst Management Plan Adapting to Extreme Rainfall: Draining Excessive Stormwater Out to Sea Prioritising Cloudburst Management Measures Allocating Responsibility for Implementing the Cloudburst Management Plan Implementing BGI: From the Cloudburst Management Plan to 300 Projects The 300 Cloudburst Projects Interlinking BGI Projects with Urban Development Cloudburst Project Types Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Mandating the Disconnection of Downspouts Public–Private Partnership Public Agency–Utility Cooperation Lobbying Central Government/Financing BGI Community Engagement to Maximise Social Benefits Project Examples Green Roofs Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting Green Roads Green Public Spaces Green Shopping District Climate-Resilient Neighbourhood Case Study Summary Notes References 7 Melbourne Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Integrated Water Management Plan Green Our City Strategic Action Plan Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Programme Urban Forest Fund Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Melbourne Planning Scheme and Water-Sensitive Urban Design Green Factor Tool Blue-Green Infrastructure Design Typologies for Streetscapes Growing Green Guide Green Your Lane Green Our Rooftop Demonstration Green Roof Project Green Our Rooftop Research Grants and Postgraduate Scholarships Mapping Roofs Project Examples Rain Garden Projects Howard Street Rain Gardens Rain Garden Tree Pit Programme Greening Projects Burston Reserve Passive Irrigation La Trobe Street Green Bicycle Lane Water Capture and Reuse Birrarung Marr Stormwater Harvesting System Alexandra Gardens and Queen Victoria Gardens Stormwater Harvesting System Other Projects Trin Warren Tam-Boore Wetland Green Gateway Greening the Pipeline Case Study Summary Notes References 8 New York City Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction New York City Green Infrastructure Programme Long-Term Control Plans Performance Metrics Report New York City Green Infrastructure Programme Implementation Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Green Roof Tax Abatement NYC Green Infrastructure Grant Programme Greening Private Properties Incentive Programme Resilient NYC Partners Community Stormwater Resiliency Grant Programme Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Unified Stormwater Rule Sustainable Roof Regulations Green Infrastructure Maps Rain Barrel Giveaway Programme Large-Scale Green Infrastructure in Street Medians Public Property Retrofits Green Infrastructure Standards and Specifications Partnering with City Agencies Partnership with DOT Partnership with DPR Partnership with SCA and DOE Division of School Facilities ROW Maintenance Harbour Protectors Programme Performance Monitoring of Green Infrastructure Case Study Summary Notes References 9 Philadelphia Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Green City, Clean Waters Greened Acres Implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Public and Private Spaces Triple Bottom Line Benefits of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Stormwater Charges Stormwater Credits Programme Stormwater Grants Rain Check Soak It up Adoption Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools PWD Stormwater Management Regulations Green Streets Design Manual Excellence in GSI Awards Stormwater Pioneers Project Examples Wissinoming Park Stormwater Bump-Outs on Queens Lane Stroud Water Research Centre Stormwater Wetland at Saylor Grove Case Study Summary Notes References 10 San Francisco Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Sewer System Improvement Programme Sewer System Improvement Programme Levels of Service Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Green Infrastructure Grant Programme Urban Watershed Stewardship Grants Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Stormwater Management Ordinance Rain Guardians Programme Stormwater Schoolyards Next Urban Greening Project Project Examples Baker Beach Green Streets Chinatown Spofford Living Valley Holloway Green Street Mission & Valencia Green Gateway Sunset Boulevard Greenway Project Upper Yosemite Creek Daylighting Project Visitacion Valley Green Nodes Wiggle Neighbourhood Green Corridor Monitoring Projects Case Study Summary Notes References 11 Singapore Becoming a Blue-Green City Through Blue-Green Infrastructure Introduction Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme ABC Waters and Sustainable Stormwater Management Benefits of ABC Waters Designs Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Fiscal Tools Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme 2.0 Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure: Non-Fiscal Tools Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage ABC Waters Certification ABC Waters Professional Programme Drainage Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff Housing and Development Board’s Green Towns Programme Skyrise Greenery Awards Project Examples Rain Gardens and Education: Soakaway Rain Gardens in Local Schools The Peak @ Toa Payoh Firefly Park @ Clementi Kallang River at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Gardens by the Bay The Learning Forest at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Hougang ParkEdge SkyResidence Case Study Summary Notes References 12 Best Practices and Conclusion Introduction Best Practices Financial Incentives and Subsidies Policies and Regulations Public–Private Partnerships Community Engagement and Education Data Collection and Performance Monitoring Technical Support and Training Standards and Guidelines Awards and Recognition Community Programmes and Volunteer Opportunities Professional Certification Programmes Conclusion Index