Under orders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to largely eliminate the flow of sewage into rivers and streams, Cincinnati is moving forward with a plan using green solutions.
The city’s approach to controlling storm runoff will include a one-mile-long restored stream, water features, rain gardens, a recreation area, and a trail. Officials believe that results of the green approach will include revitalization of blighted areas, cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and less flooding.
The green alternative to a concrete tunnel to hold overflow for later treatment is projected to cost $100 million less to construct. Green solutions can help many communities reduce stormwater runoff, but cannot by themselves be the answer everywhere.
Pittsburgh, for example, with its numerous hills, has a much different topography than Cincinnati. Pittsburgh officials favor a combination of green and gray approaches to meet the requirements for reducing the outflow of sewage into the Ohio River.
Related Stories
Green | Nov 29, 2015
Leadership or limbo: Moving to building green’s next level
After interviewing more than 50 AEC firms for our Greenbuild Report in the November issue, I wonder if the sustainability movement has hit a wall in the nonresidential construction sector.
Green | Nov 23, 2015
Top 10 green building products for 2016
A hybrid urinal, ventless dryer, and a chair made of mushroom roots are among the new green products to make BuildingGreen's annual list.
Green | Nov 23, 2015
Green construction doubling every three years
Clients and tenants increasingly value sustainability.
Green | Nov 23, 2015
Copenhagen designer offers assembly kit for a two-story hydroponic urban farm
Founders of Human Habitat believe their Impact Farm could grow up to six tons of produce per year.
Sponsored | Green | Nov 20, 2015
A century-old furniture factory gets a living wall biofilter for better air
During renovations, the team integrated the biofilter into the new HVAC system to provide clean air directly to the offices
Green | Nov 19, 2015
USGBC names 2016 board of directors and advisory council
New governance structure will have two leadership bodies.
BIM and Information Technology | Nov 18, 2015
AIA: Energy modeling key to reaching carbon neutrality in buildings
Energy modeling allows architects to be more ambitious with energy-saving in their design projects.
Green | Nov 18, 2015
Green Seal expands standard for paints, coatings, stains, and finishes
This new edition of GS-11 includes floor coatings, concrete and masonry sealers, and fire resistive coatings, in addition to the paints, primers, anti-corrosive coatings, and reflective coatings previously covered.
Green | Nov 17, 2015
DOE launches new data collaborative to help cities and states boost building efficiency
The SEED Standard will help manage, standardize, share performance data.
Mixed-Use | Nov 16, 2015
Italian architect designs vertical forest with prefab units by BuroHappold
Cantilevered planters will host cedar trees and other plants hundreds of feet above ground.
