Is Low Impact Development the next step in sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction practices have gained increasing popularity over the years as people have become more conscious about the impact of buildings on the environment. Low impact development (LID) is a sustainable construction approach that seeks to reduce the impact of development on the environment by incorporating natural systems and processes into the design and construction of buildings. In this blog post, we will explore low impact development and sustainable construction practices.

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Low impact development (LID) is a comprehensive approach to land development and management that emphasizes the use of natural systems to manage stormwater runoff. The objective of LID is to mimic natural processes that occur in undisturbed environments and to use them to manage stormwater in urban areas. LID techniques include using pervious surfaces for parking lots and sidewalks, creating green roofs and walls, and utilizing rain gardens and bioswales to capture and filter stormwater runoff.

Sustainable construction practices, on the other hand, focus on reducing the environmental impact of building construction and operation. Sustainable construction practices take into account the entire life cycle of a building, including the sourcing of materials, the construction process, the operation of the building, and the end-of-life disposal or recycling of the building. Sustainable construction practices aim to minimize the use of resources, reduce waste, and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Both LID and sustainable construction practices are essential for creating more sustainable and resilient communities. They can help reduce the impact of development on the environment, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create healthier and more livable communities. By incorporating LID techniques into sustainable construction practices, we can create buildings and communities that are more environmentally friendly and more sustainable.

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Some of the benefits of LID and sustainable construction practices include:

Improved water quality:

LID techniques help to filter and treat stormwater runoff through recyclable geosynthetic systems, which can improve the quality of water in local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Reduced flooding:

LID techniques alongside erosion control management help to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that enters local waterways, which can help to prevent flooding.

Reduced urban heat island effect:

Green roofs and walls, and the use of reflective surfaces, can help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Improved air quality:

By promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels, sustainable construction practices can help to improve air quality.

Reduced energy consumption:

Sustainable construction practices can help to reduce the amount of energy consumed by buildings, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

In conclusion, low impact development and sustainable construction practices are essential for creating more sustainable and resilient communities. By incorporating LID techniques into sustainable construction practices, we can create buildings and communities that are more environmentally friendly, healthier, and more livable. As we continue to develop and build our communities, it is important to prioritize sustainable construction practices to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

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