Editing Infrastructure (section)

== Green infrastructure ==
{{Main|Green infrastructure}}
Green infrastructure is a type of sustainable infrastructure. Green infrastructure uses plant or soil systems to restore some of the natural processes needed to manage water, reduce the effects of disasters such as flooding,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kurki-Fox |first=J. Jack |last2=Doll |first2=Barbara A. |last3=Line |first3=Daniel E. |last4=Baldwin |first4=Madalyn E. |last5=Klondike |first5=Travis M. |last6=Fox |first6=Andrew A. |date=2022-08-01 |title=The flood reduction and water quality impacts of watershed-scale natural infrastructure implementation in North Carolina, USA |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925857422001574 |journal=Ecological Engineering |volume=181 |pages=106696 |doi=10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106696 |issn=0925-8574}}</ref> and create healthier urban environments.<ref name="Konstantinos L 2016">{{cite journal |last1=Basdeki |first1=Aikaterini |last2=Katsifarakis |first2=Lysandros |last3=Katsifarakis |first3=Konstantinos L. |title=Rain Gardens as Integral Parts of Urban Sewage Systems-a Case Study in Thessaloniki, Greece |journal=Procedia Engineering |date=2016 |volume=162 |pages=426–432 |doi=10.1016/j.proeng.2016.11.084 |doi-access=free }}</ref> In a more practical sense, it refers to a decentralized network of stormwater management practices, which includes green roofs, trees, bioretention and infiltration, and permeable pavement.<ref name=":7b">{{Cite web|date=2011-01-21|title=The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits|url=https://www.cnt.org/publications/the-value-of-green-infrastructure-a-guide-to-recognizing-its-economic-environmental-and|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Center for Neighborhood Technology|language=en}}</ref> Green infrastructure has become an increasingly popular strategy in recent years due to its effectiveness in providing ecological, economic, and social benefits{{snd}}including positively impacting energy consumption, air quality, and carbon reduction and sequestration.<ref name=":7b" />

=== Green roofs ===
{{Main|green roof}}
A green roof is a rooftop that is partially or completely covered with growing vegetation planted over a membrane. It also includes additional layers, including a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.<ref name=":8b">{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=W.C. |last2=Yeung |first2=K.K.A. |title=A comprehensive study of green roof performance from environmental perspective |journal=International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment |date=June 2014 |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=127–134 |doi=10.1016/j.ijsbe.2014.05.001 |doi-access=free }}</ref> There are several categories of green roofs, including extensive (have a growing media depth ranging from two to six inches) and intensive (have a growing media with a depth greater than six inches).<ref name=":8b" /> One benefit of green roofs is that they reduce [[stormwater runoff]] because of its ability to store water in its growing media, reducing the runoff entering the sewer system and waterways, which also decreases the risk of combined sewer overflows.<ref name=":8b" /> They reduce energy usage since the growing media provides additional insulation, reduces the amount of solar radiation on the roof's surface, and provides evaporative cooling from water in the plants, which reduce the roof surface temperatures and heat influx.<ref name=":8b" /> Green roofs also reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide since the vegetation sequesters carbon and, since they reduce energy usage and the urban heat island by reducing the roof temperature, they also lower carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation.<ref>{{cite web|date=2014-06-17|title=Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands|url=https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-green-roofs-reduce-heat-islands|access-date=2020-11-05|website=United States Environmental Protection Agency|language=en}}</ref>

=== Tree planting ===
[[Tree planting]] provides a host of ecological, social, and economic benefits. Trees can intercept rain, support infiltration and water storage in soil, diminish the impact of raindrops on barren surfaces, minimize soil moisture through transpiration, and they help reduce stormwater runoff.<ref name="Konstantinos L 2016"/> Additionally, trees contribute to recharging local aquifers and improve the health of watershed systems. Trees also reduce energy usage by providing shade and releasing water into the atmosphere which cools the air and reduces the amount of heat absorbed by buildings.<ref name=":7b" /> Finally, trees improve air quality by absorbing harmful air pollutants reducing the amount of greenhouse gases.

=== Bioretention and infiltration practices ===
There are a variety of types of bioretention and infiltration practices, including [[rain garden]]s and bioswales.<ref name=":7b" /> A rain garden is planted in a small depression or natural slope and includes native shrubs and flowers. They temporarily hold and absorb rain water and are effective in removing up to 90% of nutrients and chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from the runoff.<ref name="EPA Soak Up the Rain">{{cite web |title=Soak Up the Rain: Permeable Pavement |url=https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-permeable-pavement |website=EPA |date=21 August 2015 }}</ref> As a result, they soak 30% more water than conventional gardens.<ref name="EPA Soak Up the Rain"/> Bioswales are planted in paved areas like parking lots or sidewalks and are made to allow for overflow into the sewer system by trapping silt and other pollutants, which are normally left over from impermeable surfaces.<ref name=":7b" /> Both rain gardens and bioswales mitigate flood impacts and prevent stormwater from polluting local waterways; increase the usable water supply by reducing the amount of water needed for outdoor irrigation; improve air quality by minimizing the amount of water going into treatment facilities, which also reduces energy usage and, as a result, reduces air pollution since less greenhouse gases are emitted.<ref name=":7b" />