Green Infrastructure Strategies

David Yocca, FASLA, is a principal landscape architect/planner with Conservation Design Forum, with offices in Elmhurst, Ill. and Ann Arbor, Mich.

David Yocca, FASLA, AICP, LEED AP, on behalf of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), testified before the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Congress on Sept. 30, 2010. He spoke about green infrastructure, such as green roofs, permeable pavers, rain gardens and other design approaches, that can be bring economic and ecological benefits to communities facing overburdened and crumbling infrastructure.

Yocca explained how green infrastructure uses such natural resources as trees, plants and soil to clean and store stormwater. He said such green techniques are cost-effective alternatives to installing and repairing grey infrastructure techniques like traditional pipes and sewers.

“Integrated green infrastructure strategies combine leading-edge, living technology with local design, craft and skill to restore our neighborhoods and cities to be healthier, more beautiful and ultimately more economically and ecologically sustainable over time,” said Yocca. 

Yocca also described how green infrastructure is transforming Chicago. “What we are seeing in Chicago is the creation of an industry that did not exist 10 years ago.  We’re not only creating sustainable buildings, alleys, streets and neighborhoods, we are creating good paying local jobs that capitalize on the talents and expertise of local workers.”

Yocca proclaimed Chicago one of the “shining examples of how greening a city has yielded tremendous ecological and economic benefits.”