New Report Identifies Ways to Fund Greening Programs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia can help ensure a more prosperous future by investing in green infrastructure, according to a report released by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Prepared by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, the report, "Implementing Green Infrastructure," provides recommendations to city and regional leaders to achieve Philadelphia's ambitious goals of becoming the greenest city in America by funding investments in sustainable transportation, water and energy.

"Philadelphia and surrounding communities understand that green infrastructure is fiscally and environmentally beneficial,” said Steve Wray, executive director of the Economy League. “What's crucial now is to incorporate it into every equation as matter of course, not as an ad-hoc add-on. We found examples across the country of cities that have successfully made that shift. In the interests of the future of our region, certainly Philadelphia can do the same to incentivize 'green' over current outmoded and non-sustainable practices."

As the report described, "green infrastructure" uses trees, green buildings, renewable energy, porous pavement and wetlands to serve the same functions as traditional "gray" infrastructure--storm sewer pipes and parking lots. For example, a green street not only provides transportation, but also captures storm water runoff, thus reducing pollution, and the strain and maintenance of the city's overburdened sewer system, the report said.

The report identified immediate and long-term strategies to fund green infrastructure, including implementing fees based on the amount of impervious land on a property and encourage storm water reductions.

The report also highlighted the need for leadership, cross-department coordination facilitated by the Mayor's Office of Sustainability, focused demonstration of public benefits and regional collaboration from counties.

The report is available online at www.pecpa.org/fundinggreen.

Source: Pennsylvania Environmental Council