GSI Precedent Library
A variety of stakeholders, including our members, developers and property owners, and the Philadelphia Water Department, agree that there is a significant need for more data on the performance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects, and for that data to be publicly available. More data on the performance of best management practices (BMP’s) such as rain gardens, stormwater tree trenches, porous pavements, and green roofs, support GSI Partners’ objectives for research and innovation that advances of the state-of-the-art of the GSI industry. With additional knowledge on the performance of GSI, industry professionals can continue to improve the design and performance of BMPs; developers and property owners can increase their knowledge-base on the value of investing in GSI; and regulatory agencies can expand the performance metrics used to approve GSI projects.
One of the ways SBN, via the GSI Partners, is addressing the need for more information on the degree to which GSI performs is through the development of a GSI Precedent Library. The Library was developed in partnership with The Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC), with support from a strong consultant team that includes members Meliora Design, Andropogon Associates, and Roofmeadow, all nationally recognized industry experts.
The GSI Precedent Library features a collection of case studies of highly effective GSI projects from across the country that demonstrates the dynamic performance capacity of best management practices. The case studies are complimented by peer-reviewed research that further defends the environmental, social, and economic benefits of green stormwater infrastructure.
The development of the GSI Precedent Library’s was enhanced by two symposia, jointly hosted by SBN’s GSI Partners and DVGBC, which brought researchers and practitioners together to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s work. The symposia, held in May and June 2016, examined soil and plant performance in green stormwater infrastructure systems.
Click here to review the library: Exceeding Intent: A Precedent Library of Exemplary Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects.
Symposia #1: Soil Performance in GSI Systems:
- Review Dr. Barrett Kays’ presentation, Designing Soils for Infiltration, Drainage, and Stormwater Treatment.
- Read Dr. Barrett Kays’ papers, Beyond Green LID Zero Runoff Strategies for Our Cities and Amending Soils for Enhanced Infiltration of Stormwater.
- Review Mr. Tim Craul’s presentation, Soil Design for Stormwater.
Symposia #2: Plant Performance in GSI Systems:
- Review Walter Yerk’s presentation, Rainfall Interception by Urban Shrub Canopy – an Experimental Study in Philadelphia.
- Review Dr. Sasha Eisenman’s presentation, Water Relations of Trees Growing in Green Infrastructure Stormwater Trenches.
- Review Sara Pevaroff Schuh’s presentation, Case Study: Greening Lea Elementary School.
The Precedent Library will be used to aid the GSI Partners’ ongoing efforts to advance the local GSI industry and innovation.
*The Precedent Library was publicly presented for the first time at the GSI Partners Quarterly Meeting on October 25th at Temple University’s Center City Campus. The GSI Partners Quarterly Meetings are an opportunity for members and non-members alike to come together to learn about the latest happenings in the GSI industry and engage in conversations with peers.
