Grantee Research Project Results
An Integrated Strategy to Improve Green Infrastructure Approaches in the Urban Context: A Philadelphia Case Study
EPA Grant Number: R835557Title: An Integrated Strategy to Improve Green Infrastructure Approaches in the Urban Context: A Philadelphia Case Study
Investigators: Featherstone, Jeffrey , Toran, Laura , Mandarano, Lynn , Weir, Mark
Current Investigators: Toran, Laura , Featherstone, Jeffrey , Mandarano, Lynn , Weir, Mark , Nyquist, Jonathan , Meenar, M. , Eisenmann, Sasha , Caplan, Joshua , Van Aken, Benoit , Ryan, Robert
Institution: Temple University , Villanova University , University of Pennsylvania , Morgan State University
Current Institution: Temple University , Morgan State University , University of Pennsylvania , Villanova University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2018
Project Amount: $999,995
RFA: Performance and Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure Stormwater Management Approaches in the Urban Context: A Philadelphia Case Study (2012) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , Water
Objective:
The Temple University research will address four objectives. The centerpiece of our research will be a multi-objective Green Campus monitoring program, which will serve as a controlled site for demonstrating and evaluating Green Infrastructure (GI). In addition, we will identify alternative finance mechanisms to promoteGI, evaluate triple bottom line (TBL) benefits over time, and outline successful collaborative approaches to implement GI practices and programs that would be transferable to other cities. We will promote and enhance STEM education on campus and city wide. Our team will test eight hypotheses, including four for the monitoring program and a critical one assessing the pivotal role of private capital markets for implementing GI in disadvantaged area.
Approach:
The approaches will include the use of geophysical surveys, and a wide range of computer models to assess real estate values and TBL benefits. Our approach is very innovative in addressing research needs and developing outputs. The monitoring program uses geophysical surveys to better understand heterogeneity of urban soils and infiltration. Monitoring of GI emphasizes sustainability through better understanding of micro topography and using long term, low cost monitoring to evaluate changes for a variety of GI installed on Temple’s campus. We will develop finance models and a dynamic triple-bottom line analysis and make them interactive through use of tablet and Smartphone applications that allow end users and the public to see results. The research on adoption of GI has its basis in a new collaborative approach, which benefits from the Stormwater Management Enhancement District being developed on Temple’s campus.
Expected Results:
The research strategy will significantly improve the knowledge base on GI and the risk management associated with alternative GI techniques and implementation approaches. The research will document the triple bottom line benefits of GI to Philadelphia and other American cities. These results will ultimately improve the ability of scientists, regulators, and decision-makers to protect the environment and public health.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 23 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 4 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Community-based, Geophysics, Green Infrastructure, Hydrology, Integrated Assessment, Measurement, Modeling, Monitoring, Pennsylvania (PA), Restoration, Risk Assessment, STEM, Sustainable Development, WaterProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.