Different Methods to Assess Green Infrastructure Costs and Benefits in Housing Development Projects


  •  Pierre Beauchamp    
  •  Jan Adamowski    

Abstract

Given the general lack of empirical data for evaluating green infrastructure (GI) in housing development projects, this study analyzed the costs and anticipated benefits of a GI housing project development in the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada, including roads, drainage, water supply, and wastewater. The concept of managing storm water, wastewater, and water supply connected to a constructed lake within a closed loop has not been evaluated in detail previously. This study evaluated the economic costs and benefits of the investment in dollar terms using three methods of calculation: (1) the Center for Neighborhood Technology National Green ValuesTM Calculator, (2) the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Life Cycle Costing Tool, and (3) cost-benefit analysis. The findings of this study indicate that a GI project can provide significant economic and environmental benefits to cities.



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