A case-study based framework for assessing the multi-sector performance of green infrastructure

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Urban Planning
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Green infrastructure (GI) is a key stormwater management strategy with broad benefits.
• Demonstrating GI project success is crucial for funding and stakeholder buy-in.
• Assessing GI performance comprehensively poses challenges for diverse audiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for assessing green infrastructure performance.
• To enhance communication with potential investors by including multiple evaluation methods, metrics, and risk categories.
• To validate the framework's applicability across various GI projects.

Main Methods:

• Development of a conceptual assessment framework for green infrastructure.
• Inclusion of multiple evaluation methods, performance metrics (social, economic), and risk categories.
• Validation of the framework using fourteen international case studies.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework demonstrated flexibility and specificity across diverse GI projects.
• Existing GI projects often incorporate some evaluation methods and specific metrics.
• Social and economic performance metrics are available for integration.
• Risk assessment and management techniques can boost investor confidence.
• Existing standardization can aid future GI strategy design.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework effectively assesses green infrastructure performance for diverse stakeholders.
• Integrating varied metrics and risk analysis enhances investor confidence in GI projects.
• The framework's adaptability supports widespread adoption and standardization in GI implementation.