Kim Stephens – 2007 (120p)
The 'Topsoil Primer Set' synthesizes the experience of City of Surrey, the City of Courtenay and the District of North Vancouver in pioneering implementation of absorbent landscape policies and requirements.
The authors provide examples illustrating how reduced hydrologic connectivity can provide greater ecological benefits than enhanced connectivity does in highly developed, human-modified ecosystems.
To facilitate better land use decisions, the GIP is collaborating with the Water Balance Model Partnership to enhance the web-based scenario modeling and decision support tool. The Water Balance Model is a core element of a comprehensive Outreach & Continuing Education Program (OCEP). There is awareness and growing interest across North America and elsewhere in the potential for applying the Water Balance Model to evaluate the effectiveness of rainwater runoff source controls under different combinations of land use, soil conditions and rainfall distribution.
The rating system is modelled after the highly successful LEED Green Building rating system and encourages conservation and restoration of coastal landscapes. The rating system will increase the knowledge, demand, and market for green coastal design.
There is continued desire for green buildings from both the public and private sector, and in general the greenroof & greenwall industry has weathered quite nicely.
“The notion of ‘sustainable communities’ begins with a discussion of values that communities declare or reflect as changes occur in their landscapes. The solutions and commitments go beyond what government does,” states Tim Pringle.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson
This is a momentous occasion in Vancouver’s attempt to become a world leader in green energy and in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“The phrase ‘water for life and livelihoods’ conveys the principles of sustainability of natural systems in their own right and in relation to the health and wellbeing of people who benefit from the use of water for basic life needs and economic activity,” states Tim Pringle.
Parkview Green building in Beijing
Building operations account for about one-sixth of China's total carbon emissions, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The Trust conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
