“Other languages like French and German often use more exact terms than English for 'stormwater' and 'wastewater', and this changes how relationships and worth are perceived,” states Robert Hicks.
The program builds on a growing consensus among the Environmental Protection Agency and green development advocates that green infrastructure can be an effective tool to help reduce stormwater overflows.
“As biological creatures, we depend on natural capital and its ecosystem services to sustain the health and well-being of our families and communities. But these benefits are often taken for granted by decision-makers on land-use issues,” says Dr. Faisal Moola, Science Director of the Suzuki Foundation.
“A large number of individuals in the community worked very hard over the last nine months to produce this plan. It is both a visionary statement and a practical tool that will guide decision-making as we move forward,” stated Kim Charlesworth.
Report examines the extent of natural capital — forests, fields, wetlands and waterways — in BC's Lower Mainland region and estimates non-market economic values for some of the benefits these ecosystems provide.
Andy Reese (120p)
The article is provocative in pointing out that some methodologies can be used to obtain any number of “correct” answers. This approach contrasts with a compilation of current and acceptable state of the practice.
The link between asset management and the protection of a community’s natural resources is emerging as an important piece in Sustainable Service Delivery. “Asset management usually commences after something is built. The challenge is to think about what asset management entails BEFORE the asset is built. What level does a community wish to provide, and what level can it afford. Everyone needs to be thinking in terms of life-cycle costs, especially future recapitalization of the investment. This is not normally considered in traditional infrastructure decision-making,” stated Stan Westby.
Gail Wells – science writer
New research by the Pacific Northwest Research Station demonstrates that street trees increase home prices, that shade trees reduce household energy use, and that these effects can be measured and expressed in dollars.
“The WBM allows the user to quickly establish the existing, or the predevelopment, base line that will become the standard used to measure the performance of future development scenarios during the planning and design of a project. This allows the user to test various methods to establish the easiest and best ways to achieve the most desirable vision of the future for the Site, the Development, or the Watershed,” stated Jim Dumont.
Patrick Condon (120p)
A group of architecture and planning students at the University of BC has recently crafted a master plan for the City of Vancouver that paints a vivid and compelling picture of change over the next 40 years.
