Sustainability

When development occurs, natural areas are covered with impervious surfaces, preventing stormwater from soaking into the ground, and causing an increase in storm runoff. On-site Green Infrastructure, or Low Impact Development(LID), integrates small-scale engineered facilities with natural vegetation. An LID strategy reduces the impact of impervious surfaces by increasing the infiltration and treatment as it flows over vegetated surfaces, mimicking more natural conditions. 

SEMSWA believes that an LID approach provides both an environmental and economic benefit. For the contractor, utilizing LID design can reduce capital costs, as well as the cost of land acquisition, site grading, pavement, and required stormwater infrastructure like pipe and gutter. Benefits to the owner include an increase in the number of buildable lots, and a reduction in long-term maintenance and irrigation costs through the use of native species instead of lawns. Vegetated areas are aesthetically pleasing to the tenant, employees, and visitors, and can increase property values. Environmentally, LID design allows water to be managed in a way that reduces the impact of built areas, promotes the natural movement of water within a watershed, and ultimately has a positive impact on water quality.