The Value of Green Infrastructure

We are always hearing about the importance of greening our cities and homes to help the environment.
Individually we are recycling, conserving water by using rain barrels, riding our bikes more, purchasing energy smart appliances, etc.  Municipalities are looking at having sustainability plans, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, banning pesticides, allowing backyard chickens, LED streetlights, renewable energy for schools, implementing SmartGrowth strategies, and the list goes on. We have been told that many of these strategies will save us money in the long run. While this might not be the primary motivator for individuals it is very important for municipalities to justify the spending of tax dollars.  The Centre for Neighbourhood Technology (CNT) http://www.cnt.org/ has put together a guide which quantifies the "economic merits" of going green, The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits  Some of the Guide can be quite technical but it is good to see this type of economic study which hopefully with assist cities in not only making the greenest choice but also making the best choice for our bottom line. If you want to read the guide please go here
http://www.cnt.org/repository/gi-values-guide.pdf