Audree Grubesic published this post on Mar 27. It is part 2 of 3 of the High Performance Series with Mark Wille and features Tracy Fanara.
Low impact development, or LID, is a land planning approach that works with natural systems instead of against them. It focuses on reducing infrastructure strain and managing stormwater naturally.
The post says LID can save time and money, but adoption often depends on education and internal buy-in. Tracy Fanara’s research challenges the idea that meeting minimum regulations is always the best financial outcome. She developed an app to help developers quantify cost and time savings tied to LID strategies.
Civil engineers can use nature-based solutions instead of relying only on traditional stormwater pipes.
These systems slow, filter, and redirect stormwater naturally. The post says site conditions matter, including soil composition, clay layers, groundwater levels, and proximity to natural water bodies. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Stormwater disconnection interrupts the path from rooftops and driveways to storm sewers and waterways. Water is redirected into pervious surfaces such as bioswales or rain gardens. The result is slower runoff, more infiltration, and a more natural water cycle.
LID also applies to existing cities. The post mentions rain barrel distribution initiatives, sustainable backyard projects, and the Philadelphia Green Streets Program. These efforts can improve stormwater management and may increase property values and neighborhood aesthetics.
The post argues that traditional turf grass has major environmental costs. It says lawns require excessive water, fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. These inputs can contribute to runoff pollution, ecosystem disruption, and public health concerns tied to chemical exposure.
Native landscaping and ecological planting are presented as more sustainable alternatives.
Artificial turf is described as having hidden environmental costs. The post lists these impacts:
Maintenance such as raking and infill replacement can also add to the environmental burden.
The post says housing innovation should include ecological planning. Industrialized construction, modular systems, and offsite manufacturing improve structural efficiency. Low impact development adds environmental resilience by aligning construction with natural systems.
It is a land planning approach that manages stormwater naturally through systems like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable surfaces.
Yes. The post says LID can reduce infrastructure costs, pipe networks, and long-term maintenance expenses while improving site resilience.
It redirects runoff from impervious surfaces into pervious systems to slow water flow and restore natural hydrology.