Characterization of co-benefits of green stormwater infrastructure across ecohydrologic regions in the United States

Stormwater Green Infrastructure (SGI) systems such as rain gardens, permeable pavement and bioswales are commonly used in municipalities to reduce urban flooding water pollution. In conjunction with these direct benefits, SGI provide additional social environmental “co-benefits”. Our goal was investigate the co-benefits of five cities United States, including Baltimore, Denver, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland. The i-Tree Eco model predict carbon storage sequestration, air pollution removal, UV reduction, cooling effects trees for individual tree species estimated inventories across study based on observed characteristic data. Aspects design, factors, inputs were assessed understand what parameters impacted predicted by model. We evaluated most highly influential using a global sensitivity analysis method. As expected, type overall number utilized within those designs, played large role determining amount However, climate also influenced estimation benefits produced, similar responses same zone (e.g. City). particular, showed that variables influencing conditions growth final co-benefit predictions produced Eco. revealed how various assumptions prevailing equations can play major outcomes Studies use analyze potential projects, especially when is compare projects zones, should consider aspects results simply function itself. Overall, predicts more provided certain an assumption currently supported literature.