How Do You Use Low Impact Development?

Low impact development (LID) is a land use planning and engineering design approach that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impacts of development. LID integrates conservation and preservation with development in order to achieve sustainable site design.

There are several ways to use low-impact development techniques. One way is to use native plants in landscaping. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, so they require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. Another way of using low-impact development (LID) methods is to create green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, which can help manage stormwater runoff.

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LID techniques can be used in both new development and redevelopment projects. In new developments, LID can be incorporated into the site planning and design process. For redevelopment projects, LID may be used to retrofit existing development sites. When properly implemented, low-impact development can provide many environmental benefits, including reduced pollution, improved water quality, increased wildlife habitat, and enhanced stormwater management. 

There are many benefits to low-impact development, including reducing pollution and stormwater runoff, improving water quality, preserving natural resources, and reducing the carbon footprint of a project. In addition, low-impact development can also create more attractive and livable communities.

While the benefits of low-impact development are clear, it is important to note that this approach is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the upfront cost associated with implementing low-impact development strategies. However, these costs are often offset by long-term savings in operating costs, such as water and energy consumption.