Category Archives: Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Families Shirk Suburbia for Urban Life

In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle's downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle’s downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Seattle’s population composition, along with other cities like Portland, OR could be seeing a trend where young parents opt to remain in,  or return to the city life they enjoyed pre-families.

On March 24th, the Associated Press reported that “A small but growing number of parents are bucking a trend when it comes to raising their kids: Rather than move to suburbs as their parents once did, many are opting to stay in or near downtown. Some do it to seek an urban lifestyle, shorten commutes or be within proximity to restaurants, museums and other attractions.”

Citing a 30% increase in school enrollment between 2007 and  2012, this vocal group has been pushing cities to become friendlier to families – by requesting they add  schools, green space and recreational services to accommodate this growing population.

To read the full article, please click here.

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment

What is the Connection Between Rainwater and Stormwater?

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rain-432770_1280Stormwater is rainwater that has not been collected and stored for future use, infiltrated or managed at the source. Rainwater, when not stored for future use or infiltrated on site, will flow into storm drains picking up toxins on the way and eventually will end up in our waterways.

The EPA has identified “stormwater as the greatest source of water pollution”.

With proper filtration and disinfection, the practice of rainwater collection for landscaping, toilet flushing, laundry, commercial and industrial use, along with potable use for single family residences, can minimize storm water runoff. The use of swales and rain gardens to lessen the effects of storm water from urban sprawl are helping reduce the effects of stormwater runoff.

According to the EPA “rainwater harvesting systems are recognized as a Low Impact Development (LID) technique for stormwater management.” As a result, many states, counties and cities have adopted and encourage rainwater collection. The EPA recognizes that the “effectiveness of a rainwater harvesting system for managing stormwater runoff depends on the presence of a consistent and reliable demand that can draw down the cisterns and ensure adequate volume for storm water retention.” A system that is sized properly by taking daily rainfall amounts into account, rather than yearly averages – and design that includes a full range of use during those peak events, or enough storage to minimize overflow, are going to be the most effective. 

Whether commercial or residential, rainwater collection, when sized properly and used regularly on a scale that lessens the overflow amount from the cistern, has the most positive effect on stormwater management.

To read more from the EPA on rainwater collection and stormwater see http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/upload/rainharvesting.pdf 

Infrastructure

Eiffel Tower Models Sustainable Living

eiffel towerAn iconic structure known the world over, the Eiffel Tower has been fitted with solar panels, wind turbines and rainwater collectors in order to bring energy efficiency to the tower to promote sustainable living.

According to CANARM.org, “The renovations are part of the City of Paris Climate Plan, which seeks to improve energy efficiency, urban heating and reduce gas emissions from road traffic by 2020. “

The story goes on to add that the tower has switched to LED lighting,  has been fitted with solar panels and rainwater collectors.

While still dependent on energy generated elsewhere, the solar panels will meet 50 percent of the tower’s needs for hot water, and the collected rainwater will be used to flush the toilets at the tower.

Click here to read the full text of the article.

First drawing of the Eiffel Tower by Maurice Koechlin