Green infrastructure is often confused with the field of green building. In the context of building "green," certification programs such as LEED and stormwater management strategies, such as Low Impact Development are often employed. However, green infrastructure is not infrastructure that is environmentally friendly; GI encompasses the interconnected natural systems and ecological processes that provide clean water, air quality and wildlife habitat. Green infrastructure sustains a community’s social, economic, and environmental health. So, in short, green infrastructure is a forest and not a constructed raingarden. A raingarden is a wonderful way to slow and filter stormwater and I employ them in watershed planning to retrofit developed urban areas with better stormwater management. However, it's important that we not confuse these practices. This is the definition from our website "Green infrastructure planning provides an opportunity for communities to approach land use planning in a new way. By considering and inventorying environmental functions and values before development begins, land can be designated appropriately for protection and/or restoration to provide wildlife habitat, recreation, stormwater treatment, energy savings, aesthetic values, improved community health, and sustainable economies. Land planning that begins within the context of local ecological systems can ensure that development is channeled to the most appropriate areas, thereby protecting environmental functions while also saving money and energy. In already developed areas, green assets can be reconnected. At environmentally impaired sites where some contamination has occurred, natural systems and habitats can be restored." Green infrastructure approaches entail identifying, maping and conserving environmental assets before they are destroyed or damaged. They are not added in afterwards. I think this Wikiweb site is unclear and muddies the concept.

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