Use planted swales instead of curbs and gutters
Vegetated swales help water soak back into the ground.
Roadside gutters collect runoff and direct it into storm sewers, streams or rivers. Vegetated drainage swales are often a better solution. Runoff collected from paved areas has a chance to soak into the ground and recharge underground aquifers. Soil and vegetation also strain out some contaminants. In some instances, monitoring wells may be needed to ensure that pollutants aren't reaching groundwater.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: 2 points for managing runoff from the roof with vegetated swales or other permanent stormwater controls (SS 4).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: 6 points for a stormwater management plan that minimizes concentrated flows with vegetative swales and similar features (503.4).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
