Washington, D.C., September 30, 2010 – Green infrastructure techniques like green roofs, permeable pavers, rain gardens and other design approaches can provide significant economic and ecological benefits for communities facing overburdened and crumbling infrastructure, according to David Yocca, FASLA, who testified before Congress today on behalf of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Green infrastructure, which utilizes the natural systems of trees, plants and soil to clean and store stormwater, can provide a cost-effective alternative to installing and repairing grey infrastructure techniques like traditional pipes and sewers.

“Integrated green infrastructure strategies combine leading-edge, living technology with local design, craft and skill to restore our neighborhoods and cities, to be healthier, more beautiful and ultimately more economically and ecologically sustainable over time,” said Yocca.

In addition, Yocca’s testimony during a hearing before the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee described how green infrastructure transformed the City of Chicago.

“What we are seeing in Chicago is the creation of an industry that did not exist 10 years ago.  We’re not only creating sustainable buildings, alleys, streets and neighborhoods, we are creating good paying local jobs that capitalize on the talents and expertise of local workers,” said Yocca. “Today, the City of Chicago is currently one of the shining examples of how greening a city has yielded tremendous ecological and economic benefits.”

To learn more about green infrastructure or to view this release online, visit:

http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=29424

About ASLA

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 16,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.