Different Methods to Assess Green Infrastructure Costs and Benefits in Housing Development Projects

Abstract

Given the general lack of empirical data for evaluating green infrastructure (GI) in housing development projects, this study analyzed the costs and anticipated benefits of a GI housing project development in the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada, including roads, drainage, water supply, and wastewater. The concept of managing storm water, wastewater, and water supply connected to a constructed lake within a closed loop has not been evaluated in detail previously. This study evaluated the economic costs and benefits of the investment in dollar terms using three methods of calculation: (1) the Center for Neighborhood Technology National Green ValuesTM Calculator, (2) the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Life Cycle Costing Tool, and (3) cost-benefit analysis. The findings of this study indicate that a GI project can provide significant economic and environmental benefits to cities.