Green infrastructure includes strategically planned and managed networks of natural lands, working landscapes and other open, green spaces that conserve ecosystem values and functions and provide associated benefits to human populations. These natural lands, working landscapes and open, green spaces can occur on a small, medium or large scale and cumulatively make an impact in reducing energy consumption.
Green infrastructure provides communities with services like water and air purification, storm water management, erosion control, habitat conservation, reduced energy consumption and quality of life. Some examples of green infrastructure in built environments include parks; planned wildlife corridors; parkways; green roofs; bio-swales; rain gardens; permeable pavements; green spaces; and planter boxes along streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots.