LID Techniques

Learn about low impact development techniques, including Green Roofs and Green Buildings

Techniques

LID techniques include:

• Site design
• Open channels
• Rain barrels and cisterns
• Vegetated buffers and swales
• Rain gardens
• Green roofs

Green roof systems (or roof gardens) are an LID technique where the building's roof is planted with vegetation on a specialized drainage infrastructure. Green roofs capture, filter, and temporarily store rainwater. Green roofs are being combined with other green building techniques to conserve the natural resources through the efficient and intelligent use of energy, materials, water, and the building site.

• Matrix of LID Techniques: This table includes specifics and general descriptions of many techniques for implementing LID in a variety of environments.
• The Greenroofs Directory (Greenroofs.com, the green roof industry resource portal)
• Greenroof Specifications (LID Urban Design Tools website)