What is Green Energy?
Energy produced from a natural resource using a method that does not release harmful gases into the environment and does not contaminate nature is referred to as green energy. Examples of green energy include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass energy.
The notion behind producing this green energy is environmental protection and sustainability. Hence, it is also called sustainable energy.
Green energy in city infrastructure
Today, cities accommodate more than fifty percent of the total world population. This number will only increase in the coming days, leading to increased congestion and pollution. Thus, incorporating green energy while constructing or developing new cities is crucial for reducing the environmental impact.
How can existing cities shift from concrete to green infrastructures?
Examples of green energy in city infrastructure include greenery preservation, renewable energy for residential and commercial use, water conservation, and maximum reuse and recycling processes. Notably, these green infrastructures also provide social and economic benefits in addition to environmental benefits.
In this blog, let’s dive into the economic benefits of green cities and understand them in detail.
Economic benefits of green cities according to U.S. EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has listed four major economic benefits of green infrastructure.
- More green jobs created
Implementing green infrastructure in cities requires meticulous planning, expertise, and support. This creates more support and engineering jobs. Over time, people of the country can also learn and gain expertise in building better green infrastructures which other countries can outsource.
- Reduced flood damage costs
For any type of flooding—be it localized or riverine—green infrastructure is significantly helpful in terms of absorbing flood water and helping minimize the surface flow. As the flood damage is reduced, the costs are almost cut.
- Reduced wastewater infrastructure costs
In green cities, wastewater treatment infrastructure is built in such a way that storms or floodwaters are prevented from entering the sewer systems. Not only does this reduce the burden on the wastewater treatment systems but saves energy and costs.
- Improved neighborhood values
As people start including green infrastructures like open green spacing, rooftop gardening, and green landscaping in their areas, the neighborhoods get attracted and try to copy the same—making the city more green, clean, and sustainable.
Other economic benefits
- More international tourists
Green cities and their green infrastructure are not common yet. They are unique, admirable, and comfortable. Thus, countries are investing in green infrastructures for people to lead a quality and peaceful life. When successfully implemented, green cities can also become a potential tourist attraction.
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- Minimized costs during unprecedented eventualities
Be it severe climate change or increased hot weather or temperatures, green cities are well-planned and capable enough to minimize the damages or losses. Increased green spaces, infiltration, and absorption in green infrastructures majorly contribute to preventing such economic losses.
- Increased real estate values
As mentioned earlier, a green city with maximum green and efficient infrastructure makes it a better place to live. Thus, increasing the demand for such properties or land areas. Overall, this increases the real estate values in and around cities.
- Reduced healthcare costs
As green cities promote quality air, water, and landmass with less pollution and contamination, the residents are less prone to harmful infections, diseases, or healthcare problems. This drastically reduces healthcare costs.
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