New research: Green stormwater program good for Phila’s economy, environment, health

Posted by Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia on April 30, 2019

We are excited to share our new findings with you. Our research finds that the investments in green stormwater infrastructure are producing tangible benefits across the city, particularly in low and moderate-income areas. Click here to explore our findings. 

This update to SBN’s 2016 report, The Economic Impact of Green City, Clean Waters: The First Five Years, shows that Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW) is producing $4 billion in total economic impact for Philadelphia, including an average of 1,160 jobs annually. In 2018, GCCW reduced crime by nearly nine percent (8.7%) and saved the city $50 million annually in avoided health-related costs attributed to access to open space.

“Green City, Clean Waters is so much more than a combined sewer overflow control plan,” said Anna Shipp, Executive Director of SBN. “It is an inspiring example of the triple bottom line in action. Not only is Philadelphia’s innovative nature-based approach meeting regulatory requirements, but it has also catalyzed the growth of a now thriving local GSI industry and has established our city as a national thought and practice leader. SBN’s new research shows that how we invest in our communities matters, and with strong investments in the nature-based practices foundational to Green City, Clean Waters, Philadelphia has everything to gain: billions of dollars for our local economy, thousands of jobs, reductions in crime, equitable access to public open space, healthy rivers and streams, better climate resilience – and so much more.”