In a natural environment, rainwater is typically absorbed and filtered by soils and plants where it falls. Over half (55%) of Vancouver is now made up of surfaces that cannot absorb or clean our rainwater.
GRI brings nature back into the city to remove pollutants from the air and clean our rain water before returning it to the atmosphere, groundwater table, and surrounding rivers and inlets.
This co-benefit supports our strategies and related documents, including:
GRI promotes sustainable onsite rainwater management by temporarily storing rainwater. This allows it to be used by plants and people before soaking into the ground or releasing slowly into downstream sewer pipes.
By reducing the volume and rate of water entering our sewer system, GRI helps prevent flooding.
GRI can create micro-climates that enhance biodiversity and provide habitats for pollinators, birds, and insects. This co-benefit supports our strategies and related documents, including:
GRI increases our city’s resilience to climate-related challenges such as droughts, high temperatures, and intense rainstorms, which are becoming more frequent. It plays a key role in the health and safety of Vancouver.
Using rainwater as a resource
GRI captures and uses rainwater for our communities and wildlife.
Absorbing carbon dioxide
GRI supports carbon sequestration, which is the capturing, removal, and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the earth's atmosphere.
Cooling our city during extreme heat events
GRI helps reduce the impact of climate change and the 'urban heat island' effect. This effect leads to higher city temperatures when natural landscapes are replaced by buildings and surfaces that absorb and retain more heat from the sun.
This co-benefit supports our strategies and related documents, including:
GRI such as green roofs and gardens provide physical health, educational, and social opportunities for our communities by increasing access to nature and outdoor spaces.
These co-benefits support our strategies and related documents, including:
Childcare Design Guidelines (Learn about rooftop play spaces and common toxic plants)
High Density Housing for Families with Children Guidelines
GRI returns water to the ground, atmosphere, and landscape near its source. This process reduces the volume and rate of water entering our sewer system.
By doing so, it helps postpone the need for costly upgrades to the sewer infrastructure.
