Large cities all over the world are requiring better decision support tools for improved planning and management of urban green infrastructure. Unfortunately, methodology gaps and lack of predictive tools make it impossible to provide accurate information for rigorous cost benefit analysis (McPhearson 2013). In the case of New York City long terms plans, such as PlaNYC 2030 incorporate Green Infrastructure strategies as part of their sustainable storm water management plan. By implementing green strategies as opposed to traditional grey ones, the PlaNYC predicts cost savings and multiple co benefits provided by ecosystem services. However the overall co benefits of green strategies are neither accounted nor estimated, thus fail to represent important factors in decision-making and implementation.

 

In this paper I focused on the potential impacts of green Infrastructure in New York City under two approaches: (i) Impact on sewer systems and avoided costs of grey infrastructure and increasing water quality and (ii) Impact on energy infrastructures through reduction of Urban heat island effect and increasing efficiency in buildings. I discussed NYC Green Infrastructure plan and other methodologies that compile relevant data sets and how they incorporate them in a cost benefit analysis. In conclusion I reviewed predictions and reached insights to build more accurate decision-making tools regarding Urban Green Infrastructures planning, design and implementation.