Green City, Clean Waters total projected economic impact for Philadelphia has risen to an impressive $4 billion.

In other exciting findings, the research shows that new and improved open spaces resulting from green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) reduced crime by 8.7 percent and saved the city $50 million annually in avoided health-related costs. Typically, green spaces encourage more people to spend time outside and engage in physical activity. Community use and active maintenance increase the number of eyes and ears observing and makes criminal activity riskier. The health and safety benefits of GSI are particularly impactful in low and moderate-income communities, where 65% of public GSI projects are or will be located.

Read more here.

Link to report.

Link to infographic.

Similar findings from the Belfast greenway in Northern Ireland.

The Connswater Community Greenway was a £35 million investment in a major urban regeneration project constructed between 2010 and 2016. A detailed cost benefit assessment at Queen’s University Belfast has identified a likely two to six-fold return on investment, based on a 40-year period. The estimate was based on seven elements of value including land and property values; employment and productivity; flood risk reduction and health. The finding builds on earlier assessments demonstrating the cost effectiveness of the greenway from a public health perspective

Read more here, including link to reports.