Date of Award

3-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alfred E. Thal, Jr., PhD

Abstract

New growth within established communities puts undue pressure on existing infrastructure which in turn, drives tax rate increases for all residents to cover. However, there are sustainable methods that municipalities can turn to that diminishes the local impacts of new growth on the community. Based on the absorptive nature of green roofs, the delayed release of stored rainfall volume diminishes the instances of combined sewer outflows as well as reduces the need for increased infrastructure to convey and treat stormwater discharge. A municipality can introduce planned percentages of green roof coverage which will diminish infrastructure improvement costs over time and increase the population's sustainable footprint. By employing the curve number method for determining runoff volumes from specific rain events and attaching cost-per-unit increase values to the interacting variables, the runoff-cost model produces cost curves in relation to the percentages of green roof coverage. From this runoff-cost model, (based on a specific area), a calculated 40% green roof coverage can be fully reimbursed to the builders through tax abatements, eliminating the perceived cost premium of green over conventional roofs.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GEM-ENV-08-M18

DTIC Accession Number

ADA482734

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