The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia held its sixth annual Excellence in Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Awards on Thursday, April 21 at FringeArts and La Peg.
Green stormwater infrastructure uses vegetation to soak up rain so that runoff doesn’t overwhelm combined stormwater/sewer systems such as Philadelphia’s, forcing sewage overflows into waterways. For more than 10 years Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters initiative has built rain gardens, bioswales, and other green stormwater infrastructure features to reduce pollution.
The awards honored Philadelphia city councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson as a GSI Champion. “I’m so honored to be recognized as this year’s GSI Champion!” says Gilmore Richardson. “The GSI Awards showcase the innovation, creativity, and collaboration that have led to a thriving local green stormwater industry, supporting local businesses, creating family-supporting and sustaining careers, and improving community resiliency. These are the types of industries we must be investing in as we look to grow our local economy and protect our residents from the impacts of climate change.”
Other awards went to the Philadelphia Water Department for the American Street Improvement Project and to the Holmesburg Baptist Church and Christian Academy Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project.
