News

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Winners announced at annual SBN Award Ceremony

The Excellence in GSI Awards Ceremony is the region’s only award that celebrates green stormwater infrastructure projects and innovations

The Excellence in GSI (Green Stormwater Infrastructure) Awards Ceremony is the region’s only award that celebrates and elevates green stormwater infrastructure projects and innovations.

The Philadelphia Water Department established Green City, Clean Waters in 2011 for an estimated cost of $2.4 billion over 25 years, to prevent stormwater from overwhelming the system by using green infrastructure to complement the traditional infrastructure and reduce the volume of water that enters sewers during storms.

The 2019 Excellence in GSI Awards Ceremony Winners Are:

Public Projects

  • Chester Arthur Schoolyard – SALT Design Studio.

SALT Design Studio, commissioned by Friends of Chester Arthur (FoCA), strategically and beautifully implemented green stormwater infrastructure in the school’s playground design, addressing sustainability while integrating STEM curriculum into the school’s physical landscape.

Finalists were:

  • Panati Playground – Gilmore & Associates, Inc.
  • Andorra Creek Floodplain Restoration Project– T&M Associates

Private Projects

  • Nature’s Sanctuary – West Laurel Hill Cemetery.

West Laurel Hill Cemetery created a green burial cemetery as part of its on-going sustainability efforts by coordinating communications, reintroducing stratified vegetation and utilizing the cooling effects of evapotranspiration.

Runner-up was Drexel’s Perelman & Korman Quad –Meliora Design

Innovation (Projects):

  • The Kelly Green Project – Asarum LandDesign

Asarum LandDesign Group transformed John B. Kelly schools grounds from a vacant space to a community gathering space with an emphasis on socially engaged design and community process.

Runner-up was the Community Academy of Philadelphia – ISS.

Innovation (Technology)

  • WikiWatershed – Stroud Water Research Center.

Stroud Water Research developed the Model My Watershed web-based application to explore human activity on neighborhoods and watersheds, used as both an educational tool as well as a land-use decision tool.

Runner-ups included:

  • Climate-Smart Cities – Trust for Public Land
  • Green Infrastructure Living Laboratory – PWD/Drexel University

Photo: Chris Kendig Photography courtesy of SBN


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

5 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

6 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago