SMSC Land

Best Practices for Green Construction

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are man-made shallow depressions that act much like natural wetlands, holding rain water in place long enough to provide natural infiltration and cleansing the rain water of toxic substances such as leaked car fluids and de-icing agents before it reaches ground water. This is an important process, since drinking water is drawn from ground water wells in Scott County. Rain gardens provide an attractive, low maintenance, and inexpensive landscaping option that helps keep drinking water safe. For more information, you can read about the Mystic Lake rain garden in our Notable Projects section.

Green Roofs

A green roof is, essentially, a roof with a garden. Green roof gardens have become very popular in recent years, with good reason. Aside from the beauty and nourishment they provide, green roof gardens naturally ensure sound insulation and temperature moderation – two benefits that will be very familiar to any developer or tenant. In addition to these enticing features for the residents, green roofs contribute to the natural environment through runoff reduction, pollutant filtration and habitat creation. The SMSC has constructed green roofs at the Water Reclamation Facility and Dakotah! Sport and Fitness.

Pervious Pavement

Pervious pavement is a solution to one of the effects of urban development. As paths are cleared to make way for residents and businesses, paths are also quickened for sediment and pollutants which slip easily into our bodies of water. Pervious pavement mimics nature’s porous surface which traps pollutants and slows down the stream response to precipitation events. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and taking its tips from nature, pervious pavement protects our bodies of water. The SMSC has installed pervious pavement at the Dakotah! Ice Center and the Community Center.