Green infrastructure represents an emerging approach to stormwater management that is cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Green infrastructure techniques utilize natural systems, or engineered systems that mimic natural landscapes, to capture, cleanse and reduce stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure is an adaptable term used to describe an array of products, technologies, and practices that use natural systems, or engineered systems that mimic natural processes, to enhance overall environmental quality and provide utility services. As a general principal, Green Infrastructure techniques use soils and vegetation to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and/or recycle stormwater runoff.

Green Infrastructure is a stormwater management approach that saves money, supports sustainability, and more efficiently uses limited financial and natural resources. It is achieved by capturing raindrops where they fall reducing runoff volumes, and recharging groundwater supplies.

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission's Green Infrastructure Definition, Nov.2007 (PDF)

Green Infrastructure techniques include Stormwater Best Practices, a term for Best Management Practices (BMPs) which are used to help ensure longevity and improve the health of Lake County's watersheds. BMPs can be implemented by homeowners, businesses, organizations and municipalities. BMPs can be integrated before, during, and after development. BMPs will not only help the environment, but in many cases they also can save you time and money.