Low-impact development (U.S. and Canada)

Low-impact development (LID) is a way of designing and building buildings and other structures that are less harmful to the environment. It helps limit pollution and reduces water runoff, which can cause flooding. LID uses features such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements and retaining walls that capture rainwater and use it to nourish plants. This helps reduce the amount of water that goes down the storm drain or is washed away from your property. It also helps reduce erosion of soil, which can help keep our rivers and lakes clean. LID is used in both the United States and Canada, and the principles are similar.