In the drive for financial and environmental sustainability, natural assets can be used in parallel with or to replace some traditional approaches and hard assets. Natural solutions can come with lower capital and operating costs, and they can mitigate the impacts of climate change. Natural assets also bring additional benefits; they can enhance recreational opportunities, soil quality, and habitat. The interaction of urban green infrastructure components can collectively help conserve biodiversity and restore ecological processes. Amid discussions focused on market-based approaches to “valuing nature,” the session will highlight the significant opportunity within traditional infrastructure asset management. This overlooked avenue incorporates natural assets into a traditional asset manager’s portfolio, emphasizing the opportunity and examples for the sustainable management of natural assets as a cost-effective alternative to grey or built infrastructure. The emerging practice of natural area asset management provides an opportunity to sustainably manage natural environments in urban landscapes. Using traditional asset management principles, an asset accounting approach will help identify our natural asset inventory, the environmental services, risks of neglect, and the priorities and funding for their protection, restoration, and management. This session delves into recognizing, protecting, and managing the intrinsic value of natural assets in urban environments.
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Use traditional asset management approaches to value green and natural assets. Understand and define green, natural, and blue assets.
• Incorporate green infrastructure and natural assets into an asset management plan.
• Recognize the benefits of green infrastructure and natural assets and judge whether to use these solutions versus traditional grey infrastructure.
Contributor/Source
David Jenkins-CEO
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.