Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Stormwater Management Methods

Executive Summary

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is a method for assessing the total cost of ownership for a project or its elements.

Rapid urban development is increasing impervious surfaces, leading to higher stormwater runoff and adding strain to municipal wastewater treatment systems. Treating, pumping, and distributing water requires significant energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and a larger carbon footprint. The landscape horticulture industry is uniquely positioned to offer sustainable stormwater management solutions that reduce runoff at the source, minimizing environmental impact.

This paper applies the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) method to five scenarios, evaluating their economic performance against traditional stormwater management strategies. In nearly every case, sustainable, low-impact designs proved more cost-effective over the project's lifespan than conventional "pave and convey-away" methods. These approaches also provided additional environmental and social benefits, with consistently lower annual maintenance costs, as they avoided the extensive material removal often required in traditional rehabilitation.

On-site stormwater management is a viable and sustainable strategy for urban development. Success depends on collaboration across multiple professions, ensuring solutions are tailored to each site’s unique characteristics. With thoughtful planning, landscape-based stormwater management can provide economic and environmental benefits, helping build resilient communities.