CUISD is committed to a vision of New York's infrastructure in which resources are used wisely and construction works in harmony with context. To this end, the Institute has been working in collaboration with city agencies and nonprofit groups to improve the sustainability of New York's infrastructure. In 2011, the Institute worked with Fourth Arts Block on a proposal to improve the management of stormwater runoff in the neighborhood surrounding the Cooper Union campus.

The project, called the East 4th Street Cultural District Green Infrastructure Project, was composed of two components: a renovation of surrounding sidewalk and a green roof installation. The first component would ensure a minimization of surface runoff and direct water in a more efficient manner, while the second component would help absorb and filter storm water before it even reaches the pavement.

This project addresses a critical need for better stormwater stewardship. Streets and sidewalks contribute to 26.6% of New York City’s Combined Sewer Overflow. The East 4th Street Cultural District Green Infrastructure Project could diminish the frequency of storm water overflow events, and provide a highly visible model project for other communities to study and replicate.