What even is Green Infrastructure? I’m sure you hear this phrase every now and then, but have you actually understood its true meaning? (and I don’t mean the dictionary definition…)
Green Infrastructure (GI) or blue-green infrastructure refers to green or blue spaces in urban areas to help solve urban and climatic changes by building with nature. It is highly important to us, as it provides protection and management of our environment, considering human activity has resulted in pollution of so many parts of nature at a scale and rate never experienced before.
Bioswales
Bioswales are landscape features that help collect polluted stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, such as tarmac, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution. For example, roadside vegetation being a key and recognisable feature.
With many benefits, roadside vegetation has been shown to impact the air quality downwind and nearby roads. Some studies have discovered that air pollution concentrations decrease whilst vegetation is present, however this is not the case for all studies. It also supports rare and threatened species of plants and animals and provides good erosion control.
Not only does roadside vegetation bring ecological impacts, but a Polish study has discovered the impacts of this feature on people, specifically drivers. The study shows that roadside vegetation influences the safety of road users, and it is worth noting that a significant number of road accidents occur due to collisions with trees, especially under varying environmental circumstances.
By employing the standards of woodlot shaping (controlling the areas around trees), it becomes feasible to maintain the positive effects of vegetation in the area while ensuring the safety of road users.
Singapore’s GI
Singapore is Asia’s greenest city, nicknamed the “City in Nature”. Setting an amazing example, many landscaping architects participate in the project of green-ifying the city.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park by Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl is one of Singapore's most popular heartland parks and is part of a long-term initiative of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board. It aims to transform the country’s water bodies beyond their functions of drainage and water supply into vibrant spaces for community bonding and recreation.
Furthermore, 46.5% of Singapore’s total area hosts green spaces, despite it being one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. High-rise buildings are frequent in places with high population densities. It is no different in Singapore, with over 9000 completed high-rises and 96 skyscrapers. To apply circular economy values in the civil construction area, Singapore is working to green at least 80% of its buildings by 2030.
Smart Green Infrastructure
Man-made (grey) infrastructure is designed to provide essential urban functions, but it hinders many natural processes such as the migration of animals and destruction of food chains. On top of that, cities only make up 2% of Earth’s total land surface but produce over 70% of the CO₂ emissions, thus making it more vital than ever for the need for smart solutions. As a result of increased carbon emissions, climate change is also increasing. Impacts include extreme weather, not only rising temperatures but natural disasters as well.
In England, parks and green-spaces deliver an estimated £6.6 billion of health, climate change and environmental benefits every year, displaying the important role green spaces play, and that any loss of these spaces will come at an environmental and social cost.
The UK has a Green Infrastructure Framework (GIF) that provides a structure to analyse where green-space in urban environments is needed most, a great beginning to a more sustainable future.
The framework integrates GI tools, principles, standards, and design guidance, structured by 5 key standards:
Urban Nature Recovery Standard
Aims to boost nature recovery, create & restore wildlife habitats, and build resilience to climate change. Incorporating nature-based solutions into the designs of towns and cities to increase carbon capture can prevent flooding and reduce temperatures during heatwaves.
Urban Greening Factor (UGF) for England
Aims to increase the level of greening in urban environments, such as green roofs or green walls.
Urban Tree Canopy Cover Standard
Aims to increase the tree canopy cover in urban environments, resulting in increased carbon capture and can mitigate flood risk, as they absorb excess water during flooding incidents.
Accessible Green-space Standards
Aims to promote access to good quality green and blue space within 15 minutes walk from home. 82% of adults agree that being in nature makes them very happy, however ⅓ of people in England do not have access to green space within this distance.
Green Infrastructure Strategy
Aims to support the National Planning Policy Framework’s Policy that local authorities should develop strategic policies for green infrastructure.
Integrating green infrastructure into urban environments is crucial for creating sustainable and resilient cities. Although I’ve only outlined the framework of Singapore and the UK in this article, many countries in the world are highly aware of this as well. By prioritising green infrastructure, cities can mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and enhance community well-being.
It is essential for governments to embrace these standards and develop strategic policies and structures that prioritise the preservation and development of green spaces in our cities.
Works Cited
ENTER International. (2023). Green City-State: How Singapore is Leading the Way in Sustainable Urban Development. [online] Available at: https://www.enterinternational.org/singapore_sustainability/ [Accessed 16 Jan. 2024].
Green Infrastructure. (2014). What is green infrastructure and why is it important? - Green Infrastructure. [online] Available at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/greeninfrastructure/what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important [Accessed 16 Jan. 2024].
Joson, J. (2022). How Singapore is Pioneering the Way to Creating a Greener Urban Environment. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/976437/how-singapore-is-pioneering-the-way-to-creating-a-greener-urban-environment [Accessed 16 Jan. 2024].
Kocur-Bera, K. and Dudzinska, M. (n.d.). ROADSIDE VEGETATION -THE IMPACT ON SAFETY. [online] Available at: https://www.tf.lbtu.lv/conference/proceedings2015/Papers/097_Kocur-Bera.pdf.
MMSD. (2016). Milwaukee Metropolian Sewage District. [online] Available at: https://www.mmsd.com/what-we-do/green-infrastructure/bioswales [Accessed 16 Jan. 2024].
Natural England. (2023). Natural England unveils new Green Infrastructure Framework. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/natural-england-unveils-new-green-infrastructure-framework [Accessed 16 Jan. 2024].
Kaluarachchi, Y. (2019). Improving Urban City Resilience by Incorporating Smart Green Infrastructure Components.
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