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Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate-Proof and Healthy Cities

A topical collection in Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This collection belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

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Editors

Institute of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Interests: urban green infrastructure; nature-based solutions; integral rainwater management; soil and water bioengineering; vegetation technologies; landscape construction and design; natural hazard and risk mitigation; resilience research
Institute of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction, Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Hazards, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Wien, Austria
Interests: urban green infrastructure; integral rainwater management; vegetation technologies; technical substrates; plant use
Center for Public Health, Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Interests: telehealth; environmental health; open innovation in science; health communication; preventive medicine; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Interests: urban green infrastructure; urban sustainability; smart cities and smart regions; social dimension of sustainability; stakeholder involvement

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the light of climate change adaptation, urban green (and blue) infrastructures are becoming increasingly recognized, referring to urban and settlement planning and the design of climate-adapted housings and buildings. Green and plant-based solutions (such as green roofing, green façading, street and open space greenery etc.) have become an issue in combatting urban heat and associated health stresses.

In 2013, the European Commission launched the Green Infrastructure Strategy, defining Green Infrastructure (GI) as a policy objective in order to preserve natural capital. To create and improve the knowledge base was one of the top concerns to enhance strategic developments for implementation. By using nature-based solutions, urban green infrastructure is intended to preserve and advance biodiversity and resilience in cities and peri-urban areas.

During the past seven years, activities, policies and research have multiplied, and an increasing number of studies have proven evidence on the positive impacts of urban green referring to indoor and outdoor microclimate and temperature control, energy consumption, noise reduction, fine-dust filtration and air quality improvement. Moreover, benefits from urban green on social, physical and psychological health and well-being are apparently associated and increasingly important for neighborhood improvement and district upgrades.

However, a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between urban green and human health and wellbeing is needed to develop objectives and interventions for green implementation and retrofit. The engagement of different scientific disciplines is key for improving current approaches and creating small-scale and larger-scale sustainable GI solutions.

This Special Issue focuses on urban green infrastructure for sustainable climate change adaptation and health and sociocultural improvement. It aims at advancing and sharing the current insights in the impact of urban green infrastructure on microclimate, energy demand, health and sociocultural structures and activities.

The purpose of this issue is to provide up-to-date knowledge in technologies, planning and implementation of urban green infrastructure in order to advance urban sustainability and secure healthy and climate-proof urban environments. It further addresses novel insights in related public health issues. There are still many challenges regarding practical, ethical, and legal concerns, and evidence-based approaches covering technical, natural-sciences, planning, governance and health aspects are scarce.

We invite authors to submit articles to this Special Issue on urban green infrastructure related to the broader spectrum of technical and natural, social and medical science and the evaluation of these aspects in urban and peri-urban settings. We welcome theoretical and empirical contributions as well as review articles, and the submission of research work by interdisciplinary teams and international groups is of significant interest.

The issue will therefore refer to and supplement the Special Issue Green Infrastructures and Climate Change and other previously published findings on the microclimatic and energy-related benefits that urban green infrastructure provides. Additionally, it will provide most current considerations on technology advancement and health and socio-cultural benefits for advancing planning and implementation strategies.

Prof. Dr. Rosemarie Stangl
Dr. Ulrike Pitha
Ass. Prof. Dr. Daniela Haluza
Dr. Ingrid Kaltenegger
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • green infrastructure
  • green-blue infrastructure
  • green retrofit
  • urban planning
  • climate change adaption
  • microclimatic improvement
  • health impact
  • public health
  • wellbeing
  • governance

Published Papers (18 papers)

2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

24 pages, 4170 KiB  
Article
Heat vs. Health: Home Office under a Changing Climate
by Sophie Kathrin Schaffernicht, Andreas Türk, Martha Kogler, Andreas Berger, Bernhard Scharf, Lukas Clementschitsch, Renate Hammer, Peter Holzer, Herbert Formayer, Barbara König and Daniela Haluza
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097333 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
Stressors are especially widespread in urban agglomerations. Common themes of built environment interventions that support health and well-being are blue and green infrastructure, indoor and outdoor air quality, thermal comfort, access to natural lighting, and acoustics. Given the current megatrends of increasing summer [...] Read more.
Stressors are especially widespread in urban agglomerations. Common themes of built environment interventions that support health and well-being are blue and green infrastructure, indoor and outdoor air quality, thermal comfort, access to natural lighting, and acoustics. Given the current megatrends of increasing summer temperatures and the high popularity of home offices, we aimed at modeling thermal comfort changes of people working at home in three Austrian cities (Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz) during the next decades until 2090. We present findings based on (I) an inter-disciplinary literature search and (II) indoor and outdoor climate simulations for actual and future climate scenarios. Based on the results, we discuss the potential impacts for work and human health and well-being, and we suggest a framework for the home office in “post-COVID-19 Austria” that integrates social, ecological, and economic aspects. The results of our study indicate that, in future climate scenarios, overheating of the interior can no longer be prevented without active cooling measures and nature-based solutions. Recommendations on the adjustment of behavior under climate change, including greening, adequate ventilation, and cooling techniques, are thus urgently needed for employees who are working from home in order to maintain physical and mental health and wellbeing. Full article
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21 pages, 3913 KiB  
Article
Methodological Framework for Fostering the Implementation of Climate-Responsive Public Spaces and Streetscapes to Support Multifunctional Design
by Anna Gabor, Florian Reinwald and Doris Damyanovic
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3775; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043775 - 18 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1454
Abstract
The ongoing effect of climate change heating up urban areas is forcing cities to exploit the adaptation potential of their public open spaces. Streets and squares are important urban open spaces that can contribute to climate change adaptation through the targeted application of [...] Read more.
The ongoing effect of climate change heating up urban areas is forcing cities to exploit the adaptation potential of their public open spaces. Streets and squares are important urban open spaces that can contribute to climate change adaptation through the targeted application of individual measures. In order to ensure the effective and appropriate application of climate-relevant measures for the public good, the city of Vienna relies on the development of a guideline that focuses on measures from the field of urban green and blue infrastructure (UGBI) (and a few technical measures (TM)) in the urban open space. In the future, this guideline will make it easier for city employees to select appropriate measures. In the context of an applied research project, existing and possible measures in Vienna were collected, examined, and assessed for their climate, ecological, and social sustainability based on the concept of ecosystem services (ES). The challenge here is to capture this broad topic of sustainability and climate change and to draw on a broad spectrum of knowledge from science and research, as well as directly from practice. The result is a methodological framework that can be used by other cities as a basis for the development of individual guidelines to foster climate-relevant measures and a critical analysis of the use of co-creation in the development of the framework. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

27 pages, 7076 KiB  
Article
Thermal Comfort in a Greened Office Building: Investigation and Evaluation through Measurement and Survey
by Jutta Hollands, Eldira Sesto and Azra Korjenic
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14450; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114450 - 03 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1696
Abstract
The productivity, health, and well-being of office workers are known to be influenced by the indoor thermal conditions, most significantly the temperature and air humidity. This article is based on measurements and calculated predictions, as well as surveys of the employees in a [...] Read more.
The productivity, health, and well-being of office workers are known to be influenced by the indoor thermal conditions, most significantly the temperature and air humidity. This article is based on measurements and calculated predictions, as well as surveys of the employees in a newly renovated office building in Vienna, Austria. The renovation measures include street-side facade greening. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects these renovation measures have on thermal comfort inside the building. The evaluation is carried out in accordance with the standards based on the predicted mean vote (PMV), calculated with the collected measurement data. Based on the survey, the calculation results are compared with the subjective perception of the employees. Even though the measurements and the survey were carried out only one year after the renovation, about 70% of the employees’ statements speak about noticeable positive changes due to the renovation measures. Regarding daylight and artificial lighting conditions, a total of 80% of employees are neutral or satisfied. The majority also expresses neutrality or satisfaction regarding spatial conditions and air quality. The satisfaction of the employees is reflected in their work performance. The goal is therefore to achieve the highest possible satisfaction of the building’s users. Full article
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30 pages, 37105 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Small-Scale Greening on the Local Microclimate—A Case Study at Two School Buildings in Vienna
by Florian Teichmann, Andras Horvath, Markus Luisser and Azra Korjenic
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013089 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Strategies to mitigate urban heat islands are a recent issue in the Austrian capital, Vienna. In this study, the uhiSolver-v2106-0.21 software was used to evaluate the summer cooling effects and humidity production of small-scale facade greening and a green pergola located in two [...] Read more.
Strategies to mitigate urban heat islands are a recent issue in the Austrian capital, Vienna. In this study, the uhiSolver-v2106-0.21 software was used to evaluate the summer cooling effects and humidity production of small-scale facade greening and a green pergola located in two schools within the city. Based on on-site measurement data, the study revealed that small-scale greening measures are not able to substantially reduce ambient air temperature. On a hot summer day, at 3 p.m. local time (CEST), the maximum decrease amounted to 0.3 °C at 0.1 m from the facade greening as well as inside the green pergola. As for the apparent (perceived) temperature, a reduction of up to 4 °C was observed under the green pergola compared to the unshaded roof terrace. Hence, the simulation results show that, within urban areas, a significant improvement of thermal comfort in summer can only be achieved through large-scale greenery that provides shade for pedestrians. Full article
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19 pages, 1220 KiB  
Article
Cooling the City? A Scientometric Study on Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure and Climate Change-Induced Public Health Effects
by Leo Capari, Harald Wilfing, Andreas Exner, Thomas Höflehner and Daniela Haluza
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4929; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094929 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2941
Abstract
Climate change causes global effects on multiple levels. The anthropogenic input of greenhouse gases increases the atmospheric mean temperature. It furthermore leads to a higher probability of extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, floods) and thus strongly impacts the habitats of humans, animals, [...] Read more.
Climate change causes global effects on multiple levels. The anthropogenic input of greenhouse gases increases the atmospheric mean temperature. It furthermore leads to a higher probability of extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, floods) and thus strongly impacts the habitats of humans, animals, and plants. Against this background, research and innovation activities are increasingly focusing on potential health-related aspects and feasible adaptation and mitigation strategies. Progressing urbanization and demographic change paired with the climate change-induced heat island effect exposes humans living in urban habitats to increasing health risks. By employing scientometric methods, this scoping study provides a systematic bird’s eye view on the epistemic landscapes of climate change, its health-related effects, and possible technological and nature-based interventions and strategies in order to make urban areas climate proof. Based on a literature corpus consisting of 2614 research articles collected in SCOPUS, we applied network-based analysis and visualization techniques to map the different scientific communities, discourses and their interrelations. From a public health perspective, the results demonstrate the range of either direct or indirect health effects of climate change. Furthermore, the results indicate that a public health-related scientific discourse is converging with an urban planning and building science driven discourse oriented towards urban blue and green infrastructure. We conclude that this development might mirror the socio-political demand to tackle emerging climate change-induced challenges by transgressing disciplinary boundaries. Full article
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21 pages, 3547 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Streetscapes: Design Approaches and Examples of Viennese Practice
by Jürgen Furchtlehner, Daniela Lehner and Lilli Lička
Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020961 - 15 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3069
Abstract
Streets are ubiquitous and cater to various functions in a city. However, today most streets are unilaterally used and designed likewise. Car-centred spatial distribution is currently being questioned in the course of urban densification and in light of climate and ecological challenges. The [...] Read more.
Streets are ubiquitous and cater to various functions in a city. However, today most streets are unilaterally used and designed likewise. Car-centred spatial distribution is currently being questioned in the course of urban densification and in light of climate and ecological challenges. The presented work focuses on a multi-layered transformation of streetscapes towards a multi-purpose social and ecological space, which goes beyond a mere redistribution of space and functions. This paper draws from the results of an interdisciplinary research project headed by the Institute of Landscape Architecture (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna). The Viennese situation is aligned with international trends. The research includes comparative analysis of streetscapes in Vienna and comparable cities, literature reviews, collaborative workshops and qualitative interviews. As a result, progressive layout specifications and quality aspects for future streets are proposed and presented in extracts. Furthermore, the goal of green space social equity is linked. The paper concludes by arguing for comprehensive consideration and redesign of streetscapes as one promising puzzle to counteract the evident challenges of climate change in urban settings. Its range reaches from small scale microclimatic improvements up to citywide provision of accessible, useable, ecologically sound and sustainable public space with new standards for streets as potential backbone. Full article
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24 pages, 7444 KiB  
Article
Towards the Circular Soil Concept: Optimization of Engineered Soils for Green Infrastructure Application
by Pia Minixhofer, Bernhard Scharf, Sebastian Hafner, Oliver Weiss, Christina Henöckl, Moritz Greiner, Thomas Room and Rosemarie Stangl
Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020905 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
At conventional construction sites, the removal of soil and other excavated materials causes enormous mass movement, with a significant climate impact and contribution to global CO2 release. This study aimed to generate a Circular Soil concept for reusing excavated materials by creating [...] Read more.
At conventional construction sites, the removal of soil and other excavated materials causes enormous mass movement, with a significant climate impact and contribution to global CO2 release. This study aimed to generate a Circular Soil concept for reusing excavated materials by creating engineered soils for landscape construction at large building sites. Engineered soils act as a substitute for natural soils and fulfill vital technical and soil functions when installing an urban green infrastructure (GI). In a field study, the vegetation performance on engineered soils was evaluated to establish a methodological approach, to assess the applicability of the Circular Soil concept. First, the technical specifications (grain-size distribution) were modeled for intensive green roof and turfgrass applications. Then, the soil components were optimized, mixed, installed and tested for greenery purposes, focusing on plant growth performance indicators (vitality, projective cover ratio and grass-herb ratio) to assess the vegetation performance. The results showed that the engineered soils match the performance of the reference soil alternatives. In conclusion, the Circular Soil concept has a high potential to contribute considerably to sustainable on-site soil management and the circular economy. It can be applied on a larger scale for urban GI development and sustainable resources management in the landscaping and construction sector. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

23 pages, 3060 KiB  
Article
Multi-Level Toolset for Steering Urban Green Infrastructure to Support the Development of Climate-Proofed Cities
by Florian Reinwald, Christiane Brandenburg, Anna Gabor, Peter Hinterkörner, Astrid Kainz, Florian Kraus, Zita Ring, Bernhard Scharf, Tanja Tötzer and Doris Damyanovic
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112111 - 02 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Adapting spatial development to the challenges of climate change is a major task facing cities. In particular, urban heat islands caused by increasing average temperatures and urban growth are a challenge for cities. The use of climate simulations to assess current and future [...] Read more.
Adapting spatial development to the challenges of climate change is a major task facing cities. In particular, urban heat islands caused by increasing average temperatures and urban growth are a challenge for cities. The use of climate simulations to assess current and future urban heat stress is a helpful approach for supporting this transition. In particular, green and blue infrastructure helps to reduce the urban heat island effect. These cooling effects can be analysed using simulations. However, a central challenge is that urban adaptation to heat needs to be implemented consistently at different planning levels. A second major challenge in adaption is identifying the amount of urban green infrastructure required in order to achieve a specific cooling benefit and establishing this by means of planning instruments. This article presents two case studies in the city of Vienna to demonstrate how climate simulation tools can be used across different planning levels if they are standardized. When combined with a green and open space factor as a steering instrument, the necessary amount of greening for subsequent planning processes can be secured. The result is a multi-scale toolset consisting of three climate simulation models and a green and open space factor, coordinated, and standardised for use at different levels of planning. Full article
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16 pages, 3126 KiB  
Article
GREEN: Cool & Care—Research and Development of Greening Measures in Nursing Homes in Austria. Technical and Social Interconnections
by Katharina Halbmayer, Jutta Hollands, Sara Alasu, Azra Korjenic, Barbara Pichler, Elisabeth Reitinger, Eva Zojer, Bente Knoll, Agnes Renkin and Ralf Dopheide
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11469; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011469 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
According to demographic data, the percentage of elderly people within the population is growing, representing a vulnerable group to the effects of increasing heat, but little attention has been paid to developed adaptation measures. In addition, many older people leave their familiar homes [...] Read more.
According to demographic data, the percentage of elderly people within the population is growing, representing a vulnerable group to the effects of increasing heat, but little attention has been paid to developed adaptation measures. In addition, many older people leave their familiar homes and live in nursing homes. The person-centred care pursues creating spaces of high living quality for these people in nursing homes, to which plants and greenery can contribute. Greening is also considered an effective climate change adaptation measure. To create healthy conditions for this vulnerable group of elderly, both technical and social factors must be considered, and accordingly, a successful solution can only be achieved in an interdisciplinary way. The research and development of the project “Green: Cool & Care” dealt with this outset from a building physics, social, and nursing science perspective, and concepts to integrate greening measures in nursing homes were developed jointly by researchers, planners, staff, volunteers, and residents. For this purpose, measurement campaigns of air quality parameters, individual interviews and focus groups, as well as co-creative workshops were conducted aiming to include the objective building conditions as well as the subjective needs in developing and, in a further step, implementing greening measures. Full article
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9 pages, 257 KiB  
Communication
Urban Green Infrastructure and Green Open Spaces: An Issue of Social Fairness in Times of COVID-19 Crisis
by Florian Reinwald, Daniela Haluza, Ulrike Pitha and Rosemarie Stangl
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10606; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910606 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4813
Abstract
At the time of the restrictions and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent how difficult it is for city dwellers to adhere to the prescribed behavioural measures and the protective distance in densely built urban areas. Inner-city parks and green spaces [...] Read more.
At the time of the restrictions and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent how difficult it is for city dwellers to adhere to the prescribed behavioural measures and the protective distance in densely built urban areas. Inner-city parks and green spaces were heavily used for recreational purposes and were thus periodically overcrowded. These observations highlight the need for green open spaces in urban areas, especially in exceptional situations regarding pandemics and climate-related heat periods. Green open spaces and greened buildings help cities and the population cope with the consequences of climate change and have a decisive positive effect on human health and well-being. This paper aims to outline which social issues are related to the availability of green infrastructure close to home and which health consequences need to be considered. The COVID-19 challenges could offer a chance and an opportunity to increase the resilience of cities and their inhabitants in various terms. A cross-disciplinary team of authors (public health, urban and landscape planning, landscaping and vegetation technologies science) describes and discusses challenges and opportunities that arise from this crisis for cities from an inter-disciplinary perspective, concluding that urban green infrastructure helps in two ways: to adapt to climate change and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Full article
28 pages, 59573 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Benefits of Different Indoor Plant Species in a School Setting
by Alexander Pichlhöfer, Eldira Sesto, Jutta Hollands and Azra Korjenic
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9566; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179566 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3906
Abstract
Humans spend more than 80% of their lives indoors resulting in an increased demand for high indoor air quality (IAQ). At the same time, indoor air tends to be at least twice as polluted as outdoor air, and health threats caused by long-term [...] Read more.
Humans spend more than 80% of their lives indoors resulting in an increased demand for high indoor air quality (IAQ). At the same time, indoor air tends to be at least twice as polluted as outdoor air, and health threats caused by long-term exposure to indoor air pollution are rising. Few experiments under real-life conditions have demonstrated positive effects of indoor plants on parameters related to IAQ, resulting in improved humidity and temperature, reduced particulate matter concentration and CO2 levels. Indoor living walls allow the presence of many plants—without taking up valuable floor area. This article presents the results of conducted measurements on four do-it-yourself green walls planted with different plant species that are typically used for vertical indoor greenery (golden pothos, Boston fern, spider plant and a combination of plants) in a school setting. Besides the parameters of air humidity and temperature, CO2, mold spore and particulate matter levels, influences on room acoustics were investigated. Based on a custom-developed evaluation matrix, the plants were compared with each other and a reference without plants. The results show that no species led to deterioration of IAQ. Golden pothos had the most substantial effect and delivered improvements in all examined parameters. Full article
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18 pages, 2384 KiB  
Article
Development of a Mobile Module-Based Wind Tunnel for the Determination of Collection Efficiencies of Particulate Matter on Surface Structures
by Philipp Spörl, Aron Göndör, Johanna Irrgeher, Thomas Prohaska, Simone Trimmel, Leo Capari, Daniela Haluza, Bernhard Scharf, Anne Kasper-Giebl and Ulrike Pitha
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9565; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179565 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Ambient air pollutants are a global public health problem accounting for millions of annual deaths. A mobile module-based wind tunnel (WT) was developed to investigate the interaction between airborne particulate matter and various surface structures. The external dimensions were 4.33 m × 1.96 [...] Read more.
Ambient air pollutants are a global public health problem accounting for millions of annual deaths. A mobile module-based wind tunnel (WT) was developed to investigate the interaction between airborne particulate matter and various surface structures. The external dimensions were 4.33 m × 1.96 m × 1.73 m (lwh). The tunnel provided a cross-section of 0.40 m × 1.10 m (wh) and a total volume of 2.84 m3. An exchangeable test section in the WT offered a vertical area of one square meter to introduce variable installations. Due to the modular design, the WT could be divided into seven segments. This enables flexibility in setting, easy transport and set up at different locations. Atmospheric parameters (temperature, humidity, flow speeds and flow directions) were measured. At the test section, determined flow speeds ranged from 0.3 to 2.6 m s−1, with turbulence intensities detected between 9% and 11% and Reynold numbers from 10,000 to 90,000. Losses of ambient PM within the blank tunnel were less than 10% for particle counts (>0.25 µm), while smaller losses were obtained for PM1 and PM2.5. Thus, the construction, performance, as well as the limitations and various possible applications of the WT are shown in this article. Full article
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20 pages, 7636 KiB  
Article
NBS Impact Evaluation with GREENPASS Methodology Shown by the Case Study ‘Fischbeker Höfe’ in Hamburg/Germany
by Bernhard Scharf, Martha Kogler, Florian Kraus, Igone Garcia Perez and Laura Gutierrez Garcia
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9167; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169167 - 16 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
The implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban regeneration aims to improve citizens’ health and well-being. Therefore, tools need to be applied to identify the most suitable and efficient location and type of NBS. Within the CLEVER-cities H2020 project, the Greenpass method has [...] Read more.
The implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban regeneration aims to improve citizens’ health and well-being. Therefore, tools need to be applied to identify the most suitable and efficient location and type of NBS. Within the CLEVER-cities H2020 project, the Greenpass method has been chosen to evaluate different design solutions regarding thermal comfort and physiological equivalent temperature (PET), energy, water and air fluxes. The Greenpass system comprises of standardized tools, reports and a unique set of Key Performance Score (KPS) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). This paper deals with the impact assessment of NBS by the use of the innovative Greenpass system for the CLEVER-cities project ‘Fischbeker Höfe’ in Hamburg, Germany to ensure human health and well-being improvements for the citizens. To that end and considering the climate change context, thermal comfort is a KPI with high relevance in terms of the NBS co-benefits. Based on the PET within a project area Greenpass calculates the Thermal Comfort Score (TCS). The share of the different PET classes within the project area is multiplied with a weighting factor and summarized to the TCS. The results of the climate resilience analysis of the urban development area ‘Fischbeker Höfe’ in Hamburg are presented and discussed in comparison to a conventional architecture that disregards NBS, showing improvement with regards to four out of five KPS. Based on the evaluation results, advice is given to the co-creative design team on how to further improve the design towards climate resilience. The Greenpass system has proven to be a powerful and tailored tool to support climate resilient urban design and architecture. It provides a standardized and comprehensible but still scientific basis for decisions in a highly efficient and understandable way. Full article
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20 pages, 18599 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential Risk of Heavy Metal Pollution of Edible Cultivated Plants in Urban Gardening Contexts Using a Citizen Science Approach in the Project “Heavy Metal City-Zen”
by Elisabeth Ziss, Wolfgang Friesl-Hanl, Sophia Götzinger, Christoph Noller, Markus Puschenreiter, Andrea Watzinger and Rebecca Hood-Nowotny
Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8626; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158626 - 02 Aug 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3271
Abstract
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular, creating green oases in cities; however, many of these activities are undertaken in areas of high traffic density or on ex-brown field sites. As a consequence, there are still some barriers to the adoption of these urban [...] Read more.
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular, creating green oases in cities; however, many of these activities are undertaken in areas of high traffic density or on ex-brown field sites. As a consequence, there are still some barriers to the adoption of these urban gardening practices for food production. One of the public concerns is the transfer of urban pollutants such as heavy metals into the consumer’s food chain, however, city-wide data is often difficult and expensive to collect. In the citizen science project described herein, we conducted simple citizen-led common collaborative experiments in urban community gardens. These data provided information on the potential risk of heavy metal contaminants and ways in which to mitigate those risks in an urban gardening context. Generally, values were below guideline thresholds, however, at a few garden sites, soil trace metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Zn) exceeded Austrian recommended limits. Moreover, only at two sites were plant trace metal concentrations shown to be above European food standards limits. Given the citizen’s positive response to the project, we suggest expanding this study to the whole of Vienna, giving newly established gardens a chance to predetermine the risks posed by their local soils. Full article
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26 pages, 512 KiB  
Review
The Socioeconomic Welfare of Urban Green Areas and Parks; A Literature Review of Available Evidence
by Antonios Kolimenakis, Alexandra D. Solomou, Nikolaos Proutsos, Evangelia V. Avramidou, Evangelia Korakaki, Georgios Karetsos, Georgios Maroulis, Eleftherios Papagiannis and Konstantinia Tsagkari
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147863 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4845
Abstract
Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed [...] Read more.
Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed to investigate those multiple benefits for citizens that arise through the existence of urban green areas, as well as important policy dimensions that should be considered when designing the expansion of urban green spaces in urban development. The study was based on a literature review to examine for available evidence on the benefit levels derived by the existence of urban green areas. An extended literature review was followed by a structured review, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which partly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in two databases, and a total of 1674 articles and abstracts were identified through the database searches. After removing 114 duplicates, 1560 records were initially screened based on title and abstract. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were incorporated in the structured review and a total of 47 in the extended review. The extended literature review identified 33 additional articles examining aspects of benefits that did not fall under the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the structured review, such as health benefits and other social parameters associated with urban green spaces. The selected studies were allocated in five principal groups according to study types: three of the them consisted of studies employing “willingness to pay” (WTP) methods, five were based on property values, two studies assigned monetary values, while another two assigned CO2 values, and, finally, two studies were based on qualitative criteria. The results indicated benefits to citizens and increased welfare levels gained by the existence of urban green areas. The conducted review revealed a number of findings and recommendations that could direct future research and urban policy. Those hints could assist local authorities as well as stakeholders in order to measure and assess the benefits of green spaces and urban parks and promote measures and programs to assist their further deployment. Full article
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12 pages, 1108 KiB  
Article
Study on the Value Model of Urban Green Infrastructure Development—A Case Study of the Central District of Taichung City
by Kuo-Wei Hsu and Jen-Chih Chao
Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7402; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137402 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3044
Abstract
Urban green infrastructure has become an important concept for sustainable urban development. Regarding the joining up of green spaces into green networks, it can have major positive impacts on the environment, societies and economies, and ecology. This study proposes a value model for [...] Read more.
Urban green infrastructure has become an important concept for sustainable urban development. Regarding the joining up of green spaces into green networks, it can have major positive impacts on the environment, societies and economies, and ecology. This study proposes a value model for investing in urban green infrastructure, with impact factors including land use value, energy conservation value, carbon reduction, and disaster prevention value. It establishes that through the interaction between all four of these factors, urban green infrastructure investment increases net operating income. Additionally, as disaster prevention value increases, urban disaster risk declines, and this has an important positive effect on overall value. Our modeling also indicates that in the face of climatic extremes, the construction of urban green infrastructure is increasingly important, particularly in terms of energy value and disaster prevention value. Specific incentives and catalysts for promoting investment in urban green infrastructure are proposed. Full article
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11 pages, 19326 KiB  
Article
Water-Stressed Plants Do Not Cool: Leaf Surface Temperature of Living Wall Plants under Drought Stress
by Michael Gräf, Markus Immitzer, Peter Hietz and Rosemarie Stangl
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073910 - 01 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4666
Abstract
Urban green infrastructures offer thermal regulation to mitigate urban heat island effects. To gain a better understanding of the cooling ability of transpiring plants at the leaf level, we developed a method to measure the time series of thermal data with a miniaturized, [...] Read more.
Urban green infrastructures offer thermal regulation to mitigate urban heat island effects. To gain a better understanding of the cooling ability of transpiring plants at the leaf level, we developed a method to measure the time series of thermal data with a miniaturized, uncalibrated thermal infrared camera. We examined the canopy temperature of four characteristic living wall plants (Heuchera x cultorum, Bergenia cordifolia, Geranium sanguineum, and Brunnera macrophylla) under increasing drought stress and compared them with a well-watered control group. The method proved suitable to evaluate differences in canopy temperature between the different treatments. Leaf temperatures of water-stressed plants were 6 to 8 °C higher than those well-watered, with differences among species. In order to cool through transpiration, vegetation in green infrastructures must be sufficiently supplied with water. Thermal cameras were found to be useful to monitor vertical greening because leaf surface temperature is closely related to drought stress. The usage of thermal cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles could be a rapid and easy monitoring system to cover large façades. Full article
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21 pages, 2479 KiB  
Review
Green Infrastructures and the Consideration of Their Soil-Related Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas—A Systematic Literature Review
by Pia Minixhofer and Rosemarie Stangl
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063322 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4030
Abstract
Although urban soils are strongly influenced by human activities, they provide a wide range of Ecosystem Services (ES) as long as they are not sealed off. This is a major sustainability issue as the loss of soil functions directly impacts ES and further [...] Read more.
Although urban soils are strongly influenced by human activities, they provide a wide range of Ecosystem Services (ES) as long as they are not sealed off. This is a major sustainability issue as the loss of soil functions directly impacts ES and further on the possibility to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis. Green Infrastructure (GI) measures can be utilized to restore previously covered soil surfaces and compensate for lost soil functions. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the extent of peer-reviewed publications on GI measures in (peri-) urban areas covering soil-related ES. After identifying the relevant publications (n = 284), we generated an overview of the annual, spatial, and thematic distribution of the publications. Then, we employed an extended content analysis of the published focus topics to assess the representation of soil-related ES provided by GI. The content analysis revealed that the representation of soil-related ES in GI measures focused heavily on the contribution of soil to stormwater management. Detailed assessment of the interconnection of GI measures with key soil-related ES were missing. So far, the assessment of the loss of soil-related ES is not covered extensively in GI research publications. Full article
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