Parks and other open spaces should be within 200m of high-density homes and 400m from schools and workplaces, under new NSW government guidelines prioritising greenery in the wake of COVID-19.
NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said the deadly summer bushfires, combined with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, had highlighted the necessity for the first Greener Places policy.
The EEA briefing ‘Building a Trans-European Nature Network’ analyses the potential of using green infrastructure to connect protected Natura 2000 sites with other natural and semi-natural landscapes.
Unfortunately, the perfect Green storm only occurs on a new development when there are clients like Atlassian; designers like SHoP Architects from NYC and BVN from Sydney. Similarly, Stanley Quek from Frasers pushing for 'One Central Park' on Broadway. These iconic projects occur because they are commercially driven based in sound CSR principles and not because of sustainable, innovative government planning codes demanding them.
Some 60% of the planet’s expected urban area by 2030 is yet to be built. This forecast highlights how rapidly the world’s people are becoming urban. Cities now occupy about 2% of the world’s land area, but are home to about 55% of the world’s people and generate more than 70% of global GDP, plus the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Emissions
Natural capital can be defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things.
Image: SYDNEY GREEN ROOF by VERDANT SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA
Green infrastructure refers to standalone and strategically networked environmental features designed for environmental, social and economic benefits. Examples include permeable surfaces, green walls, green roofs and street trees.
During the summer of 2019-20 Australia was burning with devestation to the natural environment; wildlife species & habitat; air & water quality; increases in UHI effects; communities and the economy.
Australia is a “land of climate extremes”. This is especially true for our cities, which have become hubs of extreme summer temperatures. This past summer was the second-hottest on record for Australia, following the 2018-19 record, with average maximum temperatures more than 2°C above the long-term average.
A number of lampposts in Belgravia have recently been fitted with plant columns running up their length. It’s a trial to see if the green columns can help reduce pollution along the streets.
The Smart Pillar, which has been developed by Scotscape and Greenwich University, takes the concept of ‘vertical greening’, as seen on living walls, one step further.
