Urban environments - Healthy cities

Title

Using cool paving materials to improve microclimate of urban areas - Design realization and results of the flisvos project

Reference

Building and Environment 53 (2012) 128e136

Author(s)

M. Santamouris, N. Gaitani, A. Spanou, M. Saliari, K. Giannopoulou, K. Vasilakopoulou, T. Kardomateas

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The present paper deals with the application of 4500 m2 of reflective pavements in an urban park in the greater Athens area. The aim was to improve thermal comfort conditions, reduce the intensity of heat island and improve the global environmental quality in the considered area. To our knowledge, this has been the largest application of cool pavements in urban areas in the world. To evaluate the thermal impact of cool paving materials, specific and detailed measurements of the climatic conditions in the park have been performed before and after the installation of the new materials. Validated computerized fluid dynamics techniques have been used to homogenize the boundary conditions occurring during the two experiments and to perform direct comparisons of the climatic quality in the park. It was estimated that the use of cool paving materials contributes to the reduction of the peak ambient temperature during a typical summer day, by up to 1.9 K. At the same time, the surface temperature in the park was decreased by 12 K, while comfort conditions have been improved considerably. It is concluded that the use of reflective paving materials is a very efficient mitigation technique to improve thermal conditions in urban areas.

Policy theme(s)

Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Heat island; Cool materials and pavements; Heat island mitigation techniques;
Urban climatic change

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132312000376
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msantam@phys.uoa.gr   
sanmat@b-online.gr

Title

Urban ecosystem services: tree diversity and stability of tropospheric ozone removal

Reference

Ecological Applications 22 (1), 349-360.

Author(s)

Manes, F., Incerti, G., Salvatori, E., Vitale, M., Ricotta, C., Costanza, R.,

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Urban forests provide important ecosystem services, such as urban air quality improvement by removing pollutants. While robust evidence exists that plant physiology, abundance, and distribution within cities are basic parameters affecting the magnitude and efficiency of air pollution removal, little is known about effects of plant diversity on the stability of this ecosystem service. Here, by means of a spatial analysis integrating system dynamic modeling and very different for climatic conditions and ozone levels. Different tree functional groups showed complementary uptake patterns, related to tree physiology and phenology, maintaining a stable community function across different climatic conditions. Our results, although depending on the city-specific conditions of the studied area, suggest a higher function stability at increasing diversity levels in urban ecosystems. In Rome, such ecosystem services, based on published unitary costs of externalities and of mortality associated with O3, can be prudently valued to roughly US$2 and $3 million/year, respectively.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

air quality, ecophysiology, ecosystem function, GIS, Rome, Italy, sanitary benefits, tropospheric ozone, urban forest

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/11-0561.1
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fausto.manes@uniroma1.it

Title

Modeling the impact of land use and climate change on neighborhood-scale evaporation and nighttime cooling: A surface energy balance approach

Reference

Landscape and Urban Planning
Volume 103, Issue 2, 30 November 2011, Pages 139-155

Author(s)

Lily A. House-Peters, Heejun Chang 

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

We investigated the impacts of temperature changes derived from climate change scenarios and land cover change on patterns of external residential water consumption and nighttime cooling in suburban Hillsboro, Oregon. Three downscaled climate warming scenarios and two land cover change scenarios (sprawl and dense) for the 2040s were used as inputs for an urban energy balance model, the Local-Scale Urban Meteorological Parameterization Scheme (LUMPS). Based on the surface energy fluxes simulated by the LUMPS model, we calculate that the combination of the sprawl scenario with the 3 °C temperature rise increases external water consumption by 4061 L per household for August. Alternately, dense development concomitant with temperature increase constrains increases in water consumption, but reduces nighttime cooling rates by more than 0.3 °C. Increasing the fraction of trees would increase efficiency in promoting urban cooling while reducing external water consumption. This study demonstrates that urban land cover and water use are naturally intertwined at the neighborhood scale, suggesting that urban land-use planning and water management should be fully integrated to design cities that can accommodate future population growth and development while minimizing negative impacts of potential climate change.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Social and health impacts
Land use >> Planning     
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities
Water >> Water consumption >> Water scarcity
Water >> Urban water management

Keywords

Urban energy balance; Water consumption; Climate change; Land cover; Temperature; LUMPS

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204611002362
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lilyhp@email.arizona.edu

Title

Benefits of shift from car to active transport

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 19, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 121-131

Author(s)

Ari Rabl, Audrey de Nazelle

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

There is a growing awareness that significant benefits for our health and environment could be achieved by reducing our use of cars and shifting instead to active transport, i.e. walking and bicycling. The present article presents an estimate of the health impacts due to a shift from car to bicycling or walking, by evaluating four effects: the change in exposure to ambient air pollution for the individuals who change their transportation mode, their health benefit, the health benefit for the general population due to reduced pollution and the risk of accidents. We consider only mortality in detail, but at the end of the paper we also cite costs for other impacts, especially noise and congestion. For the dispersion of air pollution from cars we use results of the Transport phase of the ExternE project series and derive general results that can be applied in different regions. We calculate the health benefits of bicycling and walking based on the most recent review by the World Health Organization. For a driver who switches to bicycling for a commute of 5 km (one way) 5 days/week 46 weeks/yr the health benefit from the physical activity is worth about 1300 €/yr, and in a large city (>500,000) the value of the associated reduction of air pollution is on the order of 30 €/yr. For the individual who makes the switch, the change in air pollution exposure and dose implies a loss of about 20 €/yr under our standard scenario but that is highly variable with details of the trajectories and could even have the opposite sign. The results for walking are similar. The increased accident risk for bicyclists is extremely dependent on the local context; data for Paris and Amsterdam imply that the loss due to fatal accidents is at least an order of magnitude smaller than the health benefit of the physical activity. An analysis of the uncertainties shows that the general conclusion about the order of magnitude of these effects is robust. The results can be used for cost-benefit analysis of programs or projects to increase active transport, provided one can estimate the number of individuals who make a mode shift.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Air pollution
Sustainable mobility >> Transport behaviour             
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Bicycling; Walking; Life expectancy; Mortality; Air pollution; Accidents

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X11001119

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ari.rabl@gmail.com

Title

A review of current research on road surface noise reduction techniques

Reference

Pages 144, Date 29/04/2010, Reference PPR443 ISBN 978-1-84608-854-4

Author(s)

P G Abbott, P A Morgan, B McKell

Study type

Report

Abstract

The EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC; END) requires Member States to produce Noise Action Plans which, amongst other things, aim to reduce environmental noise where necessary. The Scottish Government has produced Noise Action Plans which have been published on the Scottish Government Website. Road and rail noise reduction methods need to be evaluated and, in the case of the former, one potential option is the use of low-noise surfaces. The Scottish Government commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to undertake a review of the different low-noise road surfaces currently available and comment on their relevance and suitability for use in Scotland, incorporating the views of key staff holders. This review was to take into account not only acoustic performance but also safety, skid resistance, structural durability, environmental sustainability and whole life costing. This report presents the findings from the review, discussing the potential implications of using low-noise road surfaces as a mitigation tool within Scottish Noise Action Plans. Advice on how to make a preliminary selection of appropriate low-noise surfaces is also set out, based on indicative acoustic and non-acoustic characteristics.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Strategic noise mapping; Environmental noise directive; Population exposure; Noise mitigation; Scenario analysis; Acoustical planning; Action planning; Noise modelling

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

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N/A

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http://www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/trl_reports/
cat_traffic_and_the_environment/report_a_review_of_current_
research_on_road_surface_noise_reduction_techniques.htm

Contact the study author at:

enquiries@trl.co.uk

Title

Scenario analysis and noise action planning: Modelling the impact of mitigation measures on population exposure

Reference

Applied Acoustics
Volume 72, Issue 8, July 2011, Pages 487-494
Noise Mapping

Author(s)

E. Murphy and E.A. King

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper reports on strategic noise mapping research conducted in Dublin, Ireland. Noise maps are constructed for the day–evening–night-time and night-time periods and levels of population exposure are estimated for the same periods. In methodological terms, the research uses the UK’s calculation of road traffic noise (CRTN) method for calculating noise levels in the study area. This method has been adopted as the interim calculation method by the Irish authorities responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END). The research also investigates the usefulness of three noise mitigation measures for ‘acoustical planning’ purposes: traffic reductions, speed reductions and erection of acoustical barriers. The results indicate that levels of population exposure during night-time are extremely high relative to guideline limits set down by the World Health Organisation. In addition, the results highlight the significant role that certain noise mitigation measures can play in good ‘acoustical planning’.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Strategic noise mapping; Environmental noise directive; Population exposure; Noise mitigation; Scenario analysis; Acoustical planning; Action planning; Noise modelling

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003682X10002343

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enda.murphy@ucd.ie

Title

Design of a Noise Action Plan based on a Road Traffic Noise Map

Reference

Acta Acustica united with Acustica, Volume 97, Number 3, May/June 2011 , pp. 492-502(11)

Author(s)

Ausejo, M.; Tabacchi, M.; Recuero, M.; Asensio, C.; Pagán, R.; Pavón, I.

Study type

Peer Review Journal 

Abstract

According to European Directive 2002/49/CE, EU state members had to compile a strategic noise map no later than 30 June 2007 and a corresponding action plan no later than 18 July 2008 for all agglomerations with more than 250,000 inhabitants and for all major airports, roads and railways. A study on environmental noise was thus conducted for the city of Palma de Mallorca (Spain) using a commercial noise prediction package. The noise level assessment reveals a troublesome situation that requires an urgent noise action plan. In this report, various noise mitigation measures are analysed considering not only the reduction of noise and the number of people that can benefit from these measures, but also the net monetary benefits generated. Given the possible options, it is clear that to achieve the best long-term solution, global noise abatement measures (i. e., traffic management) and local measures (i. e., noise screens) should be combined.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

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N/A

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http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/dav/aaua/2011/00000097/00000003/art00014

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mausejo@i2a2.upm.es

Title

The use of economic valuation to create public support for green infrastructure investments in urban areas

Reference

Landscape and Urban Planning
Volume 103, Issue 2, 30 November 2011, Pages 198-206

Author(s)

Valerie Vandermeulen, Ann Verspecht, Bert Vermeire, Guido Van Huylenbroeck and Xavier Gellynck

Study type

Peer Review Journal 

Abstract

Increasing urbanization has created pressure on land use. Today more and more land in urbanized areas is used for housing, industry, community services or other economic functions. However, green spaces have a proven positive effect on people living in the neighborhood of green spaces, as well as on people working or recreating in the urbanized area. Therefore, green infrastructure investments have been put high on the agenda in many European countries. In order to convince the public and other stakeholders of the usefulness of these kind of green investments, it is necessary to give a correct, understandable and easily repeatable method to value the investment. The current article describes a model that can be used to put the value of green infrastructure investments into economic terms. Evaluating the project at site scale and regional scale will give a complete overview of all direct, indirect and use values of the investment. By using cost–benefit as well as multiplier analyses the monetary values can be estimated. The article shows that using this model helps to justify policy's support for and investment in green space.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Land use >> Planning
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban planning; Economic valuation; Green infrastructure

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204611002428

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valerie.vandermeulen@ugent.be

Title

Mapping Urban Environmental Noise: A Land Use Regression Method

Reference

School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 45 (17), pp 7358-7364
DOI: 10.1021/es200785x

Author(s)

Dan Xie, Yi Liu, and Jining Chen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Forecasting and preventing urban noise pollution are major challenges in urban environmental management. Most existing efforts, including experiment-based models, statistical models, and noise mapping, however, have limited capacity to explain the association between urban growth and corresponding noise change. Therefore, these conventional methods can hardly forecast urban noise at a given outlook of development layout. This paper, for the first time, introduces a land use regression method, which has been applied for simulating urban air quality for a decade, to construct an urban noise model (LUNOS) in Dalian Municipality, Northwest China. The LUNOS model describes noise as a dependent variable of surrounding various land areas via a regressive function. The results suggest that a linear model performs better in fitting monitoring data, and there is no significant difference of the LUNOS’s outputs when applied to different spatial scales. As the LUNOS facilitates a better understanding of the association between land use and urban environmental noise in comparison to conventional methods, it can be regarded as a promising tool for noise prediction for planning purposes and aid smart decision-making.

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es200785x
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yi.liu@tsinghua.edu.cn.

Title

Improving health through policies that promote active travel: A review of evidence to support integrated health impact assessment

Reference

Environment International
Volume 37, Issue 4, May 2011, Pages 766-777

Author(s)

Audrey de Nazelle, Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Josep M. Anto, et al

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background

Substantial policy changes to control obesity, limit chronic disease, and reduce air pollution emissions, including greenhouse gasses, have been recommended. Transportation and planning policies that promote active travel by walking and cycling can contribute to these goals, potentially yielding further co-benefits. Little is known, however, about the interconnections among effects of policies considered, including potential unintended consequences.

Objectives and methods

We review available literature regarding health impacts from policies that encourage active travel in the context of developing health impact assessment (HIA) models to help decision-makers propose better solutions for healthy environments. We identify important components of HIA models of modal shifts in active travel in response to transport policies and interventions.

Results and discussion

Policies that increase active travel are likely to generate large individual health benefits through increases in physical activity for active travelers. Smaller, but population-wide benefits could accrue through reductions in air and noise pollution. Depending on conditions of policy implementations, risk tradeoffs are possible for some individuals who shift to active travel and consequently increase inhalation of air pollutants and exposure to traffic injuries. Well-designed policies may enhance health benefits through indirect outcomes such as improved social capital and diet, but these synergies are not sufficiently well understood to allow quantification at this time.

Conclusion

Evaluating impacts of active travel policies is highly complex; however, many associations can be quantified. Identifying health-maximizing policies and conditions requires integrated HIAs.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Urban transport

Keywords

Walking, Cycling, Built environment, Risk assessment, Physical activity, Air pollution

Entry Source:

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412011000341
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anazelle@creal.cat

Title

Benefits and costs of street trees in Lisbon, Portugal

Reference

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 69-78

Author(s)

A.L. Soares, F.C. Rego, E.G. McPherson, J.R. Simpson, P.J. Peper and Q. Xiao

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

It is well known that urban trees produce various types of benefits and costs. The computer tool i-Tree STRATUM helps quantify tree structure and function, as well as the value of some of these tree services in different municipalities. This study describes one of the first applications of STRATUM outside the U.S. Lisbon's street trees are dominated by Celtis australis L., Tilia spp., and Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, which together account for 40% of the 41,247 trees. These trees provide services valued at $8.4 million annually, while $1.9 million is spent in their maintenance. For every $1 invested in tree management, residents receive $4.48 in benefits. The value of energy savings ($6.20/tree), CO2 reduction ($0.33/tree) and air pollutant deposition ($5.40/tree) were comparable to several other U.S. cities. The large values associated with stormwater runoff reduction ($47.80/tree) and increased real estate value ($144.70/tree) were substantially greater than values obtained in U.S. cities. Unique aspects of Lisbon's urban morphology and improvement programs are partially responsible for these differences.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban trees, Tree benefits, Real estate value, Urban forest evaluation

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866710000841
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alsoares@isa.utl.pt

Title

How to select the best tree planting locations to enhance air pollution removal in the MillionTrees NYC initiative

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1040-1047
Adaptation of Forest Ecosystems to Air Pollution and Climate Change

Author(s)

Arianna Morani, David J. Nowak, Satoshi Hirabayashi and Carlo Calfapietra

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Highest priority zones for tree planting within New York City were selected by using a planting priority index developed combining three main indicators: pollution concentration, population density and low canopy cover. This new tree population was projected through time to estimate potential air quality and carbon benefits. Those trees will likely remove more than 10 000 tons of air pollutants and a maximum of 1500 tons of carbon over the next 100 years given a 4% annual mortality rate. Cumulative carbon storage will be reduced through time as carbon loss through tree mortality outweighs carbon accumulation through tree growth. Model projections are strongly affected by mortality rate whose uncertainties limit estimations accuracy. Increasing mortality rate from 4 to 8% per year produce a significant decrease in the total pollution removal over a 100 year period from 11 000 tons to 3000 tons.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >>Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban forestry, UFORE, Planting priority index, Air pollution, Carbon

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749110005336
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carlo.calfapietra@ibaf.cnr.it

Title

Positive effects of vegetation: Urban heat island and green roofs

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issues 8-9, August-September 2011, Pages 2119-2126

Author(s)

T. Susca, S.R. Gaffin and G.R. Dell'Osso

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper attempts to evaluate the positive effects of vegetation with a multi-scale approach: an urban and a building scale.
Monitoring the urban heat island in four areas of New York City, we have found an average of 2 °C difference of temperatures between the most and the least vegetated areas, ascribable to the substitution of vegetation with man-made building materials. At micro-scale, we have assessed the effect of surface albedo on climate through the use of a climatological model. Then, using the CO2 equivalents as indicators of the impact on climate, we have compared the surface albedo, and the construction, replacement and use phase of a black, a white and a green roof. By our analyses, we found that both the white and the green roofs are less impactive than the black one; with the thermal resistance, the biological activity of plants and the surface albedo playing a crucial role.

Policy theme(s)

Urban environment >> Urban biodiversity
Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities
Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Social and health impacts

Keywords

Vegetation, Green roof, Surface albedo, Urban heat island

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749111001539
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Tiziana.susca@gmail.com

Title

How to select the best tree planting locations to enhance air pollution removal in the MillionTrees NYC initiative

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1040-1047
Adaptation of Forest Ecosystems to Air Pollution and Climate Change

Author(s)

Arianna Morani, David J. Nowak, Satoshi Hirabayashi and Carlo Calfapietra

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Highest priority zones for tree planting within New York City were selected by using a planting priority index developed combining three main indicators: pollution concentration, population density and low canopy cover. This new tree population was projected through time to estimate potential air quality and carbon benefits. Those trees will likely remove more than 10 000 tons of air pollutants and a maximum of 1500 tons of carbon over the next 100 years given a 4% annual mortality rate. Cumulative carbon storage will be reduced through time as carbon loss through tree mortality outweighs carbon accumulation through tree growth. Model projections are strongly affected by mortality rate whose uncertainties limit estimations accuracy. Increasing mortality rate from 4 to 8% per year produce a significant decrease in the total pollution removal over a 100 year period from 11 000 tons to 3000 tons.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban forestry, UFORE, Planting priority index, Air pollution, Carbon

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749110005336
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carlo.calfapietra@ibaf.cnr.it

Title

Urban green zones and related pollen allergy: A review. Some guidelines for designing spaces with low allergy impact

Reference

Landscape and Urban Planning
Volume 101, Issue 3, 15 June 2011, Pages 205-214

Author(s)

Paloma Cariñanos and Manuel Casares-Porcel

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Urban green spaces are a key element in the planning of today's cities, since they favor the interaction between citizens and the environment, as well as promoting human health. However, lack of planning in the design of urban spaces and in the choice of ornamental species has been among the factors triggering one of the most widespread diseases in urban populations: pollen allergy. In this paper are reviewed the major causes of this extensive allergenicity, including: low species biodiversity at planting; the overabundance of given species acting as key specific pollen sources; the planting of exotic species prompting new allergies in the population; the choice of male, pollen-producing individuals in dioecious species; the presence of invasive species; inappropriate garden management and maintenance activities; the appearance of cross-reactivity between phylogenetically related species; and the interaction between pollen and air pollutants. The findings of this analysis highlight the clear need for guidelines regarding the design and planning of urban green spaces with a low allergy impact. Proposals include increased biodiversity, careful control when planting exotic species, the use of low pollen producing species, the adoption of appropriate management and maintenance strategies, and active consultation with botanists when selecting the most suitable species for a given green space.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Urban biodiversity
Urban environment >> Urban biodiversity
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Allergenicity, Pollinosis, Urban green spaces, Ornamental species, Aerobiology

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016920461100137X
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palomacg@ugr.es

Title

Assessing the impact of petrol stations on their immediate surroundings

Reference

Journal of Environmental Management, 2010; 91 (12): 2754
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.08.009

Author(s)

Isabel M. Morales Terrés, Marta Doval Miñarro, Enrique González Ferradas, Antonia Baeza Caracena, Jonathan Barberá Rico.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper describes a novel methodology for evaluating the extent to which petrol stations affect their surroundings. The method is based on the fact that the ratio of the concentrations of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants in the air of the petrol stations and their surroundings (basically determined by vapor emissions from unburned gasoline) differs from the ratio found in urban air, which is mainly influenced by traffic emissions. Bearing this in mind, the spatial limit of influence of petrol stations in any direction would be the first point, moving away from the station, where the ratio becomes equal to the urban background ratio. Application of the methodology involves multipoint measuring campaigns of the air at the studied petrol station and built-up area in general and processing the data with software capable of providing isoconcentration contours. The procedure should help local authorities in terms of land management, so that a 'belt' can be established around petrol stations where housing or vulnerable populations and activities such as those in schools, hospitals and community centers should be restricted.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Transport emissions
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Petrol stations; Volatile organic compounds; Aromatic/aliphatic concentration ratio

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479710002574
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mdoval@um.es

Title

Behaviour of green facades in Mediterranean Continental climate

Reference

Energy Conversion and Management
Volume 52, Issue 4, April 2011, Pages 1861-1867

Author(s)

G. Pérez L. Rincón, A. Vila, J.M. González and L.F. Cabeza

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

In order to obtain data on the behaviour of green facades in buildings as a passive system for energy savings in dry Mediterranean Continental climate a long-term work has been performed. This paper presents the first results of two actions developed during 2009. First, the growth of four different climbing plants as well as their ability to provide shadow was studied. Second, monitoring for a year of a real green facade was carried out. The results confirmed the great capacity of green facades to produce shade, reducing the heat on the facade wall of the building. It was also verified that a microclimate between the wall of the building and the green curtain are created, characterized by slightly lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. This means that the green screen acts as a wind barrier and confirms the evapotranspiration effect of the plants. On the other hand, these results did not allow withdrawing conclusions about the insulation effect of green facades.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Green facades, Passive energy system, Experimental work, Green curtain, Shadow effect, Evapotranspiration

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019689041000508X
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lcabeza@diei.udl.cat