Urban greenery – a key to sustainable urban development

Research shows that urban environments that contain trees and vegetation make people feel calmer and happier. Greenery also improves air quality, promotes biodiversity and mitigates the effects of extreme weather events such as heavy rain and heatwaves. IVL researchers are currently involved in several research projects that are investigating the benefits of greening our cities and ways we can achieve this.

In order to achieve long-term sustainability, the cities of the future will need to be adapted to a changing climate. They will also need to meet stricter air quality requirements, maintain and increase biodiversity, all while reducing climate emissions. Several global actors, such as the World Health Organization, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank, have identified urban greening as one of the key tools to address these challenges. Interest in urban greenery is also growing in Sweden, but despite this, it is difficult to integrate greenery into urban environments.

“Most cities have goals to increase greenery, but competition for urban space is high and greenery requires space to thrive. Unlike paved surfaces, green areas require regular maintenance, which is resource intensive,” says Jenny Lindén, expert and project manager at IVL.

Challenging traditional work practices in urban settings

Urban greening is not only a complex issue due to the need for space, it also requires cooperation between multiple actors to be successful.

“Increasing urban greenery requires informed and motivated decision-makers, as well as cooperation between different parts of the city and with private property owners. It also requires the acceptance of residents."

As urban greenery offers a range of benefits, it is important to look at it holistically, challenging traditional work practices in urban centres.

The foundation for sustainable and liveable cities of the future

“To achieve urban greening goals, we need to work together across sectors and realise the full potential of greening. It is not enough to focus exclusively on how greening benefits air quality, it needs to be linked to opportunities, including climate adaptation, biodiversity benefits and noise reduction. It is only when we see the big picture that the importance of integrating greenery becomes clear and can be used to justify the necessary space and costs.

IVL works with innovation and research on urban greenery, for example, by evaluating the benefits of greening in terms of climate adaptation, air quality, biodiversity and food cultivation, and by strengthening and developing methods for collaboration between different stakeholders.

“By prioritising and integrating greenery into urban planning practices, we can lay the foundation for the sustainable and living cities of the future,” says Jenny Lindén.