Green Infrastructure Research Articles

A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Evidence-Based Design for Aligning Therapeutic and Sustainability Outcomes in Healthcare Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify which aspects of evidence-based design (EBD) and sustainable design principles overlap based on evidence in the peer reviewed academic literature. By doing so, the study enables hospital infrastructure design decisions that prioritize both sustainability outcomes (sustainable hospital infrastructure design) and therapeutic (EBD) outcomes. Background: Healthcare facilities need to adapt to the future demands from a changing climate, demographic shifts, and economic restraints. Facilities need to be designed in ways that better support patients, staff, and the environment to ensure their long-term success. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through searches in SCOPUS and Web of Science. All studies in acute care settings were included in the review except those investigating EBD in the context of specific health conditions, which were excluded. Themes that overlap were identified to form a conceptual framework for sustainable EBD. Results: Sixty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Identified sustainability features were related to: Sociocultural and functional, Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing, Energy and atmosphere, Water, Materials and resources, Waste, Sustainable sites, and Facility design. EBD thematic analyses were categorized into Indoor environmental quality, Design, Sociocultural, and Functional performance and safety. Conclusions: Key areas of synergy include Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing and Energy and atmosphere. The development of the conceptual framework enables scholars and practitioners to identify design features that align both priorities and through future research, refine the framework.

Identifying parameters impacting WASH STEM education across the globe

Abstract This study seeks to assess the parameters impacting successful water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational outreach. Previous studies have shown a correlation between underprivileged communities and significant impacts due to water related disasters, such as flooding or water related illnesses. As a result, for several decades the international development community has invested in WASH-related infrastructure. Lessons learned through these investments has shown the need for WASH educational outreach to build community awareness and encourage behavioral change, ultimately ensuring the sustainability and impact of the WASH infrastructure. Many WASH infrastructure programs have incorporated WASH education programs, particularly those led by the community. Often this occurs through primary and secondary schools. While WASH STEM education promotes local project ownership, leading to an increased understanding of water management and infrastructure resiliency, these educational programs are not always successful. There is a knowledge gap in understanding what makes WASH STEM education and outreach effective. This research project investigated some of the parameters influencing students’ performance on an assessment of WASH STEM curricula. This was done through deploying two water resource learning modules and assessments to secondary school students in Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, and the United States. The results revealed a correlation between how well the students comprehended the information according to the assessment and how relevant the students found the material to their own lives. The insight gained from this study can create more impactful WASH STEM education and outreach programs for water resource projects, and beyond.

A Climate Adaptation Asset Risk Management Approach for Resilient Roadway Infrastructure

As climate change intensifies, roadway infrastructure is increasingly at risk from extreme weather events including floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. This paper presents a system-of-systems performance-based asset risk management approach, designed to integrate various elements for effective investment prioritization and infrastructure resilience. Central to this approach are an Asset Inventory Database and a Risk Registry Database, supported by a Common Reference Location System (GIS). These components are the foundation for analytical modules to assess vulnerability and resilience based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The approach includes an actionable framework to support a proactive data-driven performance-based management process for prioritizing investments. The project prioritization process consists of four steps: identifying risk factors, integrating climate data, conducting advanced risk assessments, and project prioritization. The goal is to prioritize resource allocation and develop climate-adaptive risk mitigation management strategies. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are recommended for setting goals, monitoring the outcomes of these strategies, and measuring their benefits. A Climate Impact Vulnerability Score (CIVS) is proposed to assess the susceptibility of infrastructure assets to environmental conditions. The approach also leverages artificial intelligence (AI) tools to analyze roadway infrastructure vulnerabilities and climate risk exposure. A case study applied to bridges using k-means clustering and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) demonstrates the potential of advanced analytical methods in improving decision-making. This research concludes that the approach will contribute to enhancing resource allocation, supporting strategic decisions, aligning goals with budgets prioritizing investments, and strengthening the resilience and sustainability of roadway infrastructure.

Towards sustainable 6G: A collaborative call to action for addressing environmental challenges in (and thanks to) future mobile networks

As mobile networks evolve towards 6G, sustainability must be a central focus to address the environmental impacts of increasing energy consumption and resource use. This open letter highlights insights from the "Towards Sustainable 6G" workshop, where seven EU-funded projects - 6G4Society, BeGREEN, COALESCE, IN2CCAM, CENTRIC, 6Green, and 6G-TWIN - showcased innovative solutions for integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and ecological resilience into next-generation mobile networks. The projects emphasize AI-driven optimisation, sustainable infrastructure design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as key strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of 6G systems. A joint statement underscores the necessity of embedding sustainability into 6G design, with follow-up activities planned to advance green telecommunications.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure Techniques for Stormwater Management in Urban Settings

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure Techniques for Stormwater Management in Urban Settings

Influence of sandy beach management strategies on biological communities and wind-blown sand

ABSTRACT Sandy beaches create unique ecosystems with diverse services such as coastal protection, habitats for organisms, and recreational use. Appropriate sandy beach management is required to use these diverse services. However, management practices often degrade sandy beach ecosystems, and the ecosystem in each management practices needs to be clarified for planning a green infrastructure. This study clarified the influence of the management practices on topography, function of decreasing sand transport, vegetation, and arthropod, suggesting the management strategies needed to provide various services. Three study sites were set up by management practices at Kawashimo Beach in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan: a natural dune site without targeted management intervention, a grading site where dunes are graded for recreational use, and an artificial dune site with created dunes to prevent sand transport. Topography, sand accumulation on the seaward side of the wind fence and spatial distribution of vegetation and arthropods were compared between the three sites. The grading site had no vegetation, whereas the artificial dune site had vegetation that would decrease sand transport and provide habitat for insects inhabiting vegetation, similar to the natural dune site. We propose that allowing space for dunes with vegetation is necessary to maintain the diverse services.

The model for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental indicators in green infrastructures in the construction industry with a sustainable development approach

The model for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental indicators in green infrastructures in the construction industry with a sustainable development approach

Demonstration of Energy Loss Due to Specific Plumbing Variables, in the Hydraulics Laboratory, of UMA (SDG)

Objective: This study investigates energy losses in various pipe fittings such as bends, contractions, enlargements, and control valves, with the goal of determining the loss coefficients for each fitting. The aim is to analyze pressure drops across different fittings and evaluate how these energy losses influence the design and efficiency of hydraulic systems. Theoretical Framework: The experiment is grounded in fluid dynamics, focusing on the principles of Bernoulli’s equation, pressure drops, and the impact of various pipe fittings on energy loss in hydraulic systems. The Reynolds number, as a dimensionless measure of inertial to viscous forces, is also considered in understanding flow behavior and energy dissipation during fluid movement through pipes. Method: The research employs the F1-22 Energy Losses in Bends and Fittings apparatus attached to a hydraulic bench. Pressure drops are measured across the pipe fittings using a series of water manometer tubes, and the flow rate is controlled by a gate valve. The procedure includes recording piezometric head readings, volume, and drainage velocity to calculate the loss coefficients for each fitting. Results and Discussion: The experiment’s results reveal significant variations in energy losses across different fittings. These findings highlight the influence of fitting configurations on fluid flow and energy efficiency. The loss coefficients derived from the data provide insights into the factors that contribute to energy dissipation, helping engineers optimize hydraulic system designs. Research Implications: The study’s results are critical for optimizing the selection and design of hydraulic fittings. By understanding energy losses, engineers can design more energy-efficient systems, reducing overall operational costs and enhancing the sustainability of hydraulic infrastructure. Originality/Value: This research contributes new empirical data on energy losses in hydraulic systems, offering a deeper understanding of fluid behavior in different pipe configurations. The findings are valuable for improving the design of energy-efficient and sustainable hydraulic systems, particularly in industrial applications.

Urban green infrastructure and safety: examining the relative effects of socio-economic and environmental factors on perceived safety of users

Urban green infrastructure and safety: examining the relative effects of socio-economic and environmental factors on perceived safety of users

THE ECONOMICS OF LOCATION AND SPACE: URBANISATION IN SOUTH ASIA

This article analyses the effects of the economics of location and space, in particular urbanisation in South Asia. The potential of urbanisation is used as a comparative term to join the more prosperous, industrialised nations with better living standards. The aim is to demonstrate the impact of urbanisation, climate change and urban biodiversity on sustainability, as well as their consequences in the suburbs and peripheries of large cities. The objectives of sustainable urban development and the green economy are similar, which is why the rapid urbanisation taking place in South Asia has brought to light the importance of urban green infrastructure and the green economy in terms of promoting long-term sustainability and solving environmental, social and economic problems. The research makes use of bibliographical and documentary research, as well as some normative provisions. It concludes that it is essential to plan cities and build sustainable communities in order to minimise the impact of urbanisation on environmental, social, economic and financial sustainability and, in particular, on people’s quality of life.

Urban transformation through transit: the case of Delhi metro

Urbanization in developing countries is rapidly increasing, with populations projected to reach 5.5 billion by 2050. This growth presents challenges, such as land resource pressure, environmental degradation, unsustainable transportation, and disorderly urban land development. Transit-oriented development (TOD) and sustainable urban transit systems such as the Delhi Metro are crucial for addressing urban design, economic competitiveness, and quality of life by improving accessibility and reducing private vehicle reliance. This study investigated changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in buffer zones around the Delhi Metro lines using satellite imagery from 1997, 2006, 2011, and 2019. The findings revealed significant shifts from open land and vegetation to built-up areas, driven by increased real estate activity and property values near metro stations. This study highlights the importance of integrating transportation infrastructure with urban planning for sustainable development, utilizing green infrastructure to mitigate environmental impacts, and implementing water-sensitive urban designs and TOD strategies to improve resilience.

The Green Infrastructure Model Based On Waterlogging Mitigation In The Street Landscape Of Sungai Penuh City, Jambi Province

Background: In many cases, the planning of public and social space in Indonesia is not accompanied by the planning of green open space, which is their functions as a healthy environmental balancer. One of the public spaces is the street landscape. This results in to the impact of natural phenomena such as floods, waterlogging in the rainy season, and hot weather in summer. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the Green Infrastructure model of roads, can also function as a place to anticipate waterlogging, flooding, air quality improvement, and human-friendly designation. Materials and Methods: The methodology was carried out through field inventory, mapping based on Shp ArcGis data, and a modified literature study. The location of the research is on roads spread across 8 subdistricts of Sungai Penuh City, Jambi Province. Results: Based on government administration and axis content, the public roads of Sungai Penuh City are categorized into class III Provincial Roads. The number of road sections in Sungai Penuh City is 49 (forty-nine) road sections. The details are that the primary collector road landscape consists of 11 road sections, the secondary collector road landscape consists of 12 road sections, and the local road landscape is very dominant, which is as many as 26 roads. The total length of the entire Sungai Penuh City road section is 51.43 km with an average width of 6 meters. Based on the level of urgency, the results of the assessment of priority sub-districts determined 31 road sections spread across Sungai Penuh District, Sungai Bungkal District, and Pondok Tinggi District as priority sub-districts for the implementation of the Green Infrastructure system. Based on hydrological calculations of rainfall for the last 20 years (2003-2023). Conclusion: The Green Infrastructure Model is prioritized for 3 sub-districts. Based on the assessment of the Green Infrastructure Implementation Indicator, two green infrastructure concepts are applied, namely Green Stormwater Infrastructure 1 (GSI 1) and Green Stormwater Infrastructure 2 (GSI 2) which are equipped with the Complete Street concept. The GSI 1 system is applied on 24 roads in Sungai Penuh City using the Stormwater Tree Trench and planter. The GSI 2 system consisting of Stormwater Bump-Out, Stormwater Tree Trench, and Stormwater Planter and the Complete Street concept will be applied on 7 roads in Sungai Penuh City

The automated system of the trolleybus park as part of the sustainable city infrastructure

The automated system of the trolleybus park as part of the sustainable city infrastructure

Multi-objective model for electric vehicle charging station location selection problem for a sustainable transportation infrastructure

The transportation industry mostly depends on conventional vehicles, leading to significant adverse effects on the environment. The widespread usage of electric vehicles can be seen as a relief for this problem. However, the success of electric vehicles largely depends on the availability and proper deployment of charging station infrastructure. It is crucial for cities to strategically select suitable locations for charging stations with adequate capacity levels to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation options. Hence, in this study, a multi-objective model is proposed for the electric vehicle charging station location selection and capacity allocation problem. The model aims to maximize customer satisfaction, minimize total risk, and minimize costs as key objective functions. To manage the demand effectively, the region of interest is divided into grids. The proposed multi-objective model is applied to the European side of Istanbul and solved by using AUGMECON2 technique. Finally, computational analyses are presented based on scenarios including different demand values. These analyses provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the proposed model and its implications for achieving sustainable transportation in Istanbul.

Laboratory mix preparation and investigation of mechanical behaviour of polyurethane-bound porous rubber pavement

With the rise in stormwater runoffs, permeable pavement like polyurethane-bound porous rubber pavement (PRP) offers a viable solution for urban stormwater management. Composed of stone and recycled crumb rubber aggregates bound by polyurethane, PRP features high air voids. This study explores PRP’s mechanical behaviour and freeze–thaw durability in cold climates, essential for sustainable urban infrastructure. We developed methods for sample preparation and air void assessment in PRP and conducted tests on compressive and indirect tensile strength, plus moisture-induced damage. Two scenarios were investigated: one examined four new mixes of varied compositions, and the other focused on mixes with different binders (aliphatic and aromatic). Our investigation reveals insights into PRP’s mechanical behaviour under colder climate conditions. The study shows that higher proportions of stone aggregates and binders enhance mechanical strength, while increased rubber content improves freeze–thaw durability. Furthermore, we found that different binders affect strength variations. The study concludes PRP is effective for low-traffic pavements in colder, freeze–thaw regions.

Acceptability of a city-wide transport plan: A thematic analysis of written consultation responses

IntroductionPolicy intervention to reduce car use is required for environmental and health benefits. Multi-component interventions with both positive (i.e. ‘carrot’) and negative (i.e. ‘stick’) strategies are effective in promoting modal shift, but ‘stick’ strategies are less acceptable and often abandoned before implementation. This study aims to understand the arguments surrounding policy acceptability for a multi-component transport plan including both carrot and stick strategies in Cambridge, UK. MethodsA series of public consultations between 2017 and 2022 informed transport priorities and provided feedback on a range of proposals. The final public consultation sought views on detailed proposals to expand the bus network and invest in sustainable travel infrastructure funded by the implementation of a road user charge. Following the consultation, concessions were made to the plans and they were later abandoned due to a lack of political consensus. We downloaded and analysed written responses generated during the consultation to identify arguments influencing policy acceptance. ResultsFrom 115 included responses, we identified five themes: (1) support for the overall vision of the transport strategy; (2) mixed support on proposals (favouring carrots but not sticks); (3) concerns about consultation process; (4) concerns about deliverability of proposals; and (5) the effects of the scheme on transport, inequalities and economic growth. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that policy design and communication should focus on perceived effectiveness and equity and building trust among agencies ahead of policy proposals to support the effective implementation of travel policy solutions.

Optimal Location Selection for Electric Vehicle Car-Sharing Stations Using Fermatean Fuzzy Decision-Making Methodology

This study aims to determine the optimal location for electric vehicle (EV) car-sharing stations by introducing a Fermatean fuzzy multi-criteria evaluation approach. Selecting the optimal location for EV car-sharing stations is crucial for maximizing accessibility, convenience, and user adoption, promoting sustainable urban mobility. By strategically placing stations, the study demonstrates how environmental impacts can be minimized, traffic congestion reduced, and the efficiency of urban transportation improved. The proposed methodology integrates the Fermatean Fuzzy Pivot Pairwise Relative Criteria Importance Assessment (FF-PIPRECIA) method for weighting criteria with the Fermatean Fuzzy IseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FF-VIKOR) method for ranking alternative locations, marking the first application of these techniques in combination. A decision matrix is constructed to standardize the evaluation of potential locations, enabling a structured comparison between alternatives. Furthermore, this study introduces the FF-PIPRECIA into decision-making literature, filling a gap by providing a robust tool for handling uncertainty in multi-criteria evaluations of sustainable transportation infrastructure. Key findings revealed that proximity to high-demand areas and energy infrastructure were among the most favorable criteria for selecting EV car-sharing locations. The method's effectiveness was validated by identifying optimal EV car-sharing locations contributing to sustainability and urban mobility goals. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, enhancing the practical usability of multi-criteria decision-making methods in sustainable transportation planning.

Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Green Infrastructure Plans Using Agent-Based Modeling and Scenario Analysis: Evaluating Social and Economic Values

Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Green Infrastructure Plans Using Agent-Based Modeling and Scenario Analysis: Evaluating Social and Economic Values

Evaluating the implementation of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) and its adaptation potential in China

The importance of green infrastructure for achieving urban sustainability is increasingly recognized globally. Originating in the United States, the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is an international green rating system designed to guide sustainable landscape development and evaluate sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of landscapes and other outdoor spaces. Despite its international scope, the performance of SITES has not been quantified in diverse contexts. Understanding the performance of SITES is crucial for practitioners and regulatory authorities; however, quantitative analysis of previous projects is lacking. Furthermore, the adaptation of SITES in China requires further exploration. This study addresses these gaps by utilizing a dataset of SITES v2 certified projects to examine the achievement of sections and credits across various projects, aiming to understand performance patterns and identify barriers to certification. Performance was assessed using score ratios to measure how effectively projects met potential credits, and Association Rules Mining was employed to explore relationships between related credits. Furthermore, a detailed case study of Beijing Central Green Forest Park was conducted to assess the adaptability and applicability of SITES within the Chinese context. Our findings indicate significant variability in the difficulty of achieving certification across different sections. Among 1166 potential rules, 128 pairs of related credits were identified, suggesting substantive associations among the credits. The case study of Beijing Central Green Forest Park resulted in an overall score ratio of 82%, achieving 171 scores, which underscores the potential of SITES as a valuable sustainability tool in China. However, variability in section performance, particularly lower scores in the Materials Selection section, highlights the challenges faced and emphasizes the need for further adaptations of the SITES criteria to better align with local conditions.

Beyond the Leges Hortorum: Gardens in the Urban Landscape of Early Modern Florence

Abstract If the study of garden history, as traditionally conceived, requires a justification, a pertinent line of inquiry lies in the explication of the diverse roles that gardens played in the context of the early modern city. This discussion, however, is hindered by the anachronistic opposition between utility and pleasure, in addition to pervasive paradisiacal and pastoral associations that perpetuate a distinctly elitist image of these amenities. This article, using the example of sixteenth- through eighteenth-century Florence, challenges such assumptions by interpreting the network of recreational and productive properties within the city as an informal green infrastructure, reintegrating their narratives into the broader history of public space. By revaluating the social and economic meanings of gardens through the dual lenses of their accessibility and their productive use, this analysis shows specific ways in which they defined the urban landscape of early modern Italy, while also suggesting how they may have been experienced by nonelite visitors.