Development of a benchmark for green infrastructure

Jerome, Gemma; Sinnett, Danielle; Mortlock, Roger; Calvert, Tom; Burgess, Sarah; Smith, Nicholas

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a benchmark for green infrastructure (GI). Green infrastructure brings together many land uses (e.g. parks, gardens, cemeteries, allotments, nature reserves, surface water), urban design (e.g. street trees, landscaping) and functional features (e.g. sustainable urban drainage systems, green roofs) operating at differing spatial scales. There is a substantial body of research demonstrating the multiple benefits of GI. Despite this evidence base there is still considerable uncertainty as to how GI can best be delivered and maintained in practice. This benchmark for GI has been developed through a combination of literature review and engagement with key stakeholders including the planning, landscape architecture, and developer communities. It provides a points-based benchmark that allows an assessment of the process of GI creation, from policy, through to planning, design, delivery and long-term management, ensuring that current good practice has been adopted at all stages. The benchmark standards consider different aspects of GI in terms of form and. Where standards or guidance exist it sign-posts to these or, where they do not, it draws from the evidence base. This paper will present the framework for the benchmark and findings from a feasibility study examining its practical application.

Citation

Jerome, G., Sinnett, D., Mortlock, R., Calvert, T., Burgess, S., & Smith, N. (2016, September). Development of a benchmark for green infrastructure. Paper presented at UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference
• Start Date: Sep 6, 2016
• End Date: Sep 7, 2016
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: green infrastructure, environment, planning
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference