Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

[Presenters name][Meeting name][Date]

From work byThese slides were developed by Climate UK and the Environment Agency but are provided here in unbranded form so they can be adapted for local use and re-branded as needed. The main material included here is from the Mersey Forest which is why this logo has been retained.

Presentation contents

— Introduction to green infrastructure

— Functions and benefits of green infrastructure

— How green infrastructure supports increased resilience

— Case study examples of green infrastructure strategy and practical applications

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

— A network of natural environmental components

— Green and blue multi-functional spaces, both urban and rural

— Delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities

Copyright: Mike Roberts

Types of green infrastructure

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Agricultural land

Allotment, community

gardens

Cemeteries,

churchyard

Coastal habitat

Derelict land

General amenity space

Grassland, heathland, moorland

Orchard

Outdoor sports facility

Park or public garden

Street trees Wetland

Water course and

body

Private garden Woodland Institutional

grounds

Source: The Mersey Forest

Recreation

Carbon storage

Aesthetic

Trapping air pollutants

Corridor for wildlife

Timber production

Green travel route Heritage

Shading from sun

Wind shelter

Water storage

Water infiltration

Habitat for wildlife

Noise absorption

Coastal storm

protection

Biofuel production

Functions of green infrastructure

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: From a list developed by The Mersey Forest

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Natural Economy Northwest/The Mersey Forest

Benefits

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Alan Leatherbarrow, BBC News UK

Rainwater capture

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Copyright: McCoy Wynne /The Mersey Forest

Allows rainwater to soak into the ground

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Copyright: McCoy Wynne /The Mersey Forest

Channeling rainwater

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Temporary or permanent storage of rainwater

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Areas where rivers can naturally flood

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Urban heat island effect

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Heat stress

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Shade for people

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Shade for buildings

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Shade for buildings – green roofs

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: Susannah Gill, The Mersey Forest

Cooling from water

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Copyright: iStockphoto.com/pic-a-boo

Case studies

Green Infrastructure as an adaptation response

Building for Resilience

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

PSL Images, Alamy

Film clip: Why resilience is important in the building and construction sector – including green infrastructure benefits for ensuring resilient buildings

Capturing and re-using rainwater for irrigation

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Source: John Melmoe, Willerby Landscapes

Manor Fields Park - Sheffield

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

— Developed in consultation with the community

— Used existing site character as basis for design

— Play area, wild space, planting, pathways

— Introduction of sustainable urban drainage

— Performed well during 2007 floods

Leeds City Region – Green Infrastructure Strategy

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

— Maps existing aspects of the natural environment and enhancements to increase benefits

— Investment programme to minimise effect of new development

— Interventions to reduce risks from climate impacts e.g. urban greening

— Enhance derelict sites to improve environmental quality and attract investment

Vegetation management strategies – Network Rail

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

— Phased management strategy

— Removal of high water demand species

— Replanting of less demanding species

— Innovation enhances sustainable travel

— Improved service level for Network Rail

Green and Blue Space Adaptation for Urban Areas and Eco Towns (GRaBs)

The GRaBs project is a network of leading pan – European organisations with the aim of sharing best practice on climate change adaptation, best practice includes:

—Southampton, Low Carbon City Strategy, 2011-2020

—Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Malmo City

—Northwest Regional Development Agency ‘Framework for Action’ 2011

—Adaptation Action Plan Guidance

—For more information visit: http://www.grabs‐eu.org/casestudies.php

Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response

Green Streets

Retrofitting urban street tree planting

CASE STUDY

Built Environment – Green Streets

Before After

© McCoy Wynne

Drivers

Built Environment – Green Streets

REDUCING AIR POLLUTIONStreet trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and intercepting harmful particulates

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGEIncreasing tree cover in towns and cities by just 10% can keep surface temperatures at current levels despite climate change (University of Manchester)IMPROVING IMAGEStreet trees improve the image of our neighbourhoods and make them even better places to live, work and invest

BUILDING COMMUNITIES

Getting residents involved in caring for their trees helps them re-connect with their neighbours

BOOSTING HEALTHResearch shows that children who live on tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma (Columbia University, USA)

BENEFITING WILDLIFE

As well as being great for people, street trees also offer much needed

habitat for wildlife too

Outcomes

Built Environment – Green Streets

© McCoy Wynne

Lessons Learnt

Built Environment – Green Streets

© Monty Rakusen

Further information

• Websites– www.merseyforest.org.uk/our-work/green-streets – www.redroseforest.co.uk/web/content/view/43/143

• Case studies– www.merseyforest.org.uk/lstfcasestudy1.pdf – www.merseyforest.org.uk/our-work/case-studies/case-study-green-streets-in-kno

wsley

• Videos– www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTh89F5NUV4 – www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYF9SnSB50o

• Contact– ben.greenaway@merseyforest.org.uk

Built Environment – Green Streets

Plymouth Green Infrastructure Project

Embedded in the overall growth programme for the city, Plymouth Green Infrastructure Project will help to deliver multiple economic, social and environmental benefits, and provide a cost effective way of adapting to the many challenges of a future climate.

CASE STUDY

Plymouth Green Infrastructure Project – Enhancing the natural environment to protect the city’s assets

— Growth of the city provides opportunity to embed natural environment and its services into planning.

— A network of green and blue spaces linking the rural and marine environments.

— A cost effective way of adapting to climate change.

— 14 projects delivering multiple benefits.

— Green infrastructure assets valued by residents and gain community ownership.

Green Infrastructure as an adaptation response

Climate Adaptation

Green Infrastructure as an adaptation response

— Increasing biodiversity

— Attenuating flood waters.

— Carbon sequestration.

— Land for growing food and timber.

Delivery of the plan and lessons learned

—Commitment to a coordinated interagency approach with focus on outcomes.

—Communities must be engaged in design and delivery.

—Develop mechanisms for sustainable long term maintenance of assets.

—Show that Green Infrastructure is value for money.

Green infrastructure as an adaptation response

Further information

— Jeremy Sabel

— 01752 304229

— Jeremy.sabel@plymouth.gov.uk

— www.plymouth.gov.uk/gideliveryplan

Green Infrastructure as an adaptation response

Promoting Green Roofs in Developments

What the benefits of green roofs are in supporting adaptation to climate change, illustrated by Sheffield City Council’s planning policies to drive this agenda locally.

CASE STUDY

What is a green roof?

Green Infrastructure

Source: www.livingroofs.org

Benefits of Green Roofs

Wider benefits

—Reduce surface water run-off

—Improve air quality

—Reduce need for heat / cooling

—Visual improvement to area

—Increase biodiversity

Green Infrastructure

In Sheffield the topography means that roofs in valleys are highly visible and can make a striking visual improvement

Image courtesy of:The Green Roof Centre

Green Roofs in Sheffield – Planning Conditions

Green Infrastructure

Green roofs are promoted through Climate Change & Design SPD and are applicable to larger developments (10 dwellings or more than 1000sq m internal floor space)

—Subject to viability

—80% of total roof area

Image courtesy of:The Green Roof Centre

Further information

—https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning-and-city-development/planning-documents/local-plan/supplementary-planning-documents/climate-change-and-design-spd.html

—http://livingroofs.org—http://www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/

— Jon Clubb

— 07970 1201827

— jon.clubb@lgyh.gov.uk

Green Infrastructure

Contact details

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— [Phone]

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Green Infrastructure as an Adaptation Response