Greening The UK Urges Local Authorities To Take Action
As research shows a 50% decline in planting and green spaces delivered on new builds1
A new report launched today by the Horticultural Trades Association’s Greening the UK campaign, raises awareness of the decline in planting in new developments and highlights ways in which greener planning can help local authorities achieve their economic, environmental and social targets.
The Greener Planning, Greener UK report, which has been produced in conjunction with horticulturalist, landscape architect and environmental adviser Chris Baines, offers local authorities advice to help maximise the benefits of planning and planting and how to incorporate this into regional policy. The report also highlights the ways in which increasing planting at a local level will benefit the future social and environmental landscape of towns and cities.
The Greening Effect
Green spaces and planting are scientifically proven not only to positively impact quality of life but also health and well being, climate change, the work place and crime which is why it is crucial local authorities take action:
– Plants help reduce the summer energy load on buildings by 20% - 40%2
– Buildings which are set in well cared for green surroundings have been shown to suffer 32% fewer crimes3
– Attractive gardens and the presence of trees in or around the garden can increase the value of property by 5%-7%4
Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development at the Horticultural Trades Association comments, “We believe it is vital to shake up the planning system to ensure that developers actually deliver the planting they promise on new builds. Such a decline in planting is likely to have serious effects on the environment in our urban areas.”
A Need for Green Action
Supporting a green and leafy environment is not just common sense but also a means of achieving greater sustainability. Greener planning and planting is vital in helping to make towns and cities more resilient to the local effects of global climate change by:
– Moderating the effects of extreme weather patterns
– Reducing the risk of flash flooding
– Cooling the heat island effect
Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Minister of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs says, “I cannot help but be aware of the benefits that increased planting on our streets and green landscaped areas can make to a community. Specifically, increased green planting in urban areas can mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon emissions as well as combating the urban heat island effect and improving the water table, reducing flood risk.”
Chris Baines explains, “Local authorities need to start thinking about the implications the decline in planting will have in the future. Through careful planning and planting targets can be achieved and local authorities can ensure that future generations enjoy an environment which is as green, beautiful and healthy as the one we inherited.”
Greener Planning, Greener UK and full case studies can be downloaded for free at www.plantforlife.info/greenerplanning
References:
1 Anon (2008) Greening the UK – Local Authorities’ Commitment to Urban Planting. The Horticultural Trades Association. www.greeningtheuk.org.uk
2Akbari, H. Pomerante, M and Taha, H (2001) Cool surfaces and shade trees to reduce energy use and improve air quality in urban areas, Solar energy. 70:295-310.
3 Kuo, F. E. and Sullivan, W.C.(2001). Environment and crime in the inner city; does vegetation reduce crime? Environment and Behaviour, 33:343-367.
4 Tajima, K. (2005). New estimates of the demand for urban green space : Implications for valuing the environmental benefits of Boston’s Big dig project. Journal of Urban Affairs. 23: 641-655.