Greening the city: A measurement for a mindful environment
Scientists at the University of Bradford have developed a tool to predict how relaxing urban environments are. The Tranquillity Rating Prediction Tool (TRAPT) shows great promise as a tool for urban planning and encouraging the use of green infrastructure for mental well-being. Screening of buildings and noise was shown to greatly improve tranquillity, as did increasing distance from roads. This tool could be very useful in helping to communicate the intangible benefits of green infrastructure.
Greg Watts. The effects of “greening” urban areas on the perceptions of tranquillity. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2017; 26: 11 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2017.05.010
The National Association of City Transportation Officials released an urban street stormwater guide. A collaboration between city transportation, public works and water departments, this guide provides leaders and practitioners with tools to design streets for successful stormwater management and healthy, greener cities. The guide includes example case studies from across the United States.
This recent report analyzes 4,000 cities to demonstrate the health, climate and biodiversity benefits of source water protection. It examines the environmental, economic and community benefits of source water protection using nature-based solutions. A major finding of this report was that 80% of the cities studied could be using forest protection and pastureland reforestation to reduce sediment or nutrient pollution by a meaningful amount.