enhancing the circular economy with nature based solutions in the built urban environment green building materials systems and sites

Abstract The objective of this review paper is to survey the state of the art on nature-based solutions (NBS) in the built environment, which can contribute to a circular economy (CE) and counter the negative impacts of urbanization through the provision of ecosystem services. NBS are discussed here at three different levels: (i) green building materials, including biocomposites with plant-based aggregates; (ii) green building systems, employed for the greening of buildings by incorporating vegetation in their envelope; and (iii) green building sites, emphasizing the value of vegetated open spaces and water-sensitive urban design. After introducing the central concepts of NBS and CE as they are manifested in the built environment, we examine the impacts of urban development and the historical use of materials, systems and sites which can offer solutions to these problems. In the central section of the paper we present a series of case studies illustrating the development and implementation of such solutions in recent years. Finally, in a brief critical analysis we look at the ecosystem services and disservices provided by NBS in the built environment, and examine the policy instruments which can be leveraged to promote them in the most effective manner – facilitating the future transition to fully circular cities

Closing Water Cycles in the Built Environment through Nature-Based Solutions: The Contribution of Vertical Greening Systems and Green Roofs

Water in the city is typically exploited in a linear process, in which most of it is polluted, treated, and discharged; during this process, valuable nutrients are lost in the treatment process instead of being cycled back and used in urban agriculture or green space. The purpose of this paper is to advance a new paradigm to close water cycles in cities via the implementation of naturebased solutions units (NBS_u), with a particular focus on building greening elements, such as green roofs (GRs) and vertical greening systems (VGS). The hypothesis is that such “circular systems” can provide substantial ecosystem services and minimize environmental degradation. Our method is twofold: we first examine these systems from a life-cycle point of view, assessing not only the inputs of conventional and alternative materials, but the ongoing input of water that is required for irrigation. Secondly, the evapotranspiration performance of VGS in Copenhagen, Berlin, Lisbon, Rome, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv, cities with different climatic, architectural, and sociocultural contexts have been simulated using a verticalized ET0 approach, assessing rainwater runoff and greywater as irrigation resources. The water cycling performance of VGS in the mentioned cities would be sufficient at recycling 44% (Lisbon) to 100% (Berlin, Istanbul) of all accruing rainwater roof–runoff, if water shortages in dry months are bridged by greywater. Then, 27–53% of the greywater accruing in a building could be managed on its greened surface. In conclusion, we address the gaps in the current knowledge and policies identified in the different stages of analyses, such as the lack of comprehensive life cycle assessment studies that quantify the complete “water footprint” of building greening systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Community gardens as temporary uses for vacant land revitalization : The case of Riga

Book of proceedings: Annual AESOP Congress, Spaces of Dialog for Places of Dignity, Lisbon, 11-14th July, 2017As some European cities are undergoing economic and population decline, at the same time showing urban sprawl, the number of vacant land inside the city centers is rapidly growing. Under complicated cunstruction regulations, development of vacant land inside the city center is often related to high construction costs and time investment, forcing land owners to postpone site development. Vacant land in the city center, providing space for garbage collection and even affecting increase in crime, results neighbourhood degradation. Concerning common uncertainty regarding future development of vacant land, temporary uses appear to be good solution to outdoor space revitalization, helping to improve quality of life of local residents. As show various case studies from different European countries, community gardens appear to be common solution for the temporary use of vacant land. According to previous research data, community gardens contribute to social cohesion, promoting integration and strengthening sense of neighbourhood belonging.Published versio

Digital information tools for urban regeneration: capital’s approach in theory and practice

Urban regeneration, which includes renovation of decaying urban structures as well as renovation of dilapidated buildings, is an important economic, aesthetic and cultural factor for sustainable development planning worldwide. The revitalization of urban structures is a complex challenge, influenced by various interdisciplinary aspects, like urban socio-economic development, integrated transport and mobility solutions and others. And it requires involvement of different stakeholders at different levels in identifying and finding solutions. Technological innovations offer a variety of digital tools to address modern urban governance and modelling issues, identifying problem areas with public involvement and participation that allow relevant services to respond quickly, thus improving the urban environment and the quality of life of people. With the help of digital tools, it is also possible to promote the availability of public services, model and forecast environmental risks, as well as perform other functions integral to the organization and management of modern society. However, the wide range of these tools and their mutually asynchronous use often make it difficult to choose the right tool, thus creating the risk of fragmented implementation. The aim of this paper is to propose theoretical approach for modelling of complex interactions affecting urban regeneration as well as summarize and systematize the existing digital information tools which might empower the process of regeneration. The analysis of the use and impact of digital and smart tools allows to identify urban problems, as well as to outline ways to solve them. The results of the research will form the basis for further research stages