Streets are ecosystems
Streets support green and blue infrastructure for healthier people and healthier, more-resilient towns and cities.
Green infrastructure includes trees and plantings as well as stormwater management treatments such as raingardens, bioswales and permeable pavement materials.
Trees, planting, and sensitive water management are some of the most critical elements that streets can contribute to the greening and cooling of public and private spaces. These are sustainable and effective methods for increasing our resilience to urban heat, improving air quality and reducing harmful emissions.
An extensive tree canopy, such as this one in Peter Street Wagga Wagga, creates a more comfortable and amenable street for people while also supporting property values.
As a network supporting green and blue infrastructure, streets can support urban ecosystems as well as improving people’s health, comfort and experience of the built environment. Another benefit of this approach is encouraging people to walk or cycle, as these modes are more attractive where there are well-designed green and blue elements.
Existing streets, such as Primrose Avenue Rosebery, can substantially increase tree canopy cover and ecosystem performance by adding plantings in the median or in other parts of the street.
Aligning with this function: