Green and Blue

The Green and blue theme refers to the network of green spaces (including “blue” water systems) that deliver multiple environmental, economic, and social values and benefits to communities. This network includes parks and reserves, backyards and gardens, waterways and wetlands, drainage corridors, streets and transport corridors, pathways and greenways, squares and plazas, roof gardens and “living” walls, sports fields, and cemeteries.

Trees, landscapes, and water are critical infrastructures for greening and cooling our public and private spaces in sustainable ways and can increase communities’ resilience against urban heat and improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. As a network, they can improve people’s comfort and experience of the built environment (e.g. providing shade and connections with nature) and its functional performance (e.g. mitigating flooding), including providing open space for recreation and respite. Walking and cycling can become more attractive whenever there are green spaces and blue systems, as it makes places more inviting for people walking and cycling and as well as encourage social interactions.