ARVO - Evaluating and Strengthening Green Infrastructure in Urban Land Use Planning
In the project:
- A current state review of the consideration of green infrastructure in land use planning was published.
- A tool called the District-scale Green Area Factor was developed, applicable for assessing both the quantity and quality of ecosystem services and biodiversity.
- Developed a classification system for anthropogenic habitats together with the BOOST-consortium to support the use of the planning tool.
- The functionality of the tool was tested through pilot projects in Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa, as well as in associated partner cities.
- The impact of the developed tool was studied.
- Urban planning professionals responsible for zoning were involved in the tool's development, with guidance and training on its use.
- The understanding of city leaders and decision-makers about the importance and impact of green infrastructure in climate change preparedness and adaptation was strengthened.
- National recommendations for strengthening green infrastructure for cities was prepared.
The project was a joint initiative of the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo, Aalto University, and Green Building Council Finland. Aalto University was responsible for developing the green infrastructure methodology and integrating research data into the project. Additionally, we aimed to produce new research information on the value of urban green infrastructure to support land use planning.
All project results, such as the District-scale Green Area Factor user guide, the classification and spatial indicators for anthropogenic habitats as well as recommendations for decision-making in growing municipalities, can be found on the project website [EN]:
Project research publications
- Lähde ym. 2025.
- Lähde ym. 2025. [in finnish]
- Mahlio & Lähde, 2026.
Time:
1.10.2023-31.12.2025.
Funding:
The project received funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
Collaborators:
Elisa Lähde / research director
Olivia Mahlio / doctoral researcher (themes related to urban biodiversity)
Teemu Jama / doctoral researcher (technical development of the method from the perspective of the design process)
Merete Kemppainen / doctoral researcher (the right to urban green space and cultural ecosystem services)
Tuuli Kassi / project researcher (regenerative urban nature)
Consortium:
City of Helsinki (main partner), city of Espoo, city of Vantaa, Aalto University, Green Building Council Finland. In addition, the associated partner cities are: Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Oulu, Lahti, Järvenpää and Porvoo.
