Evaluating net community benefits of integrating nature within cities

Abstract

There is a lack of support for methods and data systems for the writing and impementation of regulatory and policy improvements requiring the evaluation of the net community benefits of integrating nature into cities. Addressing this need, this paper presents essential context and a framework to guide consistent and systematic assessment of the social benefits and costs of biophilic urbanism and other bases for urban greening. We begin with a review of the major characteristics of, and differences between, key urban greening-related terms given the importance of establishing a consistent analytic basis for wellbeing assessment in urban planning strategies. These terms include ‘green cities’, ‘open space’, ‘urban green space’, ‘urban green infrastructure’, ‘biophilia’ and the practice of ‘biophilic urbanism’. We propose the use of ‘biophilic urbanism’ as a rubric urban planning term to cover all of the urban environmental interventions involving the intentional provision or protection of biophysical features. Focusing on specific and strategic targets and implementation actions, we then explore the consolidation and methodical assessment of social benefits and costs associated with the benefits of biophilic urbanism, based on total economic value (TEV) conceptual framework and its ability to support net environmental benefit valuation. We conclude with an emphasis upon the importance of ensuring structure and methodological rigour in budgets and performance evaluation requirements. This paper has immediate implications for policy makers and regulatory authorities, providing the basis for consistent and transparent evaluation of biophilic urbanism initiatives. It also has implications for urban planners and built environment professionals, highlighting key considerations for design briefs to ensure the adequate integration of nature into urban new-build, refurbishments and revitalisation efforts.