Benefits

Green investment

Some advantages that can be seen are that green locations are more often awarded in tenders. Plans may be approved more quickly. Greenery may have a positive effect on the buying and selling time of buildings.

Real estate is worth 5 to 15% more in a well-maintained green environment. Both a short walk to greenery and a view of greenery affect the value.

Green façades and (collective) roof gardens can lead to an increase in the value of buildings. Soundproofing by greenery may positively impact the value of real estate.

Green locations can exhibit very different stakeholder and revenue streams than expected. Consider police and security services and insurance companies – there is a noticeable reduction in crime, and damage due to (water) nuisance in an area due to high quality designed urban green spaces.

Project developers are increasingly realising that investing in greenery is not only good for the climate, but that it also promotes the sale of real estate and returns. The occupancy rate of real estate in a pleasant green environment is higher. Higher rents may also be charged. Public investments in green spaces can be recouped through higher tax revenues (WOZ, house value lump sum).

Multiple use of space

A green outdoor space creates new living space in densely populated areas. Public rooftops and collective courtyards are excellent locations to create more living space without using scarce and expensive square meters elsewhere.

Energy costs

Greenery on the roof and façade increases the insulation value of buildings. It can save energy costs: up to 70% in summer for cooling and up to 20% in winter for heating. Green roofing tends to protect roofs better and preserve them for longer. A green roof extends the lifespan of the roof. On average, an extensive green roof lasts three times as long.

Solar panels on a green roof are 6% more efficient due to the heat reduction delivered by evapotranspiration. Trees in the parking lot provide shade and cooling. This leads to less evaporation of fuel from the fuel tank and less energy consumption of the air conditioner.

Well-placed windbreaks protect places and buildings from strong winds. Adequately constructed tree bands can lead to energy savings of up to 10% in adjacent buildings, even if they are already optimally insulated.

Attracting and retaining motivated staff

A green working environment has a positive effect on attracting employees and volunteers. This is especially true for younger workers and highly educated people. These groups also include many creatives who contribute greatly to the knowledge economy. Attracting such groups also leads to a diverse workforce and increased local spending.

Research into the choice of location of companies showed that status and accessibility used to be the most important factors. Nowadays, greenery is also a factor in the decision of location.

Green environments are more attractive and provide a better business climate for companies and citizens. They attract interest of large international companies that wish to offer their (foreign) knowledge workers a good working and living environment.

Green pays off

On average, 90% of the operational costs that a company or institution are spent on personnel. With an attractive outdoor space, more value can be gained from the people who work there. In the short term, more greenery leads to a more personally pleasant thermal comfort and informal encounters, which in turn leads to better concentration and higher productivity and creativity. All of this ultimately adds up to more revenue and contributes to less absenteeism.

Shopping & Hospitality

Green environments that are attractive for living and working offer more opportunities for shopping, hospitality, tourism, and recreation. This leads to more turnover and employment in the tourism and leisure sector and higher municipal revenues through tourist tax.

In the hospitality industry, greenery contributes to higher turnover of diners. Green outdoor spaces make it possible to exploit terraces in more attractive places. Turnover increases due to the presence of greenery near the terrace.

Greenery has a calming effect on people. This leads to a different buying behaviour. Green resting points in shopping areas lead to longer stays. Greenery in and near stores can generate up to 12% more turnover in a shopping street. Shoppers are willing to pay more for a product in a shopping street with trees than in a shopping street without trees.

Sustainable image

A green appearance contributes to a sustainable image in the long term, enabling sustainable companies and cities to perform better.

Sustainability objectives or certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, WELL, GSAS, and NL Terrain and NL Area Label can be placed as a filter over the model of The Living Public Space.

This also applies to the values and principles of the Earth Charter and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. We see that in the updated versions of certifications, living greenery is increasingly included in the measures, and The Living Public Space is anticipated to be a source of inspiration.

Financial impacts

Many calculation tools developed by science and industry provide insight into the benefits and impacts of green and blue measures. This enables government, urban planners, (landscape) architects, and clients to evaluate policy, plans and designs in terms of their contribution to health, economy, nature and climate resilience.

Subsidies and incentives

Business clients who invest in a living public space that demonstrably uses measures that promote climate resilience may be eligible for tax benefits. Many cities have policies that offer incentives or subsidies that support investment in urban greening. It is advisable to inquire with municipalities, insurance companies, and and water boards about subsidy schemes.

Investments in rooftop greenery, greenery on the façade or nature-friendly facilities can be fiscally attractive. In the Netherlands, the lists of measures eligible for this purpose are drawn up annually.

Collaboration

The collaborative construction and management of green spaces (with government, business and residents) is on the rise. In addition to financial gain, collaboration provides social profit and often free publicity. In the various tabs you will find several examples.

Together with other entrepreneurs, a Business Investment Zone (BIZ), or Business Improvement District (BID), can be set up on a business park, a city precinct, or in a shopping area. Entrepreneurs invest together in an attractive and safe business environment. They may pay a levy to the municipality for this, and the municipality makes the proceeds available to the association or foundation that undertakes the activities. The activities of a BIZ or BID will be complementary to those of the municipality, such as the maintenance of green spaces.

An attractive public space creates added value for social encounters and economic activities. This strengthens the value of the neighbourhood and district, which in turn attracts more development and investors.

The Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) aims to enhance the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of London’s historic Fleet Street area by investing in public realm improvements, community initiatives, and business support services. We focus on fostering a thriving, dynamic environment for businesses, visitors, and residents, through collaboration and strategic developments. Find out more.