Green City

Image credit: Niek Roozen

Communicate the benefits to various parties

Parties such as the health sector, businesses, engineers, designers, the building sector, developers, cities / local governments and the community can all gain from green in the city. Emphasise the long term benefits for each sector

The cost of green is an investment

Costs for urban greening are an investment just like any other building investment. Approach a green project as a business case and ask the question: what is the joint ambition and how can it be achieved together. With this approach, green have added value and the costs will be seen as an investment with a quantifiable return.

Business benefit from quality public projects

Businesses should be encouraged to consider co-investing in public projects that improve the business location. Vibrant business districts encourage business investment and attract talent.

Real estate near green is more valuable

Developers should be made aware that houses with quality green in the neighbourhood are worth significantly more than houses of the same type in non-green neighbourhoods. This motivates the inclusion of ‘living green’ into the total budget. The value range depends on whether the property is adjacent to green, has a view of green, or is near green

Regulation incentives encourage good development

Invite businesses who are looking to invest in green (People- Planet – Profit – Peace – Partnership) to locate their business in the city and invest locally. Give incentives such as a shorter permit process to projects that incorporate green. Developers and agencies now use sustainability certification in their real estate marketing efforts. Certification programmes globally include LEED, BREEAM, Estidama, Green Star, and WELL.