Short answer
Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Blue-Green Systems (2019)
- Method
- Literature Review
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Integrating nature-based solutions into urban environments, from materials to sites, is crucial for advancing circular economy principles and mitigating urbanization's negative impacts. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Blue-Green Systems. Using Literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services.
Nature-Based Solutions Drive Circularity in Urban Development
Integrating nature-based solutions into urban environments, from materials to sites, is crucial for advancing circular economy principles and mitigating urbanization's negative impacts.
Blue-Green Systems · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Nature-based solutions can be implemented at material, system, and site levels within the built environment.
- 02These solutions offer ecosystem services that counter negative impacts of urbanization.
- 03Integrating NBS is essential for transitioning towards circular cities.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services.
How to apply
When designing new buildings or retrofitting existing ones, consider incorporating green roofs, living walls, permeable paving, and using materials with a high recycled or bio-based content.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design can mimic natural processes.
- 02Research local biodiversity and how to support it through your design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive overview of NBS in the built environment.
- +Connects NBS directly to circular economy goals.
Limitations
The practical implementation of some NBS might be limited by climate, cost, or maintenance requirements.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is based on a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies. Validity is supported by the synthesis of research across multiple levels of NBS implementation.
Think critically
How can the potential 'disservices' of nature-based solutions (e.g., increased maintenance, pest issues) be effectively managed and mitigated in urban design projects?
Design Principles
"Design with nature to achieve circularity and ecological resilience in the built environment."
This research highlights how incorporating natural elements and processes into the built environment can significantly contribute to a circular economy. By considering green materials, building systems, and urban sites, designers and engineers can create more sustainable and resilient cities that provide valuable ecosystem services.
What This Means for Your Design
Using plants and natural systems in buildings and cities helps make them more sustainable and less wasteful, like a circular economy.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this paper when discussing the environmental impact of materials or systems in your design project.
- 2.Use the concepts of NBS and CE to justify design choices related to sustainability.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research underscores the importance of nature-based solutions (NBS) in advancing circular economy principles within the built environment. By integrating NBS at the material, system, and site levels, designers can create urban spaces that provide essential ecosystem services, mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.
Source
Blue-Green Systems
Enhancing the circular economy with nature-based solutions in the built urban environment: green building materials, systems and sites
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about nature-based solutions drive circularity in urban development?
- Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services. Evidence: Blue-Green Systems (2019).
- Why does "Nature-Based Solutions Drive Circularity in Urban Development" matter for design?
- This research highlights how incorporating natural elements and processes into the built environment can significantly contribute to a circular economy. By considering green materials, building systems, and urban sites, designers and engineers can create more sustainable and resilient cities that provide valuable ecosystem services.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services.
- What were the main findings?
- Nature-based solutions can be implemented at material, system, and site levels within the built environment.. These solutions offer ecosystem services that counter negative impacts of urbanization.. Integrating NBS is essential for transitioning towards circular cities.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Blue-Green Systems.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing new buildings or retrofitting existing ones, consider incorporating green roofs, living walls, permeable paving, and using materials with a high recycled or bio-based content.
- What are the limitations?
- The paper focuses on a review and critical analysis, rather than empirical testing of specific solutions. Policy effectiveness and the balance of ecosystem services versus disservices require ongoing evaluation.