Integrating Ecosystem Services into Urban Planning: A Novel Approach for Natural Resources Management in Metropolitan Areas

A special issue of Urban Science (ISSN 2413-8851). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Environment and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 18577

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Regional and Urban Planning, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: ecosystem service; urban ecological planning; resilience-oriented urban planning

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Guest Editor
College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Interests: ecosystem services; urban planning; ecological managment

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Guest Editor
Institute of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: biodiversity conservation; flood risk management; green–blue infrastructure

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue entitled "Integrating Ecosystem Services into Urban Planning: A Novel Approach for Natural Resources Management in Metropolitan Areas".

The aim of this Special Issue is to compile contributions from eco-social researchers, urban planners, administrators, ecologists, and economists to address critical challenges and opportunities in the field, drawing on the latest research trends and insights. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Strategies for Integrating Ecosystem Services into Urban Planning: How can ecosystem services be systematically integrated into urban planning frameworks to enhance environmental quality and urban resilience?
  • Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecosystem Dynamics: Exploring the role of green infrastructure in delivering ecosystem services and supporting biodiversity in urban areas.
  • Policy Frameworks and Governance Mechanisms: Identifying effective policy frameworks and governance approaches that support the integration of ecosystem services into metropolitan planning.
  • Technological Innovations for Urban Ecosystem Management: Assessing the role of spatial modeling, GIS, and other tools in monitoring and optimizing ecosystem services in urban environments.
  • Case Studies and Best Practices: Showcasing successful examples of urban planning initiatives that integrate ecosystem services, highlighting lessons learned and potential applications in different metropolitan contexts.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, review papers, and case studies that provide innovative approaches and practical insights regarding the integration of ecosystem services into urban planning. We look forward to receiving your contributions and to advancing the field of sustainable urban development.

Prof. Dr. Yonghua Li
Dr. Qiwei Ma
Dr. Yuting Xie
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ecosystem service
  • urban planning
  • itergrating solution
  • natural resource management
  • matropolitan areas

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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23 pages, 5628 KB  
Article
Green Urbanism and Urban Transformation in Gamasa, Egypt: A Multi-Criteria Assessment Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
by Rasha Ali EL Ashmawy, Amany A. Ragheb, Ghada Ragheb, Tasneem Amr and Nourhane M. El-Haridi
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(5), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10050285 - 19 May 2026
Abstract
This manuscript creates a framework for decision support based on green urbanism to direct the sustainable development of Gamasa, an Egyptian seaside city. The paper aims to convert the concepts of green urbanism into a multi-criteria evaluation that can support strategic urban development [...] Read more.
This manuscript creates a framework for decision support based on green urbanism to direct the sustainable development of Gamasa, an Egyptian seaside city. The paper aims to convert the concepts of green urbanism into a multi-criteria evaluation that can support strategic urban development and prioritize spatial interventions. Sustainable mobility, green and blue infrastructure, energy and resource efficiency, urban form and density, social livability and public space quality, and governance and implementation feasibility are the six dimensions that are defined. These dimensions are derived from international sustainability literature and tailored to Gamasa’s particular challenges. The study’s methodology combines a multi-criteria decision-making approach based on the AHP with spatial analysis of land use, street hierarchy, building shape, and green space distribution. Weights for these dimensions are determined by expert-based pairwise comparisons, which are backed by a SWOT analysis. To prioritize priority zones for green transformation, the weighted framework is applied to four important urban areas: residential districts, a large urban park, the waterfront, and the main urban corridor. The top priorities, according to the results, are climate-responsive coastal design, increased green and blue infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. For quickly urbanizing coastal cities, the method demonstrates how the AHP operationalizes green urbanism into quantifiable, context-sensitive goals. Full article
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19 pages, 762 KB  
Article
Integrating Urban Green Ecosystem Services into Municipal Natural Resources Management Through ESG Reporting: Evidence from Greek Cities
by Ilias Tanimanidis and Konstantinos G. Papaspyropoulos
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10020098 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 936
Abstract
Urban green is a key component of municipal natural resources management (MNRM) in metropolitan areas, providing ecosystem services (ESs) related to climate regulation, environmental quality, and citizens’ well-being. However, these ESs are often weakly integrated into municipal management practices, and this may be [...] Read more.
Urban green is a key component of municipal natural resources management (MNRM) in metropolitan areas, providing ecosystem services (ESs) related to climate regulation, environmental quality, and citizens’ well-being. However, these ESs are often weakly integrated into municipal management practices, and this may be due to the absence of structured accountability and reporting mechanisms. This study examines whether a topic-specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting framework for urban green could support the integration of ecosystem services into MNRM. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with representatives from 23 municipalities across Greece, exploring awareness of ESG concepts, views on accountability and stakeholder engagement, and perceptions of urban green as a managed natural resource. The findings indicate broad recognition of the multifunctional role of urban green and strong agreement on the value of systematic reporting and accountability. At the same time, municipalities identify the lack of an appropriate reporting framework as a key constraint, alongside organizational and staffing limitations. Drawing on stakeholder and impression management theory, the study shows the respondents support that urban green ESG reporting can function as a governance tool, enhancing transparency and stakeholder involvement. A municipal ESG reporting framework is perceived as a tool that could support operationalizing ESs within local governance structures, contributing to a more effective MNRM. Full article
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23 pages, 797 KB  
Article
Drivers of People’s Connectedness with Nature in Urban Areas: Community Gardening Acceptance in a Densely Populated City
by Rahim Maleknia and Aureliu-Florin Hălălișan
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010015 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Community gardening has become an important urban sustainability initiative that integrates ecological restoration with social participation. However, little is known about the psychological and social mechanisms that drive citizens’ willingness to engage in such activities, particularly in densely populated cities with limited green [...] Read more.
Community gardening has become an important urban sustainability initiative that integrates ecological restoration with social participation. However, little is known about the psychological and social mechanisms that drive citizens’ willingness to engage in such activities, particularly in densely populated cities with limited green space. This study develops and empirically tests an integrative behavioral model combining environmental psychology, social cognitive theory, and environmental identity theory to explain citizens’ participation in community gardening in Tehran, Iran. Using survey data from 416 residents and analyzing results through structural equation modeling, the study evaluates the effects of six key predictors, including childhood nature experience, connectedness to nature, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, psychological restoration, and collective environmental responsibility, on willingness to participate. The model explained 54% of the variance in participation, indicating high explanatory power. Five predictors significantly influenced willingness to participate: childhood nature experience, connectedness to nature, outcome expectancy, psychological restoration, and collective environmental responsibility, while self-efficacy was not significant. The findings reveal that engagement in community gardening is shaped more by emotional, restorative, and moral motivations than by perceived capability alone. Theoretically, this research advances understanding of pro-environmental participation by integrating memory-based, affective, and normative dimensions of behavior. Practically, it provides actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers to design inclusive, emotionally restorative, and collectively managed green initiatives that strengthen citizen participation and enhance urban resilience. Full article
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39 pages, 17597 KB  
Article
Strategies for the Revalorization of the Natural Environment and Landscape Regeneration at La Herradura Beach, Chorrillos, Peru 2024
by Pablo Cobeñas, Doris Esenarro, Jesica Vilchez Cairo, Alejandro Gómez, Manuel Prado, Alvaro Adrian Pérez Sosa, Vanessa Raymundo, Fatima Liliana Pinedo Garcia, Jesus Peña, Emerson Porras and Lidia Chang
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010002 - 19 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Since the 1960s and 1970s, urban expansion and pressure on the coastal ecosystem of Chorrillos caused the reduction in the sandy strip of La Herradura Beach, which was aggravated in 1980 by the dynamiting of the natural hill to allow access to La [...] Read more.
Since the 1960s and 1970s, urban expansion and pressure on the coastal ecosystem of Chorrillos caused the reduction in the sandy strip of La Herradura Beach, which was aggravated in 1980 by the dynamiting of the natural hill to allow access to La Chira, which accelerated coastal erosion. This research proposes strategies for the revalorization of the natural environment and landscape regeneration of La Herradura, Chorrillos, Peru. This study is developed in three phases: a literature review; a site analysis focused on climate, flora, and fauna; and the development of an integrated architectural proposal that is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2024, SketchUp 2024, D5 Render, and Photoshop 2024. The design integrates regeneration and environmental education strategies, including ecological restoration zones, the use of eco-friendly materials such as stone, and the implementation of endemic plants like Schinus molle. The proposal combines strategic vegetation and sustainable technologies: A total of 30 Schinus molle specimens distributed along 240 m can capture approximately 12,336 kg of CO2 per year and reduce the ambient temperature by up to 6 °C, contributing significantly to the mitigation of urban climate change; 7 terraced beds with shrubs, herbaceous plants, and groundcovers generate cool microclimates and control erosion; 12 fog catchers collect ~1131 L of water per day, and solar-powered luminaires ensure continuous lighting. In conclusion, the integration of endemic vegetation, sustainable infrastructures, and eco-friendly materials demonstrates a replicable model of resilient coastal space, supporting SDGs 11, 13, 14, and 15. Full article
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19 pages, 2252 KB  
Article
Biodiversity Performance of Living Wall Systems in Urban Environments: A UK Case Study of Plant Selection and Substrate Effects on Multi-Taxa Communities
by Paul Henry Lunt, James Buckley, Suzanne Mitchell, Gabriel Thomas, Elek Churella and Thomas Richard Murphy
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(12), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9120519 - 6 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1071
Abstract
Urban densification threatens biodiversity, yet conventional greenspace expansion is constrained by limited land availability. Living wall systems (LWS) offer potential biodiversity enhancement through vertical green infrastructure, though their ecological value remains underexplored. This study evaluated the biodiversity performance of three LWS in Plymouth, [...] Read more.
Urban densification threatens biodiversity, yet conventional greenspace expansion is constrained by limited land availability. Living wall systems (LWS) offer potential biodiversity enhancement through vertical green infrastructure, though their ecological value remains underexplored. This study evaluated the biodiversity performance of three LWS in Plymouth, UK, using multi-taxa surveys to assess invertebrate communities, bird assemblages, and bat activity. A scoping review of 2638 publications revealed limited research on LWS biodiversity, with only 27% of biodiversity-focused papers referencing specific species. Field surveys employed standardised protocols including flower-visiting pollinator observations, spider assessments, soil invertebrate extraction using Tullgren funnels, acoustic bird monitoring, and bat emergence surveys across soil-based and hydroponic systems. Results demonstrated that soil-based LWS supported significantly higher invertebrate diversity than hydroponic systems, with 481 soil invertebrates recorded across 19 families. Plant species composition strongly influenced biodiversity outcomes, with Hedera helix, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Lonicera japonica attracting the most pollinator species (5 each). Bird abundance was significantly higher at LWS sites compared to control areas, with confirmed breeding by three species. However, current UK Biodiversity Net Gain frameworks undervalue LWS contributions due to their classification as artificial habitats. These findings indicate that appropriately designed soil-based LWS can deliver meaningful urban biodiversity benefits when integrated with strategic plant selection and species-based valuation approaches. Full article
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50 pages, 172326 KB  
Article
Green Corridor Along the Chili River as an Ecosystem-Based Strategy for Social Connectivity and Ecological Resilience in Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru, 2025
by Doris Esenarro, Luz Karelly Montenegro, Christian Medina, Jesica Vilchez Cairo, Alberto Israel Legua Terry, Maria Veliz Garagatti, Geoffrey Wigberto Salas Delgado and Mónica María Escate Lira
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(11), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9110488 - 18 Nov 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3334
Abstract
In recent decades, accelerated urban growth in Arequipa has led to the loss of more than 40% of riparian vegetation and increased ecological fragmentation in the Chili River valley. This transformation has degraded water quality and limited equitable access to green and public [...] Read more.
In recent decades, accelerated urban growth in Arequipa has led to the loss of more than 40% of riparian vegetation and increased ecological fragmentation in the Chili River valley. This transformation has degraded water quality and limited equitable access to green and public spaces. Therefore, this research aims to design a Green Corridor along the Chili River as an ecosystem-based strategy to enhance social connectivity and ecological resilience in Arequipa, Peru. The methodology combined an extensive literature review, a comparative analysis of international case studies, and a territorial diagnosis supported by geospatial and climatic data. The process is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2025, AutoCAD 2024, SketchUp Pro 2023, and solar simulations with Ladybug-Grasshopper, complemented by data from SENAMHI, SINIA, and the Solar Atlas of Peru. The results propose a resilient green corridor integrating passive and active sustainability strategies, including 40 photovoltaic panels, 44 solar luminaires, biodigesters producing between 90 and 150 kWh per month, and phytotechnologies capable of absorbing 75,225 kg of CO2 annually, based on WHO conversion factors adapted to high-altitude conditions. The proposal employs eco-efficient materials such as reforested eucalyptus wood and volcanic sillar, creating recreational and productive spaces that promote social cohesion and circular economy. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based design to regenerate arid urban riverbanks, harmonizing environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural identity. Thus, the Chili River corridor is consolidated as a replicable model of green-blue infrastructure for Andean cities, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Full article
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21 pages, 4663 KB  
Article
Beyond the Canopy: In Situ Evidence of Urban Green Spaces’ Cooling Potential Across Three Chilean Cities
by Karina Salgado, Francisco de la Barrera, Valentina Salinas, Sergio González, Sonia Reyes-Paecke, Ricardo Truffello and Agnese Salvati
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(11), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9110485 - 18 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1637
Abstract
Vegetation in urban green spaces plays a critical role in mitigating surface heat, yet the magnitude of this effect remains uncertain across scales and measurement methods. This study assesses the cooling performance during the summer of 94 green spaces in three Chilean cities—classified [...] Read more.
Vegetation in urban green spaces plays a critical role in mitigating surface heat, yet the magnitude of this effect remains uncertain across scales and measurement methods. This study assesses the cooling performance during the summer of 94 green spaces in three Chilean cities—classified in three types according to their size—combining satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) data with high-resolution in situ thermal imaging. We performed comparisons of the cooling effects of green spaces and their components (vegetation, impermeable and semi-permeable surfaces). Spearman’s correlation analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc were used to evaluate associations and differences. Results demonstrate that vegetation quantity and composition—particularly tree and shrub cover—are key determinants of cooling performance. In situ measurements reveal that green spaces are on average 9.3 °C cooler than their urban surroundings, substantially exceeding differences captured by LST. Additionally, shaded surfaces within green spaces exhibit temperature reductions of 12 °C to 17 °C compared to sun-exposed areas, underscoring the role of vegetation in mitigating surface heat extremes. These findings challenge the sole reliance on remote sensing for urban heat assessments and highlight the value of integrating ground-based observations. This study advances understanding of vegetation’s localized cooling potential in Latin American cities and provides actionable insights for urban climate resilience planning. Full article
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12 pages, 1591 KB  
Article
Integrating Urban Tree Carbon Sequestration into Metropolitan Ecosystem Services for Climate-Neutral Cities: A Citizen Science-Based Methodology
by Jordi Mazon
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(11), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9110463 - 6 Nov 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1832
Abstract
Urban trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing atmospheric CO2 and providing multiple co-benefits, including cooling urban environments, reducing building energy demand, and enhancing citizens’ physical and psychological well-being. This study presents the Co Carbon Trees Measurement project, [...] Read more.
Urban trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing atmospheric CO2 and providing multiple co-benefits, including cooling urban environments, reducing building energy demand, and enhancing citizens’ physical and psychological well-being. This study presents the Co Carbon Trees Measurement project, a citizen science initiative implemented in the city of Viladecans, Spain, involving 658 students, local administration, and academia, three components of the EU mission’s quadruple helix governance model. Over one year, 1274 urban trees were measured for trunk diameter and height to quantify annual CO2 sequestration using a direct measurement approach combining field data collection with a mobile application for a height assessment and a flexible measuring tape for diameter. Results indicate that carbon fixation increases with tree size, displaying a parabolic function with larger trees sequestering significantly more CO2. A range between 10 and 20 kg of CO2 is sequestered by the urban trees in the period 2024–2025. The study also highlights the broader benefits of urban trees, including shading, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and positive impacts on mental health and social cohesion. While the total CO2 captured in Viladecans (≈810 tons/year) is small relative to city emissions (≈170,000 tons/year), the methodology demonstrates a scalable, replicable approach for monitoring progress toward climate neutrality and integrating urban trees into planning and climate action strategies. This approach positions green infrastructure as a central component of sustainable and resilient urban development. Full article
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19 pages, 3923 KB  
Article
Non-Linear Impacts of Social and Ecological Drivers on Ecosystem Services: A Threshold Perspective
by Yan Zhang, Shuhan Liu, Peiheng Yu, Hongtao Liu, Fanjie Kong, Gui Jin and Yiyun Chen
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(10), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9100390 - 26 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
Exploring the impact of socio-ecological drivers on ecosystem services (ESs) is critical to ES conservation and restoration. Although a considerable amount of the literature has focused on this topic, few studies have investigated the non-linear impact thresholds of socio-ecological drivers on ESs from [...] Read more.
Exploring the impact of socio-ecological drivers on ecosystem services (ESs) is critical to ES conservation and restoration. Although a considerable amount of the literature has focused on this topic, few studies have investigated the non-linear impact thresholds of socio-ecological drivers on ESs from a global perspective. In this study, multisource geospatial data was integrated with ecological modeling to quantify six typical ESs in Wuhan, China. Dominant drivers were identified through random forests, and non-linear relationships and thresholds were analyzed by partial dependence analysis. The results revealed that elevator, distance from rivers, soil organic carbon content, aggregation index, and Shannon diversity index were the dominant drivers of most ESs. Moreover, three types of non-linear impact thresholds exist in the relationship between ESs and their socio-ecological drivers: “single threshold” effects; “monotonic impact” effects; and “complex curve” effects, including “S-shape”, “inverted U-shape” and “inverted S-shape” effects. Based on these findings, we proposed policy guidance to inform ecological protection and restoration aimed at enhancing ES provision and promoting sustainable development. Full article
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23 pages, 11382 KB  
Article
Development of the Cultural Landscape of the Slovak Enclave Mlynky (Pest County, Hungary) and the Possibilities of Its Sustainable Present Use
by Peter Chrastina, Bohuslava Hrončeková Gregorová and Pavel Hronček
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(9), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9090357 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1583
Abstract
The landscape of Mlynky Village, situated in the north–northwest part of Pest County, is characterized by preserved areas of historical cultural landscape and monuments, which were created or rebuilt mainly by Slovak colonists’ activities. The aim of this study was the cultural–ecological characterization [...] Read more.
The landscape of Mlynky Village, situated in the north–northwest part of Pest County, is characterized by preserved areas of historical cultural landscape and monuments, which were created or rebuilt mainly by Slovak colonists’ activities. The aim of this study was the cultural–ecological characterization of the Slovak enclave Mlynky territory and the reconstruction of the land use (historical land use), with an emphasis on the period from the mid-18th century (from the founding of the village on the land of the Pauline monastery) to 2022. We used the findings on land use changes to develop an integrated landscape management approach, which we present as two framework proposals. They aim to coordinate the development of anthropogenic activities in the present while preserving the cultural–historical potential of the studied area (rescue, revitalization, and protection of selected landscape archetypes) since the natural beauty and historical values of the landscape of the studied area have been protected since 1997 by the legislation of the Danube–Ipoly National Park. The research results also confirm the importance of natural driving forces that played a fundamental role in cultivating the local landscape during the period under study. This fact is reflected in the relatively small areas with high anthropogenic use (arable land and permanent grasslands). Full article
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19 pages, 3090 KB  
Article
Effect of Forest Species Canopy on the Accumulation of Toxic Metals in the Soil Within and Around Macedonia Airport, Northern Greece
by Ioannis Mousios, Marianthi Tsakaldimi, Evangelia Gkini, Theocharis Chatzistathis and Petros Ganatsas
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060191 - 27 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
Soil pollution at airports is a critical environmental issue that affects not only the local ecology but also the health of people living near these infrastructures. The main causes of pollution include the use of chemical products such as de-icing agents, fuels, and [...] Read more.
Soil pollution at airports is a critical environmental issue that affects not only the local ecology but also the health of people living near these infrastructures. The main causes of pollution include the use of chemical products such as de-icing agents, fuels, and lubricants, as well as waste from aircraft and ground vehicles. These substances often seep into the soil, leading to the accumulation of toxic elements. However, due to security reasons, there is a great scarcity of real data on the impact of airport operations on ecosystems and the role trees could play in pollutant limitation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether airport operations have toxic effects on soils within and around Macedonia Airport, Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, by determining the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Cd, and Zn) in soil samples taken within the airport and near the airport. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the canopies of forest species on the accumulation of toxic metals in the soil inside the airport and in the peripheral zone. The results show that, overall, no important pollution was detected in the soil of the Thessaloniki Airport, Northern Greece, both inside and outside the airport area. Some differences were observed in the content of toxic metals studied between the samples taken inside and outside the airport, and some effects of tree canopy were noted. However, all values were lower than the defined permissible limits according to international standards (except for iron). It is important, however, to perform regular re-checking of soil quality with new samples in order to prevent soil contamination and mitigate any contamination found. Full article
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24 pages, 1912 KB  
Systematic Review
Definition, Integration and Effectiveness of Integrated Green-Grey Infrastructure in Residential Street Retrofits: A Systematic Literature Review
by Xinxin Wang, Andreas Wesener and Wendy McWilliam
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10020092 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 609
Abstract
Suburban residential streets have long been criticised for their multiple short-comings, including traffic-related injury, increased stormwater runoff, and lack of aesthetic values. Research suggests that Integrated Green-Grey Infrastructure (IGGI) is likely to play a role in mitigating these problems. IGGI refers to infrastructure [...] Read more.
Suburban residential streets have long been criticised for their multiple short-comings, including traffic-related injury, increased stormwater runoff, and lack of aesthetic values. Research suggests that Integrated Green-Grey Infrastructure (IGGI) is likely to play a role in mitigating these problems. IGGI refers to infrastructure that consists of both natural materials (such as plants, soil) and human-made structures (such as concrete, pipes). However, IGGI’s definition remains vague, and little is known about its implementation in suburban street retrofitting, and how effective it is. Using a systematic literature review method, this paper analyses peer-reviewed journal articles published over a period of ten years between 2014 and 2023. The objective was to understand IGGI’s definition, integration, and effectiveness in implemented residential street retrofitting projects. Through a rigorous screening process, 15 papers were selected for qualitative analysis. Clusters developed in analysing the results consist of IGGI’s concepts, components, integration and effectiveness. The most notable subject area is system-scale integration, shared by 14 papers. Findings regarding the effectiveness of IGGI suggest strong empirical evidence related to stormwater management and road user behavioural change; however, there were mixed perceptions toward the aesthetic values of rain gardens. Full article
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