Blue and green spaces must be both included and protected, says Alicia de Haldevang, Principal Sustainability Consultant, Stantec

In response to the Government’s announcement on 31 January 2023 for everyone in England to live within 15 minutes of green spaces or water as part of its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, Alicia de Haldevang, Principal Sustainability Consultant, at global sustainable design and engineering firm, Stantec, has called for the industry to ensure that green and blue spaces are both included and protected.

“The impact nature has on our health and wellbeing is one of the most important factors to consider when designing new or changing existing urban infrastructure.

“We must ensure green and blue spaces, like ponds, parks, swales, wetlands, woodland, parks, and rivers, are both included and protected in designs. Having access to such spaces within a 15-minute walk of home provides a raft of social value benefits.

“Evidence shows more trees and green space can reduce air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and heat exposure. Communities will naturally benefit by using these areas to actively improve their mental health and levels of physical activity, while reducing stress.

“At the same time, we need to prioritise safeguarding green and blue spaces across the country to ensure we can manage climate change impacts like drought, flooding, biodiversity loss, and the urban heat island effect.

“There are several important challenges the Government’s plan needs to address including accessibility, as well as environmental and permitting issues. As long as we keep designing with the future needs of communities in mind, then this should be a positive step forward.”