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Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 38459

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jinhyung Chon

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Guest Editor

1. Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
2. OJEong Resilience Institute (OJERI), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
Interests: ecological landscape design; resilient cities and landscape; green infrastructure; ecotourism; social–ecological system; system dynamics modeling
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We live in a dynamic social–ecological system (SES) which is experiencing increasing impacts from changes in the climate. As the societal and ecological conditions change rapidly, living in the urban, coastal, and rural SES is becoming more challenging, where community is vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disasters such as flooding, drought, erosion, landslides, heatwaves, and air pollution. In these circumstances, it is imperative to build a sustainable SES with an approach to resilience in terms of persistence, adaptability, and transformability to cope with severe natural disasters. This approach proposes that sustainable SES should be an integrated system closely linked to a supply of resilient ecosystem services because they play a key role in maintaining and stabilizing societal and ecological conditions.

Following the growing number of sustainability studies, green infrastructure (GI) is considered one of the most effective ways to deal with these circumstances in an SES. However, these studies have focused only on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of GI in terms of creating a sustainable SES. Therefore, more practical and in-depth research activities on GI design, including specific strategies, scientific analysis, and integrated evaluation, are desirable.

This Special Issue seeks to gather a series of manuscripts relating to GI design for creating a sustainable SES. Manuscripts focusing especially on the development of GI design based on a transdisciplinary or systematic approach are welcome. Additionally, research conducted in various SES, such as urban, coastal, and rural areas, would also be appreciated. I hope that this Special Issue will contribute to sharing novel perspectives on green infrastructure design based on scientific knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Jinhyung Chon
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Sustainability
Resilience
Social–ecological system
Green infrastructure design
Climate changes
Disaster
Vulnerability
Adaptive capacity
Transformation planning
Ecological landscape design

Published Papers (14 papers)

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18 pages, 7099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Verification of the Effectiveness of a Fine Dust Reduction Planting Model for Socially Vulnerable Area

by YunEui Choi, Eunhye Ji and Jinhyung Chon

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8820; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13168820 - 06 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1569

Abstract

Creating a green infrastructure that is effective for reducing fine dust is a significant challenge for urban landscape planners. In this study, a fine dust reduction planting model that can be applied to socially vulnerable area was developed, and its effects were verified. Using PM₁₀, PM_2.5, temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, and wind speed measured for approximately one year, the changes in the concentration of fine dust according to the weather conditions were investigated. As a result of the analysis, there was a significant difference in the concentration of fine dust inside and outside the planting zone (p < 0.05). In addition, there is a significant difference between the fine dust reduction effect of the multilayered planting model and the single planting model (p < 0.05). The paper’s main findings are as follows: (1) When the green cover rate is over 50%, the concentration of fine dust is lower than that outside the planting zones. (2) Multilayered planting zones are more effective in reducing the concentration of fine dust than single-structured planting zones. (3) Multilayered planting zones reduce the concentration of fine dust by changing the microclimate. The results of this study can be used as basic data for small urban planting design to reduce fine dust for children’s health in socially vulnerable areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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15 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introduction and Spread of the Invasive Alien Species Ageratina altissima in a Disturbed Forest Ecosystem

by Eunyoung Kim, Jaeyong Choi and Wonkyong Song

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6152; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13116152 - 30 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

Invasive alien species (IAS) not only displace nearby indigenous plants and lead to habitat simplification but also cause severe economic damage by invading arable lands. IAS invasion processes involve external forces such as species characteristics, IAS assemblage traits, environmental conditions, and inter-species interactions. In this study, we analyzed the invasion processes associated with the introduction and spread of Ageratina altissima, a representative invasive plant species in South Korea. We investigated 197 vegetation quadrats (2 × 20 m) in regions bordering 47 forests in southern Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. A total of 23 environmental variables were considered, which encompassed vegetation, topography, land use, and landscape ecology indices. The model was divided into an edge and an interior model and analyzed using logistic regression and a decision tree (DT) model. The occurrence of Ageratina altissima was confirmed in 61 sites out of a total of 197. According to our analysis, Ageratina altissima easily invaded forest edges with low density. The likelihood of its occurrence increased with lower elevation and gentler slope. In contrast, the spread of Ageratina altissima in the forest interior, especially based on seed spread and permeability, was favored by a lower elevation and gentler slopes. The analysis of Ageratina altissima settlement processes in forest edges coupled with the DT model demonstrated that land characteristics, such as the proximity to urbanized areas and the number of shrub and tree species, play a pivotal role in IAS settlement. In the forest interior, Ageratina altissima did not occur in 68 of the 71 sites where the soil drainage was under 2.5%, and it was confirmed that the tree canopy area had a significant impact on forest spread. Based on these results, it can be assumed that Ageratina altissima has spread in South Korean forests in much the same way as other naturalized species. Therefore, vegetation management strategies for naturalized species should be developed in parallel with land use management policy in regions surrounding forest edges to successfully manage and control Ageratina altissima invasion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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9 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth and Physiological Responses of Three Landscape Plants to Calcium Chloride

by Kei-Jung Kwon, Jaehyuck Choi, Sang-Yong Kim, Na-Ra Jeong and Bong-Ju Park

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13105429 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1895

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) used as a de-icing agent on growth and physiological responses of three ground cover plants, Hosta longipes, Iris ensata, and Iris pseudacorus. CaCl₂ concentration was set to be 0 mM (control), 9 mM (0.1%), 18 mM (0.2%), and 54 mM (0.6%). After treatment with CaCl₂ for 3 months, plant heights, fresh weights of shoots and roots, photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content (SPAD), and leaf water potential were measured. After Hosta longipes was treated with CaCl₂ for 60 days, physiological damage began to occur in all treatment groups except for the control group. Those treated with 54 mM CaCl₂ completely withered. At 90 days after treatment (DAT), there were significant differences for all measured parameters for Hosta longipes compared to the control (p < 0.001). The higher the treatment concentration, the lower the photosynthetic rate, the SPAD, and the leaf water potential. There was no significant difference in plant height in Iris ensata after 60 DAT (p > 0.05), but in other physiological responses, there was a significant difference by concentration (p < 0.001). Iris ensata had a visually healthier state at 90 DAT, showing the smallest reduction in photosynthetic rate at 60 DAT and 90 DAT. Its SPAD value was increased more at 90 DAT than at 60 DAT, indicating its higher resistance to CaCl₂. Iris pseudacorus showed similar results as Iris ensata. Over time, the 54 mM treatment resulted in significant damage. Among these three plants, Iris ensata showed the highest tolerance to CaCl₂. Therefore, they are considered to be highly beneficial ground cover plants for green infrastructure in urban areas with high CaCl₂ concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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13 pages, 1885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Planning Strategy for the Reduction of Runoff Using Urban Green Space

by Byungsun Yang and Dong Kun Lee

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2238; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13042238 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3203

Abstract

Urban green space plays an important role in treating stormwater. In a highly dense urban environment, it is difficult to create large areas of green space. To utilize green space in urban areas effectively, locating an effective green space type is important. In this study, we examined the effect of green space on runoff reduction by comparing different green space setting scenarios. By changing the green space area ratio, green space structure, street tree type, and rainfall duration and amount, we compared the runoff rates. The results showed that the green space area ratio was more effective when more than 10% of the area was green space, and the runoff reduction rate was decreased more effectively when the tree canopy LAI (leaf area index) value increased from 2 to 2.5 than when the LAI value was higher. Green space was more effective at lower intensities of rainfall events. Different green space structures cause other effects on evaporation and soil infiltration. Each strategy needs to be implemented correctly for green infrastructure policy purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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28 pages, 7716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Flood Damage in the Seoul Metropolitan Government Using Climate Change Scenarios and Mitigation Technologies

by Jaekyoung Kim and Junsuk Kang

Sustainability 2021, 13(1), 105; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13010105 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

The social and economic damages caused by climate change have increased rapidly over the last several decades, with increasing instances of heatwaves, floods, and extreme rainfall. In 2011, heavy rain of 110.5 mm/hr caused great damage to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Most of the causes of flooding in modern cities include a sharp increase in non-permeable pavement and a lack of water circulation facilities. It is predicted that heavy rainfalls will occur in the future, causing large amounts of local damage. In this study, possible future flood damages were analyzed using climate change scenarios based on the Korean Peninsula. ArcGIS was adopted to perform analyses, and Huff curves were employed for precipitation analysis. Water tanks, permeable pavement, and ecological waterways were installed as mitigation technologies. These three technologies can contribute to flooding mitigation by increasing the rainwater storage capacity. This study suggests that all floods can be reduced by RCP 8.5 by 2050 and 2060. Although there will be run-off after 2050, it is believed that technology will significantly reduce the volume and possibility of floods. It is recommended that a one-year analysis should be conducted in consideration of the maintenance aspects that will arise in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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17 pages, 24932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing UAV-Based Forest Spatial Information and Evaluation Technology for Efficient Forest Management

by Yongyan Zhu, Seongwoo Jeon, Hyunchan Sung, Yoonji Kim, Chiyoung Park, Sungeun Cha, Hyun-woo Jo and Woo-kyun Lee

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122310150 - 04 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

Forest spatial information is regularly established and managed as basic data for national forest planning and forest policy establishment. Among them, the grade of vegetation conservation shall be investigated and evaluated according to the value of vegetation conservation. As the collection of field data over large or remote areas is difficult, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used for this purpose. Consequently, there is a need for research on UAV-monitoring and three-dimensional (3D) image generation techniques. In this study, a new method that can efficiently collect and analyze UAV spatial data to survey and assess forests was developed. Both UAV-based and LiDAR imaging methods were evaluated in conjunction with the ground control point measurement method for forest surveys. In addition, by fusing the field survey database of each target site and the UAV optical and LiDAR images, the Gongju, Samcheok, and Seogwipo regions were analyzed based on deep learning. The kappa value showed 0.59, 0.47, and 0.78 accuracy for each of the sites in terms of vegetation type (artificial or natural), and 0.68, 0.53, and 0.62 accuracy in terms of vegetation layer structure. The results of comparative analysis with ecological natural maps by establishing vegetation conservation levels show that about 83.9% of the areas are consistent. The findings verified the applicability of this UAV-based approach for the construction of geospatial information on forests. The proposed method can be useful for improving the efficiency of the Vegetation Conservation Classification system and for conducting high-resolution monitoring in forests worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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18 pages, 19626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Changes in Habitat Quality through Land-Use Predictions: Case Study of Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) in Jeju Island

by Dong-jin Lee and Seong Woo Jeon

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10123; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122310123 - 04 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2656

Abstract

This study predicts future land-use changes and the resulting changes in habitat quality, suggesting a method for establishing land-use management to ensure sustainable wildlife habitats. The conservation effects were verified in terms of wild animal habitat quality according to the designation of protected areas. Land-use change until 2050 was predicted using the Dyna-Conversion of Land Use Change and its effects (Dyna-CLUE) model for Jeju Island, Korea, and the change in the quality of roe deer habitats was predicted using the Integrated Valuation and Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. Results indicate that, compared to 2030, urbanized area increased by 42.55 km², farmland decreased by 81.36 km², and natural area increased by 38.82 km² by 2050. The average habitat quality on Jeju Island was predicted to decrease from 0.306 in 2030 to 0.303 in 2050. The average habitat quality ranged from 0.477 in 2030 to 0.476 in 2050 in protected areas and 0.281 in 2030 to 0.278 in 2050 outside protected areas. Habitat quality in protected areas was relatively high, and its reduction was limited. Areas with lower habitat quality need approaches such as expanding greenery and improving its quality. By establishing appropriate land-use plans by predicting habitat quality, wildlife habitats can be better maintained and protected, which is a primary goal of green infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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16 pages, 5791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Satisfaction Analysis of Eco-Tour Ships at Ecotourism Sites: Focusing on the Cases of the Nakdong River Estuary, Suncheon Bay Wetland, and Goesan Lake and Sanmagi-Yetgil in Korea

by Byung-Chul An and Eun-Yeong Park

Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12229586 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

This study investigated eco-tour ships at Nakdong estuary, Suncheon wetland, and Goesan and Sanmagi-yetgil, 3 of the 26 ecotourism sites in Korea, by analyzing the characteristics and level of ecotourist satisfaction. The field investigation focused on eco-tour ship image, facilities, landscape observed from eco-tour ship, course, and operations. The results of the satisfaction analysis can be summarized as follows. First, there was no significant difference in satisfaction of eco-tour ship image between Nakdong estuary and Sanmagi-yetgil (p > 0.01), while Suncheon wetland showed a significant difference (p < 0.01). It is assumed that the fact that the ship was built using timber which better suits the natural environment and coastal ecosystem had a positive impact on the visual image. No significant difference in satisfaction with facilities on eco-tour ships was found between Nakdong estuary and Suncheon wetland, while Sanmagi-yetgil showed a significant difference. Second, satisfaction of the landscape observed from the eco-tour ships showed significant differences in the mean scores of landscape evaluation the three target sites: Sanmagi-yetgil (8.40), Suncheon wetland (7.20), and Nakdong estuary (4.67). These values are based on the qualitative evaluation of the landscape as seen from the eco-tour ship. It is presumed to have been influenced by the diversity of the landscape and the width of the river. The eco-tour ship course satisfaction also showed significant differences in the mean scores: Sanmagi-yetgil (7.37), Suncheon wetland (6.57), and Nakdong estuary (5.00). The landscape and tour course evaluations of the respondents seem to be correlated. In particular, the variety of courses available to visitors in Sanmagi-yetgil was relatively high compared to Nakdong estuary and Suncheon wetland. Third, satisfaction analysis for eco-tour ship operations found that Suncheon wetland and Sanmagi-yetgil did not differ significantly in terms of satisfaction (p = 0.634), but Nakdong estuary showed a significant difference. The relatively low satisfaction with the eco-tour ship operation at Nakdong estuary is due to the low scores for eco-tour ship commentary, reservation system, and with the facilities, while it is shown that the operation time as well as the landscape observed from the eco-tour ship and the tour course had a combined influence on satisfaction. In the comparative analysis of the impact of eco-tour ships on ecotourism, Nakdong estuary showed a significant difference. This finding indicates a greater influence of eco-tour ships on ecotourism in Suncheon wetland, Sanmagi-yetgil, and Nakdong estuary. Enhanced ecotourism satisfaction improves the probability of return visits. Thus, there is a need to incorporate the characteristics of ecological resources with well thought out operation and increased functional suitability of eco-tour ships to improve ecotourism satisfaction. The eco-ships in the three places in this paper have elements promoting and enhancing their potential. Our findings showed the satisfaction level of the users with the theme of ecotourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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14 pages, 9857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Ecological Connectivity in a City Based on Land Cover and Urban Habitat Maps

by Dohee Kim, Wonhyeop Shin, Heejoon Choi, Jihwan Kim and Youngkeun Song

Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9529; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12229529 - 16 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2390

Abstract

Anthropogenic land use has led to the loss and fragmentation of native habitats and disruption to ecosystem processes, resulting in a decline in landscape connectivity and biodiversity. Here, in order to find the potentials of improvements in ecological connectivity, we provide a spatial analysis to present differences in ecological connectivity based on land cover maps and urban habitat maps in Suwon city, Republic of Korea. We generated two permeability maps for use in a network analysis, one being land cover and the other urban habitat, including a 5-km buffer area from the city boundary. We then determined the current-flow betweenness centrality (CFBC) for each map. Our results indicate that forests are typically the most highly connected areas in both maps. However, in the land cover map results, nearly all high-priority areas were in the mountainous region (CFBC value: 0.0100 ± 0.0028), but the urban habitat indicated that grasslands and rivers within the city also significantly contribute to connectivity (CFBC value: 0.0071 ± 0.0022). The CFBC maps developed here could be used as a reference when introducing green infrastructure in cities. Before establishing ecological networks for urban areas, future work should integrate the land use and ecological data of different administrative districts with continuous ecological connection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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25 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Fuzzy AHP and AHP in Multicriteria Inventory Classification While Planning Green Infrastructure for Resilient Stream Ecosystems

by Yujin Park, Sang-Woo Lee and Junga Lee

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9035; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12219035 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

As climate change-induced weather variability increases, various green infrastructure plans, such as stream ecosystems, have been studied to overcome ecological and environmental problems arising from extreme weather events; however, our understanding of them and their resilience to extreme weather events is considerably limited. This study proposes a multicriteria inventory classification while planning green infrastructure for resilient stream ecosystems under extreme weather events. Literature reviews, expert surveys, and reliability/validity analyses were used to enlist indicators for this classification. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) were used to compute the weights and ranks of indicators for identifying critical indices while planning green infrastructure. The AHP and fuzzy AHP analysis suggested that meteorological phenomena and disasters, hydraulic characteristic of streams, land use/geographic characteristics, and experience/damage restoration were important factors. High weights were attributed to aquatic ecology, potentially vulnerable areas, population, topography, and heat waves. The weights and ranks attributed by AHP and fuzzy AHP varied slightly, but the indicator groups with high and low weights were the same; hence, primary indicators to be considered while planning green infrastructure for resilient stream ecosystems could be suggested. These results could be used as a preliminary analysis in establishing countermeasures against climate change or in distributing budgets for green infrastructure plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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17 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Environmental Purification Effect of Riparian Forest with Poplar Trees for Ecological Watershed Management: A Case Study in the Floodplain of the Dam Reservoir in Korea

by Gwon-Soo Bahn and Byung-Chul An

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6871; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12176871 - 24 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

The Total Nitrogen(T-N) and Total Phosphors(T-P) contents in the soils of three riparian forests with poplar trees were compared with the surrounding cultivated and uncultivated lands. Three key results were obtained by analyzing poplar tree volume and the T-N and T-P content in the plant body. First, in soil surveys covering 36 points, the T-N and T-P content in the riparian forests were 0.064% and 0.036%, respectively, whereas in non-riparian forests, they were 0.147% and 0.101%, respectively. The two areas had significantly different T-N and T-P values. Within the non-riparian-forest category, the T-N and T-P content in cultivated land was 0.174% and 0.103%, respectively, showing significant differences from riparian forest values. When comparing riparian forests and uncultivated land, the T-N contents were not significantly different (p > 0.113), but the T-P content of 0.095% showed a significant difference (p < 0.006). Second, the total poplar tree volumes of the riparian forest test sites 1, 2, and 3 were 466.46 m³, 171.34 m³, and 75.76 m^3, respectively. The T-N and T-P accumulation per unit area was the largest in site 1, at 497.75 kg/ha and 112.73 kg/ha, respectively. The larger the tree volume, the larger the T-N and T-P accumulation in the plant body, and the lower the T-N and T-P content in the soil. Third, analyzing the T-N and T-P removal rate in relation to the environmental conditions of the riparian forests showed that site 3 had the smallest total poplar tree content, and the T-N and T-P accumulation per unit area (ha) was also relatively low at just 56% and 68% of the average value. The main causes of this outcome are thought to be the differences in environmental conditions, such as the crop cultivated before poplar planting began and the terrain. The research results verify that riparian forests with poplar trees reduced T-N and T-P content in the soils. The growth of poplar is expected to increase the removal of T-N and T-P from the soil and contribute to the reduction of various nonpoint source pollution flows into rivers and lakes and to the purification of soil in flooded areas. Therefore, riparian forests can act as a form of green infrastructure and as a system to remove nonpoint source pollution in ecological watershed management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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17 pages, 18848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Reduction Effects of Rooftop Garden Arrangements: A Case Study of Seoul National University

by Jaekyoung Kim, Sang Yeob Lee and Junsuk Kang

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6032; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12156032 - 27 Jul 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4289

Abstract

Increasing urbanization has highlighted the need for more green spaces in built-up areas, with considerable attention of vertical installations such as green walls and rooftop gardens. This study hypothesizes that the rooftop-garden-induced temperature reduction effects vary depending on the type of arrangements. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find the most efficient arrangement of the roof gardens for temperature reduction. This paper presents the results of a quantitative analysis of the temperature reduction effect of rooftop gardens installed on structures and sites on the campus of Seoul National University. An ENVI-Met simulation is utilized to analyze the effects of roads, buildings, green areas, and vacant land on temperature and humidity. The effects of the following five rooftop garden configurations were compared: extreme, linear (longitudinal), linear (transverse), checkerboard, and unrealized rooftop gardens. The extreme and linear (longitudinal) gardens achieved the maximum temperature reduction, −0.3 °C, while the lowest maximum reduction of −0.2 °C was achieved by the checkerboard pattern. Over larger areas, the greatest impact has been recorded in the mornings rather than in the afternoons. The results of this study will be useful for those planning and installing rooftop gardens at the district and city levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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13 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Planning Priorities for Green Infrastructure within Urban Environments Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

by Yeeun Shin, Suyeon Kim, Sang-Woo Lee and Kyungjin An

Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 5468; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12135468 - 07 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2515

Abstract

Urban environmental issues such as declining air quality and increasing urban heat island effects can be managed by the effective use of urban green spaces. Consequently, the importance of green infrastructure (GI) has rapidly increased over time. While the various functions of GI have been investigated in numerous studies, limited research has focused on prioritizing those factors which impact the planning and development of GI. This study used literature reviews, expert surveys, and an analytic hierarchy process methodology to identify and prioritize the critical factors influencing GI during the design and construction process to enhance the role of GI in urban areas. Experts were asked to prioritize four primary (ecological, landscape, usability, and economic factors) and 16 secondary aspects of GI design. Respondents strongly agreed on the importance of the ecological aspects of GI, while the government sector also highlighted the importance of economic concerns, such as ongoing maintenance. Results indicated that the priorities for creating GI require further analysis and mediation between stakeholders. Further empirical evidence should be accumulated regarding the functions of GI for policy implementation in design and construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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11 pages, 2375 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

Transitions in Urban Waterfronts: Imagining, Contesting, and Sustaining the Aquatic/Terrestrial Interface

by Anne Taufen and Ken Yocom

Sustainability 2021, 13(1), 366; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13010366 - 03 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2912

Abstract

Urban waterfronts represent hybrid locations of ecological, economic, and social zones of transition and dispersal, spatially reified between land and water. Yet, through advancements in technology and the emergence of globally linked economies, the structure and function of urban waterfronts as economic and industrial drivers is becoming increasingly complex. As cities seek to redevelop their waterfronts in response to these changes, recent research and scholarship has focused on understanding the ecological, social, and economic benefits derived from urban waterfronts. This research reveals that their benefits are unevenly distributed among local and regional populations as sites of accumulated inequity and inaccessibility that are generative for only a relatively small percentage of the people living in a metropolitan area. Set within this paradoxical nexus, this paper frames a call to scientists, planners, academics, and waterfront activists to expand urban waterfront research from an indicator and benefits model to incorporate three conceptual tools for better understanding key dimensions of waterfront reclamation within the context of green infrastructure research: urban hybridity, functional performance and hierarchies of access. We explore these key dimensions in relation to the waterfront redevelopment of Tacoma, Washington, USA. By acknowledging the hybridity of urban waterfronts, we illustrate that their relative performance and accessibility require ongoing empirical study and practical intervention. Our theoretical explorations plot some of the potential areas of investigation for examining the structural and functional transitions of urban waterfronts as critical locations for green infrastructure development for the 21st century. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Infrastructure Design for Sustainable Social-Ecological System)

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