<\/p>\n
We are thrilled to announce that the European Commission\u2019s CORDIS service has published a feature article on the results of the URBAG project. The piece, titled “Prioritising integrated, vulnerability-focused urban greening,” highlights the successful completion of our ERC-funded research and underscores our key findings regarding the complexities of Green Infrastructure (GI).<\/p>\n
As cities worldwide race to implement greening measures to mitigate climate change, the CORDIS feature emphasizes URBAG’s core message: maximizing green space is not always the most effective solution.<\/b> Instead, implementation must be systemic, integrated, and focused on specific local vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
Key Highlights from the Feature<\/h4>\n
The article draws attention to the multidisciplinary tools and frameworks developed by URBAG to assess urban sustainability in Barcelona and Oslo. It covers several of our vital research outcomes:<\/p>\n
The Necessity of Trade-offs:<\/b> While GI brings benefits like temperature mitigation and well-being, our research quantified the “unintended negative consequences,” such as increased water requirements and greenhouse gas emissions from maintenance and fertilizer usage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Vulnerability-First Approach:<\/b> The feature supports our conclusion that GI should be prioritized in high-vulnerability areas (both socially disadvantaged and climate-exposed) rather than through uniform, city-wide expansion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Advanced Modelling:<\/b> It recognizes our extensive use of Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA) and computational modelling to evaluate resource flows (water, energy, materials) across the full life cycle of urban agriculture and greening measures.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The article features insights from URBAG Project Coordinator, Gara Villalba<\/b><\/a>, who stresses the importance of optimization over simple expansion.<\/p>\n “Our research demonstrated that maximizing the expansion of GI is not always effective. Solutions must be optimized to maximize desired impacts, while minimizing unintended negative consequences.” \u2014 Gara Villalba<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the URBAG project has concluded, the work continues. CORDIS notes our publication of actionable guidance for policymakers and urban planners. Furthermore, the legacy of URBAG lives on through the NUTRISOIL<\/b><\/a> proof-of-concept project, fostering collaboration to link organic waste management with sustainable food production.<\/p>\n We invite you to read the full article on the CORDIS website to learn more about how URBAG is shaping the future of urban sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
A Systemic View<\/h4>\n
Looking Ahead: From Research to Policy<\/h4>\n