Development of multi-functional streetscape green infrastructure using a performance index approach.

Area of Science:

• Urban Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Horticulture

Background:

• Streetscape vegetation provides essential ecosystem services but requires effective evaluation methods.
• Existing assessment approaches may not fully capture the multi-functional performance of urban trees and shrubs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel performance index (PI) for evaluating streetscape vegetation.
• To assess the suitability of different species for urban environments based on multiple performance criteria.

Main Methods:

• Development of a PI incorporating seven key traits: Pollution Flux Potential (PFP), Carbon Sequestration Potential (CSP), Thermal Comfort Potential (TCP), Noise Attenuation Potential (NAP), Biomass Energy Potential (BEP), Environmental Stress Tolerance (EST), and Crown Projection Factor (CPF).
• Application of the PI through a case study of fifteen UK street vegetation species.
• Utilisation of direct field measurements and inventoried literature data for species assessment.

Main Results:

• The study identified small-to-medium sized trees and evergreen shrubs as generally preferable for streetscaping over larger tree species.
• Performance variations among species were quantified using the developed PI.

Conclusions:

• The proposed PI offers a robust framework for evaluating existing street vegetation and informing management strategies.
• The PI can guide the planning of new streetscapes, promoting multi-functional biomass and enhancing urban green infrastructure.