Nature-Based Solutions Drive Circularity in Urban Development
Category: Sustainability · Effect: Strong effect · Year: 2019
Integrating nature-based solutions into urban environments, from materials to sites, is crucial for advancing circular economy principles and mitigating urbanization's negative impacts.
Design Takeaway
Incorporate nature-based solutions at all scales of urban design and construction to enhance circularity and ecosystem services.
Why It Matters
This research highlights how incorporating natural elements and processes into the built environment can significantly contribute to a circular economy. By considering green materials, building systems, and urban sites, designers and engineers can create more sustainable and resilient cities that provide valuable ecosystem services.
Key Finding
Nature-based solutions, encompassing green materials, building systems, and urban sites, are vital for creating a circular economy in cities by providing ecosystem services and reducing environmental harm.
Key Findings
- Nature-based solutions can be implemented at material, system, and site levels within the built environment.
- These solutions offer ecosystem services that counter negative impacts of urbanization.
- Integrating NBS is essential for transitioning towards circular cities.
Research Evidence
Aim: To review and synthesize the current state of nature-based solutions (NBS) applicable to the built urban environment and their role in fostering a circular economy.
Method: Literature Review
Procedure: The paper surveys existing research on nature-based solutions at three levels: green building materials (e.g., biocomposites), green building systems (e.g., vegetation integrated into building envelopes), and green building sites (e.g., vegetated open spaces, water-sensitive urban design). It examines the context of urbanization, historical material use, presents case studies, and critically analyzes ecosystem services and policy instruments.
Context: Built urban environment, circular economy, sustainable development
Design Principle
Design with nature to achieve circularity and ecological resilience in the built environment.
How to Apply
When designing new buildings or retrofitting existing ones, consider incorporating green roofs, living walls, permeable paving, and using materials with a high recycled or bio-based content.
Limitations
The paper focuses on a review and critical analysis, rather than empirical testing of specific solutions. Policy effectiveness and the balance of ecosystem services versus disservices require ongoing evaluation.
Student Guide (IB Design Technology)
Simple Explanation: Using plants and natural systems in buildings and cities helps make them more sustainable and less wasteful, like a circular economy.
Why This Matters: This research shows how to make design projects more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient by using natural elements.
Critical Thinking: How can the potential 'disservices' of nature-based solutions (e.g., increased maintenance, pest issues) be effectively managed and mitigated in urban design projects?
IA-Ready Paragraph: This research underscores the importance of nature-based solutions (NBS) in advancing circular economy principles within the built environment. By integrating NBS at the material, system, and site levels, designers can create urban spaces that provide essential ecosystem services, mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.
Project Tips
- Consider how your design can mimic natural processes.
- Research local biodiversity and how to support it through your design.
How to Use in IA
- Reference this paper when discussing the environmental impact of materials or systems in your design project.
- Use the concepts of NBS and CE to justify design choices related to sustainability.
Examiner Tips
- Demonstrate an understanding of how nature-based solutions contribute to a circular economy.
- Clearly articulate the benefits of integrating green systems and materials.
Independent Variable: Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) at material, system, and site levels.
Dependent Variable: Contribution to Circular Economy principles, provision of Ecosystem Services.
Controlled Variables: Urban development context, building types, geographical location.
Strengths
- Comprehensive overview of NBS in the built environment.
- Connects NBS directly to circular economy goals.
Critical Questions
- What are the most scalable and cost-effective NBS for different urban typologies?
- How can policy frameworks be better designed to incentivize the adoption of NBS?
Extended Essay Application
- Investigate the feasibility of a specific NBS (e.g., a biocomposite material) for a proposed design project, analyzing its lifecycle impact and contribution to circularity.
- Compare the environmental and economic benefits of a traditional building approach versus one incorporating multiple NBS.
Source
Enhancing the circular economy with nature-based solutions in the built urban environment: green building materials, systems and sites · Blue-Green Systems · 2019 · 10.2166/bgs.2019.928