Blue-green infrastructure

Introduction

The terms green infrastructure,[1] ecological infrastructure or natural infrastructure describe an interconnected system of natural elements (trees, wetlands, waterways) from the point of view of the services it provides to people, such as hydrological regulation or erosion control. It is important to take into account natural infrastructure in large engineering projects with the purpose of protecting biodiversity from situations that put its existence at risk, such as climate change.[2].

The arrangement of the natural elements that make up a green infrastructure can be the product of natural processes (erosion, vegetation growth) or be the result of human interventions with the purpose of serving the purposes of society. The term can be used to refer to a specific infrastructure, or to all of those existing in a region or country. The concept of “green infrastructure” (or ecological) is used more for terrestrial ecosystems, while “natural infrastructure” refers to a more comprehensive vision that encompasses different types of ecosystems.[3].

Investment in green infrastructure

Investing in green infrastructure has an economic logic: maintaining nature's capabilities, for example mitigating the negative examples of climate change, is much more profitable than replacing those lost services with much more expensive human technological solutions. The best way to generate green infrastructure is to embrace an integrated approach to land management and careful strategic planning. All land users and policymakers must aspire and commit from the beginning to the process of generating green infrastructure, addressing their respective responsibilities.

Green infrastructure impact

The loss of natural areas goes beyond the fact of the disappearance of species. Ecosystems, which are enriched by the diversity of life that inhabits them, provide society with countless valuable and economically beneficial goods and services, such as water in good condition, fertile soil and carbon storage.

It is constantly fighting against climate change, by protecting against floods and other effects caused by it.

Blue-green infrastructure

Introduction

Investment in green infrastructure

Green infrastructure impact

Green school infrastructure

School infrastructure plays a crucial role in the quality of education, positively influencing the attendance of students and teachers and contributing to their general well-being. Quality infrastructure, which incorporates resilience "Resilience (psychology)") in the face of natural disasters, access to basic services and adequate comfort conditions, can increase student attendance rates by up to 60%, which in turn impacts higher graduation rates and participation in extracurricular activities, especially in vulnerable environments. In this context, the integration of Green Infrastructure in educational centers is essential to adapt buildings to more sustainable models, which not only promote student well-being, but also contribute to the sustainability of the planet. Furthermore, the lack of contact with nature in these environments can affect the learning and physical and emotional health of young people, who spend much of their time in these spaces. [10][11].

A green school infrastructure, designed to be resilient and sustainable, can address the challenges of climate change from its design and construction to its operation and maintenance, through the use of sustainable technologies, low-carbon materials, energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy. These measures not only decrease the environmental impact of schools, but also create a suitable environment for learning and promote the teaching of ecological practices. Bioclimatic design, efficient use of water and solid waste management are examples of practices that can be implemented in green schools, which optimize the use of natural resources and reduce operating costs, in addition to promoting environmental education linked to the physical environment, which reinforces the development of sustainable skills in students.[10].

Despite growing interest in green school infrastructure, significant gaps persist in access to minimum conditions in many schools in Latin America and the Caribbean. A significant percentage of students attend schools without adequate access to clean water, sanitation or electricity, underscoring the need to continue investing in educational infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient to the effects of climate change.[10].

One of the main challenges is redesigning school buildings, which are often concrete structures disconnected from the natural environment.[11] This approach, prevalent globally, has not considered factors such as climate, topography and local culture, which has resulted in buildings with thermal comfort problems, high maintenance costs and low durability.[12].

For this reason, the incorporation of sustainable construction materials and techniques is promoted, which improve thermal and acoustic insulation, and reduce the ecological footprint. Bioclimatic architecture and the use of traditional techniques emerge as viable alternatives to create energy-efficient schools better adapted to their environment.[12].

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has also promoted green school infrastructure through studies and programs that promote decarbonization and climate resilience. These projects include specific guidelines for territories in the region, as well as research on comfort in school establishments. For example, in Guatemala, the IDB finances the creation of 500 classrooms with sustainability criteria, including the use of solar panels and other water and energy efficiency measures.[13].

The importance of having educational spaces that integrate nature in their design has also been highlighted in projects such as LIFE-myBUILDINGisGREEN, coordinated by the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid. This project implements Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as the incorporation of vegetation on roofs and facades, with the aim of improving thermal comfort in classrooms and other rooms. These solutions not only contribute to adaptation to climate change, but also improve the well-being of students and teachers.[11][14].

Green school infrastructure

Navegación

Blue-green infrastructure

Introduction

Investment in green infrastructure

Green infrastructure impact

Blue-green infrastructure

Introduction

Investment in green infrastructure

Green infrastructure impact

Green infrastructure planning

Green school infrastructure

References

Green infrastructure planning

Green school infrastructure

References