3-30-300 green neighborhood rule

Ready for some climate action? Data analysis reveals poorer neighborhoods are predominantly made of concrete (although we already knew that for the most part). Less access to green space, parks & trees for poorer residents is a sad observation. Now there are always counter forces, but the data speaks clear language. Urban green space offers a wide range of essential benefits to citizens. As a policymaker, how can you capitalize on this? The 3-30-300 rule?!

Climate adaptation & well-being hand in hand
Time is of the essence in the race against climate change. Besides reducing CO2 emissions, carbon sequestration offers additional strategies. Planting forests is 1 way, maintaining trees in cities and towns might be even better because the value of trees in public spaces is multicolored. After all, trees have a proven positive effect on people's health. How does that work? Check out the whitepaper from earlier this year..

Green neighborhoods with the 3-30-300 rule
The 3-30-300 rule is intended to help make cities greener in a more targeted way by creating parks and urban greening in the built environment. This was co-invented by Prof. Cecil Konijnendijk van den Bosch, now Director of the Nature Based Solutions Institute & Program Director (Master of Urban Forestry Leadership) at the University of British Columbia.

1. 3 trees from every home
The 1st rule is that every citizen should be able to see at least 3 trees (of a decent size) from their home. Recent research demonstrates the importance of nearby, especially visible, green for mental health and wellbeing.
2. 30% tree canopy cover in every neighborhood
At the neighborhood level at least 30% canopy cover? Cities should actually strive for an even higher coverage. Studies have shown an association between urban forest canopy and, for example, cooling, better microclimates, mental and physical health, and possibly also reducing air pollution and noise. Who doesn’t want that?
3. 300 meters from the nearest park or green space
Within 300 meters or a safe 5-10 minute walk, people should have access to a high-quality green space where you can recreate. This is recommended by The European Regional Office of the World Health Organization.

Treetracker Plan
Treetracker Plan provides top information for green policy makers in the Benelux. More and more municipalities (digital tree experts) are working to unleash green potential. Want to know more? Download the factsheet or contact Dirk via d.vanriel@sobolt.com.