Author(s)

JON LAURENZ SENOSIAIN, JONE BELAUSTEGUIGOITIA, DANIEL ROEHR

Abstract

This paper focuses on the implementation of green urban infrastructure solutions (GUIS) in an urban pilot project in Legazpi, Gipuzkoa (Spain). It shows the environmental benefits derived from an overall GUIS project, in terms of climate change adaptation, such as ameliorating stormwater runoff, reducing urban hot spots and improving urban air and water quality. The design process followed in this project started with a community engagement with the residents of Legazpi. A series of international case studies of GUIS were presented. The conclusions of the community engagement informed the final design and construction project. A selection of GUIS were implemented including permeable paving with high albedo finishing materials; bio-retention areas; stormwater retention tanks; and a vegetated pergola. During the design phase, the contribution of the applied GUIS to climate change adaptation was analyzed. It shows that proposed GUIS contribute to reduce the runoff by 25%, the urban temperatures by up to 20°C, and sequester the 7% of the CO2 emissions from the site. The paper includes lessons learned and the barriers identified when implementing these GUIS. It demonstrates that implementing GUIS in an urban renovation project in Legazpi, are effective to mitigate climate change consequences. Larger projects and more experience are needed in both the construction sector and the technical professionals, to move from pilot projects to common practice.

Keywords

green urban infrastructure, climate change adaptation urban solutions, sustainable urban drainage system, urban greenery, nature based urban solutions, stormwater management, green streets, low impact developme