As cities continue to densify, the resultant loss of urban greening has been demonstrated to exacerbate the urban heat island effect and biodiversity loss.
The Green Factor Tool is an intuitive web-based tool designed to assist landscape architects, planners and built environment professionals benchmark building scale green infrastructure at the planning stage.
The development assessment process presents an opportunity for improving greening outcomes with associated benefits of increasing biodiversity and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
City of Melbourne & Brisbane City Council
Sustainable Planning & Policy
Melbourne, VIC
Little Sketches
University of Melbourne
Courtesy of City of Melbourne
Context
Developed as a collaboration led by HIP V. HYPE, in partnership with Little Sketches, Green Factor tools have been created for both the City of Melbourne and Brisbane City Council.
The Green Factor Tool developed for City of Melbourne was the recipient of the Climate Positive Design Award in the 2022 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects National Awards.
- Assessment of the best available scientific evidence to relate the value of green infrastructure elements to a range of ecosystem services, including biodiversity, urban heat reduction and place value
- Engagement with existing tool owners and users to understand potential integration opportunities and maximise the user experience
- Development of a web based user interface and testing of the Tool with our networks of industry professionals to maximise relevance and usability