Urban air and noise pollution are two major factors that impact the quality of life in cities, causing significant harm to our health and the environment. A growing number of cities are considering strategic urban greening projects as a high-impact economic solution to reduce noise and traffic vibrations and improve ambient air quality. 

To test the associated benefits of green spaces, Arup’s climate and sustainability experts teamed up with the Copenhagen Municipality, Aarhus University, the Lundehus school, and several housing associations and private companies in Denmark to design a Living Lab for Urban Nature. 

Arup’s climate and sustainability experts are working with our partners to determine an environmental baseline by collecting local data and measuring street-level pollution. With remote sensing data, we can identify the cooling effect of different plant types and visualize the impace of urban regeneration on reducing air and noise pollution, and use this information to recommend ways to increase a street’s biodiversity. Finally, our work with our partners and Copenhagen Business School, we will define the monetary value of urban nature in the Living Lab.  

Located in Emdrupvej, a street between Copenhagen’s Bispebjerg and Østerbro districts, the living laboratory measures pollution at street level and tests creative solutions to improve urban space like flower planting, placement of vertical rain gardens and the reuse of building elements to design wooden urban furniture. The Lab’s pilot project will seek to limit biodiversity loss in the city of Copenhagen by encouraging urban greening on this neighbourhood’s roads and streets.  

On the street of Emdrupvej, smaller road trees and plants will clean the air and reduce noise pollution.

On the street of Emdrupvej, smaller road trees and plants will clean the air and reduce noise pollution. 

Exploring the role of nature in improving the city environment

Urban vegetation is a scalable solution that provides a suite of positive outcomes for cities – ecological, social, and economic – all essential in the context of climate resilience and adaptation. To better regulate pollution and mitigate climate risks, we need to think about what plants can be planted where as part of the urban fabric. For example, adding large trees to street canyons – streets with buildings on both sides – may reduce vibration and noise waves, while low vegetation or green roofs close to busy streets can improve air quality by increasing deposition. 

Publication
Urban Heat Snapshot
People walking down a city street in the sun

On Emdrupvej street, smaller road trees and plants will clean the air and reduce noise pollution. The Lab will place 25 flower beds, two vertical rain gardens, up to 14 road trees and two insect hotels – the largest insect houses in Copenhagen – where students will observe how insects grow and develop through cameras.  

Collaborating with the local administration, the lab will promote the role of urban nature as a buffer to climate hazards such as extreme precipitation, drought, or flooding. Through its learnings, the Living Lab will partner with cities to evaluate the strategic use of plants in the urban environment for reducing pollution, improving residents' health and to support the creation of green neighbourhoods – ultimately enhancing a city’s resilience.