Every day, in our cities, consumption, production, and living occur at a rapid pace. All this activity raises a crucial question: how can we transform our urban centres into livable environments harmonious with nature? Fortunately, the answer can be simpler and more accessible than you might think. Monumental interventions are not necessarily required to make a difference. Sometimes, starting with simple yet powerful gestures, such as reintroducing greenery to our cities, can be enough: from vertical gardens on building exteriors to small communal gardens. These spaces are genuine ecosystems that purify the air, cool the environment, and offer a refuge of tranquillity and beauty. Making our cities more sustainable is a common goal that we can achieve together, involving citizens and businesses in a collective movement towards sustainability. This journey towards a greener and more livable future begins with small steps, such as tree planting, and expands into innovative leaps, from the promotion of green architecture to the revolution of our transportation systems.
Urban parks and green spaces are considered the "lungs of the city" as they improve the air we breathe, providing places to relax, exercise, or enjoy leisure activities. The leaves of trees and plants in these gardens absorb atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Additionally, they can help reduce noise pollution caused by traffic noise and other sources. According to a study from the University of Manchester, a barrier of trees can reduce traffic noise by up to 10 decibels.
Sustainability also passes through architecture. Eco-sustainable buildings, designed with energy efficiency criteria and low environmental impact materials, can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of urban areas. This approach includes the installation of solar panels, the use of rainwater harvesting systems, and the choice of sustainable building materials.
One of the fundamental steps to make a city sustainable is urban regeneration, a process that focuses on the renewal of degraded areas of the city, transforming them into livable and sustainable spaces. This can include converting disused industrial spaces into residential or commercial areas, creating parks and public spaces, or implementing green infrastructure.
If a city is considered sustainable, it's also thanks to the adoption of low-impact environmental technologies. Among the most important solutions are:
Vertical gardens and green facades represent an innovative solution for increasing greenery in cities, especially where ground space is limited. These solutions allow for transforming the vertical and horizontal surfaces of buildings into green areas, improving thermal insulation, absorbing CO2 and fine particles, and contributing to urban biodiversity. For the implementation of vertical gardens and green roofs, relying on industry experts such as Verde Profilo can guarantee high-quality aesthetic and functional results, integrating nature and design sustainably and effectively.
