It is fundamental that construction and renovation industries continue to introduce positive eco-logical changes to local infrastructure with West Yorkshire.
By continuously increasing the design and creation of green infrastructure buildings, we will become much more prepared to help mitigate the devastating effects of global climate change whilst becoming resilient to the impact it has. It is vital that we maintain the green spaces and natural environments between our villages and towns.
Such as ponds, rivers, canals, trees, parks, fields and woodlands, whilst ensuring that new building and developments are as eco-friendly as possible. Unfortunately, the development of anti-green buildings which decline our natural environments is growingly becoming one of the contributing factors of global warming.
It is widely recognised that West Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural environments in the world. People visit West Yorkshire to explore the distinctive moorland, valleys and hills.
Not to mention the waterfalls, underground caves and unique rock pavements. However, it seems that commercial purposes and money-making tactics are often prioritized over the preservation of natural green spaces.
These developments mean that eco-friendly solutions and the green infrastructure strategy will take often take a backseat. Despite commercial developments, Yorkshire is fortunately still recognised as a a high quality natural environment with many beauty spots, destinations and spacious green land.
According to the West Yorkshire combined authority, there is a large amount of public space within Yorkshire (11.5 percent of total land area) which creates £306 million in health advantages. Tourism statistics state 66% of the tourism activities are related to nature based activities.
There are also some examples of sustainable and green infrastructure strategy examples with the Yorkshire region. These are developments such as equipment and systems that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the population to promote green benefits and not cause any effect to natural environments.
Rainwater harvesting; rain gardens; land conservation; planter boxes are all examples of green infrastructure that have already been incorporated into the Yorkshire region. Some of which have been incorporated into energy saving developments in Yorkshire.
It is important that the creations of these developments continue to rise, and that a green infrastructure strategy is included wherever possible.
During the pandemic, we had no choice but to appreciate the simple things in life. We would take our dogs for a walk, discover the beauty spots in our area and generally enjoy and making the most of our natural landscapes.
Natural spaces were utilized like never before, creating an appreciation of outdoor areas. Aside from the positive eco-logical benefits, natural spaces are great for our mental and physical health and well-being too.
Scientific research proves that getting outdoors in natural spaces can improve your mood and relieve any stress and anger you may be feeling.
The preservation and creation of green infrastructure provides numerous benefits to humans and the environment. The eco-aware design has an ability to combat climate change, for example by positive contributing to the:
- Reduction of energy
- Providing sustainable flood solutions
- Increase the quality of air by cutting back on pollution.
Sustainability should be a key consideration when create new eco-friendly housing developments. There will always be a focus on the creation of energy efficient housing with the purpose of reducing carbon footprint.
The wider consideration should be a collaboration of the house-building industry and landscape architects – working together to integrate sustainable solutions such as above ground drainage and the plantation of new trees.
They can all be incorporated into the design of new developments which is increase bio-diversity and deliver health advantages to the residents within that area.
Aside from the health and climate change benefits, eco-friendly solutions and a green infrastructure strategy with the West Yorkshire Region will increase property prices, bringing more money, value and investments to an area.
The amount of green infrastructure and energy efficient solutions that are introduced will of course depend on the amount of funding which is available.
Currently research illustrated the amount of money is often inefficient or specific to a particular geographical location – this means that the benefits accumulated from the eco-friendly solutions will be limited.
Limited natural environment funding can result in deteriorating physical and mental health, which is detrimental to productivity and happiness of the residents of West Yorkshire.