The Blue/Green/White Infrastructure concept

Qualitatively or quantitatively evaluating the multiple socio-economic benefits delivered by blue/green infrastructure is a relatively new field, but one - given the importance of delivering multiple benefits in dense cities – destined to grow in importance.

To date, no studies have evaluated that for Swedish conditions. Sweden’s cool/cold climate poses specific challenges and opportunities for blue/green infrastructure; e.g. the fact that blue/green infrastructure during large parts of the year is white (snow) instead of blue-green. The occurrence of a “white” season impacts the ecosystem services delivered, the public’s perception of blue/green infrastructure, and offer opportunities for its design: this could motivate to re-conceptualize blue/green infrastructure as Blue/Green/White Infrastructure. This concept is completely novel and yet to be explored and documented in depth, from technical, environmental or socio-economic perspectives offering an exciting opportunity for Sweden to lead the field in this multi-disciplinary research area.

Figure: Meaning of Blue, Green and White during different seasons.

DRIZZLE partner Tyréns AB

Pär Sagrelius, Lian Lundy, Godecke-Tobias Blecken and Maria Viklander