Unlocking the power of green spaces
Sponsored by Green Cities Foundation
The Clean Air Calculator is a game-changer for municipalities. It simplifies the complex process of quantifying the positive environmental effects of green spaces. By using this mapping tool, municipalities can calculate:
- tonnes of carbon (CO2) sequestered
- cubic metres of clean air (O2) produced
- kilometres offset
- Canadians benefited on a yearly basis
These calculations are then translated into relatable values. For instance, it can express the amount of CO2 offset, equivalent to the emissions produced by a specific number of kilometres driven. It can also tell how many Canadians benefit from the clean air produced. These practical, real-world values make the impact of green spaces tangible and relatable.
Five Steps to Calculating Clean Air
The Clean Air Calculator is user-friendly and designed to be effective for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. It can be used for both concept designs and existing green spaces. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Find the location – Simply input the project address into the search bar and zoom in to your desired resolution.
- Step 2: Choose your land cover – Select from three options: lawns, trees, or shrubs. Each choice generates different environmental impact data.
- Step 3: Define your space – This step involves creating polygons on the map to define the green space. You can create polygons for shrubs, lawns, and trees separately, with cumulative results displayed at the bottom of the chart.
- Step 4: Discover your clean air results – The chart at the bottom of the tool displays cumulative results, revealing the positive impact of plants on the environment within your defined space. This includes metrics such as clean air produced, people impacted, carbon sequestered, and kilometres driven offset.
- Step 5: Save results – Saving your results not only records the data, but also adds it to the Green Cities Foundation’s mission.
Become a #GreenSupporter
The Green Cities Foundation is inviting municipalities to apply for a #GreenMyCity grant and share the tool.
The goal is to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments in Canadian cities. Municipalities can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change and improve the well-being of their communities by prioritizing and investing in green spaces.
Together, we can create a greener and cleaner future for all. To learn more about becoming a green supporter, visit https://gcfoundation.ca/. MW
✯ Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in Jillian Hudgins’s article: Fredericton’s environmental dashboard provides residents with an up to date report card.
Frydda Sandoval is an environment coordinator with Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and a project coordinator with Green Cities Foundation.
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