Eastside Lake Baisha Park
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Kunming’s urban planning faced major challenges, including fragmented development, environmental degradation, and limited green spaces (Ref 1). In response, the municipal government launched a series of strategic plans aimed at promoting high-quality urban development and environmental restoration.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
'United Way' annual tree planting campaign
Fondo Unido Chihuahua, in collaboration with its corporate partners, is committed to raising awareness about environmental care and reforestation. One of its flagship initiatives is the annual tree-planting campaign, "Planting Today to Have Oxygen Tomorrow," organized by United Way Chihuahua in Ciudad Juárez. This environmental initiative focuses on improving the quality of different urban green spaces (parks, school grounds, streets) while fostering ecological awareness in vulnerable communities across the city. The primary objective is to plant a significant number of trees throughout Ciudad Juárez, using native species that are water-efficient and well-adapted to the local climate and soil. In 2022 the initiative aimed to reforest 18 parks located mainly in the south-eastern part of this border city with 1,000 trees. In 2023 and 2024 the intervention focused on planting 850 trees scatted all over the city.
The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).
The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).
For a Forest in Your Neighborhood
For a Forest in Your Neighborhood" is an afforestation campaign by the DDOR insurance group, launched in 2022 as part of their Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) commitments (Ref. 1). Site selection was based on online votings, with thousands of votes being casted from 188 towns across Serbia (Ref. 2). In the end, the fifteen most popular cities were selected for project implementation. As a result, hundreds of trees were planted, including 25 trees along the promenade of Belgrade’s Ušće Park in 2023 (Ref. 3). Ultimately, the initiative aims to create and enhance urban green spaces, to improve air quality and living conditions in Serbian cities (Ref. 5). The success of the campaign encouraged DDOR to extend the campaign in 2024, financed through their eco-insurance schemes (Ref. 4)
Urban regeneration of Silk District
The Silk District is a real estate project by Prime Kapital in partnership with MAS P.L.C., integrating green spaces into its urban design (1-10). It focuses on regenerating a brownfield site, an abandoned industrial area left undeveloped in one of Iasi's neighborhoods (1). The project aims to revitalize the area, improving its aesthetics, reducing pollution, and repurposing it into a commercial and residential space (1). A key feature of the project is the incorporation of green spaces throughout its design (1).
The development spans 101,000 square meters, with 40,500 square meters (combined) dedicated to green spaces and "car-free" open areas (1, 2, 6, p.2). These green elements are designed to offer spaces for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, while also contributing to environmental benefits such as air filtration, temperature regulation, rainwater drainage, and soil erosion prevention, all promoting better health for residents (1, 2, 4, 6, p.12). The landscape design includes “green islands” and vegetation-covered roofs for parking structures (4).
Launched in 2021 after receiving municipal approval, the project is ongoing and has already made significant progress, with over 10,000 perennial plants and 401 trees planted (4, 9). Upon completion, the landscape will feature 7,100 square meters of perennials, 3,000 square meters of shrubs, and an urban forest containing 2,400 trees (6, p.12).
The total investment in the project is €20,000,000 (7). In 2024, one of the completed office buildings earned a BREEAM green certification, achieving one of the highest possible scores, in collaboration with the consulting firm BuildGreen (5, 8). The landscape design was carried out by the architectural firm Beros Abdul+ (4). Before receiving approval, the project was opened for public consultation, and an independent online survey showed strong support from the community (15, 16).
The development spans 101,000 square meters, with 40,500 square meters (combined) dedicated to green spaces and "car-free" open areas (1, 2, 6, p.2). These green elements are designed to offer spaces for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, while also contributing to environmental benefits such as air filtration, temperature regulation, rainwater drainage, and soil erosion prevention, all promoting better health for residents (1, 2, 4, 6, p.12). The landscape design includes “green islands” and vegetation-covered roofs for parking structures (4).
Launched in 2021 after receiving municipal approval, the project is ongoing and has already made significant progress, with over 10,000 perennial plants and 401 trees planted (4, 9). Upon completion, the landscape will feature 7,100 square meters of perennials, 3,000 square meters of shrubs, and an urban forest containing 2,400 trees (6, p.12).
The total investment in the project is €20,000,000 (7). In 2024, one of the completed office buildings earned a BREEAM green certification, achieving one of the highest possible scores, in collaboration with the consulting firm BuildGreen (5, 8). The landscape design was carried out by the architectural firm Beros Abdul+ (4). Before receiving approval, the project was opened for public consultation, and an independent online survey showed strong support from the community (15, 16).
Core City Park(ing)
The PARK(ing) project, completed in April 2022, is an urban private intervention in Core City neighborhood in Detroit, that re-imagines a vacant 24,000-square-foot lot into a dual-purpose public park and a 28-car parking lot. Designed by Julie Bargmann of D.I.R.T. Studio, in collaboration with Prince Concepts and in-house landscape designer Andrew Schwartz, this innovative green space harmonizes urban infrastructure with natural elements. The site is punctuated with 78 newly planted trees, including sumac, maple, and evergreen species, creating an environment rich in vegetation that seamlessly integrates with its urban surroundings.
The design incorporates permeable pavers and sloped berms, which effectively manage storm-water by absorbing and channeling rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding—an often-overlooked challenge in traditional parking lots. This approach reflects sensitivity to the local environment and a commitment to sustainable urban design.
By day, the park discreetly functions as a parking facility, with cars nestled among dense greenery, while by evening, it transforms into a public garden, extending the communal space of Core City Park. This dual functionality addresses the needs of a car-dependent community while promoting walkability and enhancing the neighborhood's ecological footprint.
PARK(ing) exemplifies a shift in Detroit's urban planning, moving away from the car-centric developments of the past toward a more balanced relationship between people, nature, and infrastructure. The project stands as a testament to the evolving identity of American cities, particularly those like Detroit, historically shaped by the automobile. It offers a vision of urban spaces that prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship while acknowledging the realities of modern urban life. (Ref. 1, 2)
The design incorporates permeable pavers and sloped berms, which effectively manage storm-water by absorbing and channeling rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding—an often-overlooked challenge in traditional parking lots. This approach reflects sensitivity to the local environment and a commitment to sustainable urban design.
By day, the park discreetly functions as a parking facility, with cars nestled among dense greenery, while by evening, it transforms into a public garden, extending the communal space of Core City Park. This dual functionality addresses the needs of a car-dependent community while promoting walkability and enhancing the neighborhood's ecological footprint.
PARK(ing) exemplifies a shift in Detroit's urban planning, moving away from the car-centric developments of the past toward a more balanced relationship between people, nature, and infrastructure. The project stands as a testament to the evolving identity of American cities, particularly those like Detroit, historically shaped by the automobile. It offers a vision of urban spaces that prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship while acknowledging the realities of modern urban life. (Ref. 1, 2)
Green Spaces at Palas Campus
The Palas Campus project is a real estate investment by the private company IULIUS, involving the construction of a mixed-use development with integrated green elements, including a green terrace (1–3, 5). The project spans approximately 86,000 sq.m., of which 4,500 sq.m. are dedicated to green spaces (1–3, 5). In these green spaces, 200 trees and 7,000 bushes of various species were planted (1, 2). The landscape design was created by a team of international experts, with some plant species imported from Italy (1, 5). The primary goal of the project is urban regeneration in a specific district of the city, building on similar projects previously implemented by IULIUS (1, 2, 5). The Palas Campus landscape includes relaxation spaces and pedestrian walkways (1).
The buildings were designed to meet the standards for two green certifications: EDGE and LEED, both of which were awarded in 2024 (4, 6–10). The EDGE certification signifies a 20–40% reduction in energy and water use compared to standard buildings (4, 8). The LEED certification, awarded based on various sustainability criteria, saw Palas Campus achieve one of the highest scores (4, 9, 10). One key aspect of the certification was the reduction of the "heat island" effect (10).
The total cost of the project reached 120 million euros, with 3.8 million euros allocated to the green spaces (1, 2, 5). The project was partially financed by a 72 million euro "green" loan from the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, which also provided expertise to help secure the EDGE certification (6–8). The LEED certification was obtained with the support of the consulting firm BuildGreen (11).
The buildings were designed to meet the standards for two green certifications: EDGE and LEED, both of which were awarded in 2024 (4, 6–10). The EDGE certification signifies a 20–40% reduction in energy and water use compared to standard buildings (4, 8). The LEED certification, awarded based on various sustainability criteria, saw Palas Campus achieve one of the highest scores (4, 9, 10). One key aspect of the certification was the reduction of the "heat island" effect (10).
The total cost of the project reached 120 million euros, with 3.8 million euros allocated to the green spaces (1, 2, 5). The project was partially financed by a 72 million euro "green" loan from the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, which also provided expertise to help secure the EDGE certification (6–8). The LEED certification was obtained with the support of the consulting firm BuildGreen (11).
Belt Line Center PACE-funded Green Roof
The Belt Line Center building, located in Detroit, Michigan, property of Letts Industries, features a green-blue roof, along with a rain garden, showcasing the benefits of green infrastructure in historic properties. The idea for this retrofit emerged in 2015 after a major renovation, when Chip Letts, CEO of Letts Industries, recognized the potential of green infrastructure for long-term energy efficiency and storm-water management.
The initiative gained momentum in 2018, following the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's (DWSD) introduction of new drainage fees, which charged $750 per acre of impermeable surfaces. The DWSD also offered up to 80% discounts for properties implementing green solutions, further incentivizing the project.
The project officially began in 2020 after securing PACE funding (Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, a financing mechanism that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects) from CounterpointeSRE (financial institution), marking the first use of commercial PACE financing for a green roof in Michigan. The green roof, covering 17,250 square feet, includes 300 square feet of pedestal pavers and a 2,500 square foot blue roof. These features enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and roof longevity; the center also incorporates two beehives to support local biodiversity.
These systems work in tandem with the ground-level rain garden to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff, significantly reducing the impact on Detroit’s stormwater system. The project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, including the Beltline Greenway initiative, which will pass directly behind the property, integrating the building into Detroit’s expanding network of green spaces and bike paths.
The Belt Line Center serves as a model for revitalizing historic buildings through innovative financing and sustainable design, enhancing Detroit’s environmental resilience. (Ref.1-5)
The initiative gained momentum in 2018, following the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's (DWSD) introduction of new drainage fees, which charged $750 per acre of impermeable surfaces. The DWSD also offered up to 80% discounts for properties implementing green solutions, further incentivizing the project.
The project officially began in 2020 after securing PACE funding (Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, a financing mechanism that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects) from CounterpointeSRE (financial institution), marking the first use of commercial PACE financing for a green roof in Michigan. The green roof, covering 17,250 square feet, includes 300 square feet of pedestal pavers and a 2,500 square foot blue roof. These features enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and roof longevity; the center also incorporates two beehives to support local biodiversity.
These systems work in tandem with the ground-level rain garden to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff, significantly reducing the impact on Detroit’s stormwater system. The project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, including the Beltline Greenway initiative, which will pass directly behind the property, integrating the building into Detroit’s expanding network of green spaces and bike paths.
The Belt Line Center serves as a model for revitalizing historic buildings through innovative financing and sustainable design, enhancing Detroit’s environmental resilience. (Ref.1-5)
New Trees in Frumoasa
In 2021, the real estate company Inamstro, in collaboration with the Municipality of Iași, the civil organization "Glasul Vieții" (Voice of Life), and local citizens, initiated a tree-planting initiative that involved planting 250 trees near a residential area and a parking lot in the Frumoasa neighborhood of Iași. This neighborhood is smaller compared to other areas of the city and was developed during the communist systematization of the 1970s and 1980s. It consists of groups of four-story blocks arranged around common spaces, situated near the Frumoasa Monastery complex.
The main goals of the 2021 planting action were to enhance green space, lower air temperatures, reduce urban air pollutants—such as fine particulate matter—absorb CO2, and improve overall health and quality of life (1–5). Additionally, the implementing company concluded that the trees planted near residential areas can significantly reduce energy needs for air conditioning and heating, leading to an average cost decrease of 30% during summer and winter (1, 2).
Volunteers participating in the project received a "tree certificate," signifying their commitment to planting and adopting a tree (7). In this initiative, volunteers were also tasked with monitoring the growth of their adopted trees to ensure their health (1–6).
The main goals of the 2021 planting action were to enhance green space, lower air temperatures, reduce urban air pollutants—such as fine particulate matter—absorb CO2, and improve overall health and quality of life (1–5). Additionally, the implementing company concluded that the trees planted near residential areas can significantly reduce energy needs for air conditioning and heating, leading to an average cost decrease of 30% during summer and winter (1, 2).
Volunteers participating in the project received a "tree certificate," signifying their commitment to planting and adopting a tree (7). In this initiative, volunteers were also tasked with monitoring the growth of their adopted trees to ensure their health (1–6).
Lafayette Greens
Lafayette Greens is a transformative urban green space and community garden located in downtown Detroit, occupying a parcel of 1720 sqm that once housed the historic Lafayette Building. Following the building's demolition in 2010, the site, situated near Compuware headquarters and the Detroit Federal Building, was re-imagined through a public-private partnership into a productive urban garden (Ref.1, 6). The garden was designed in 2012 for a local software company, Compuware, which after completion gifted it to a local NGO, The Greening of Detroit, in 2014. Lafayette Greens serves as a green oasis in a bustling urban environment, offering city workers, residents, and visitors a space to relax and engage with nature. The garden produces chemical-free fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and since 2019, has focused on cultivating a certified pollinator habitat, essential for supporting urban biodiversity. The garden also provides educational programming, including classes on pollinators like bees and birds, and the DIG - Detroiters in the Garden series, in collaboration with Fort Street Presbyterian Church’s Open Door program, fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship. (Ref.2)
The Orchards of the School
“The Orchards of the School” is a project led by Antibiotice S.A. through its foundation, "Știință și Suflet" (Science and Soul), which focuses on corporate social responsibility programs. Implemented between 2017 and 2019, employees volunteered to participate in planting orchards in the yards of several schools around the metropolitan area of Iași, including a special education school . The students assisted in planting the orchards and took responsibility for their management afterward.
The primary goal of the project was to instill respect for environmental protection, promote a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate civic spirit within the community among the younger generation. The local authorities prepared the yards for planting, while the Research and Development Station for Fruit Culture in Iași provided standardized methods for proper orchard cultivation.
By 2021 and 2022, the orchards were reported to be thriving and yielding their first fruits for the students (Ref. 1-9).
The primary goal of the project was to instill respect for environmental protection, promote a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate civic spirit within the community among the younger generation. The local authorities prepared the yards for planting, while the Research and Development Station for Fruit Culture in Iași provided standardized methods for proper orchard cultivation.
By 2021 and 2022, the orchards were reported to be thriving and yielding their first fruits for the students (Ref. 1-9).
