Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Park Track North (Park Spoor Noord) is built on a former railway territory and was aimed to provide a social, green and mobility 'corridor' as the territory disconnected parts of the city (Ref. 1,4). Now, the park has a sustainable drainage system, allows a maximum diversity of people to use the park and has trees that will last for a long time. The park is further considered sustainable because of the use of FSC wood, re-used materials and energy-efficient lighting while the historical railway elements are restored or reused (Ref. 1,7).

The NBS is a large green roof on top of "ATRIUM PARK", which is a modern neighbourhood of 4 buildings in Bydgoszcz. The spacious green park of 5,000 m2 is located on the roof of a multi-storey garage that extends under all buildings. It is divided into zones: a playground, an area for active recreation, and the relaxation area. The description of the project stresses its beneficial effects on the health and well-being of the residents [1].

Focus Park is a large shopping mall with green terraces (900 m2) and green walls in the city of Bydgoszcz. The project serves marketing purposes – the green areas outside the mall are visible from various vantage points. Due to the selection of pollution resistant plants and installation of an automatic irrigation system the project also involves water retention and supports local biodiversity and good air quality [1].

A rehabilitation clinic in Bydgoszcz opened a rooftop garden for its patients. The garden was established in 1998 on the total area of 1 790 m2. The initiative was created with children of the Paediatrics Clinic in mind so that they could look at the garden instead of a concrete roof from their windows. Plants were designed in a way that their fragrances and colours are respective of the time of the day and the year. The spruce was also planted in the garden to be decorated as a Christmas tree in winter [1].

The NBS is a 200 m² green roof created as a complementary element to the concept of a low-emission building of the Demonstration Centre of Renewable Energy Sources at the School of Mechanical Engineering No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. The roof serves as a recreational area for students and visitors, provides thermal insulation for the building, increases biodiversity and improves the image of the construction [1].

The NBS was inspired by the first social garden created by citizens on Chrobrego Street. Later, the municipality provided funds for 4 additional projects. Social gardens were created in the housing estates of Wyżyny, Okole, Jary and Wilczak. Residents planted new bushes, flowers, trees, grass, and perennials, and arranged the existing nature in their pocket gardens. In some cases, they also established 'hotels' for insects and pollinators or created thematic paths. Common efforts are to grow healthy plants, herb and vegetable, and to create a friendly atmosphere in the gardens. The gardens are small, 100 square meters on average [1,4].

Since introducing the Tree Strategy, the Reading Council has working closely with partners and local people to promote the importance and benefit of trees. Work has included a (street) tree planting scheme. Reading has a committed Tree Warden Network (which has the objectives to e.g. engage the community and raise awareness of trees in neighbourhoods). (Ref. 1, 2)

The green roof and courtyard/patio on a new campus building of the University of Applied Sciences consist of trees and plants that reduce temperature and improve air quality. The plants are grown on a thick substrate layer that allows for extra stormwater storage. The vegetation also provides habitat for species such as insects, filters particulates from the air and reduces noise, and creates aesthetic value for patients in a nearby hospital (Ref. 1).

From 2006 onwards, the urban stream Wupper and its riverbanks were redeveloped and ecologically improved via several water management and planning measures across the city of Wuppertal. Initiated by the city administration and the public sector company Wupper, they aimed at improving the environmental- and water quality or the area and enhancing biodiversity in and around the Wupper. These efforts were accompanied by additional citizens' initiatives with the same goal. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 9). According to the EU Water Framework Directive, 27 percent of the Wupper and its tributaries are now in good condition, which is well above the German average of 8 percent. The complete renaturalization is planned to be completed by 2025. (Ref. 12)

Since 2002, under the aegis of the non-profit organization “Enfants d’un même Père” (“Children of the same Father”) the members of Jardins en Pays de Liège organize visits to private gardens in the Province of Liège. This non-profit organization welcomes handicapped children during weekends and school holidays. Every year, about twenty gardens are open to the public and welcome more than 10,000 visitors. The totality of the funds raised by means of entrance fees goes to an association looking after handicapped children (Ref. 1)