Embedding green infrastructure evaluation in neighbourhood masterplans – does BREEAM Communities change anything?

Callway, R., Dixon, T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4513-6337 and Nikolic, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4001-8104 (2019) Embedding green infrastructure evaluation in neighbourhood masterplans – does BREEAM Communities change anything? Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 62 (14). pp. 2478-2505. ISSN 0964-0568 doi: 10.1080/09640568.2018.1563371

Abstract/Summary

Green Infrastructure (GI) evaluation is reported to improve the sustainability of neighbourhood masterplans, but there has been little research examining the links between GI evaluation and masterplan decision-making. A study of six English masterplanned sites was carried out, with paired case studies reflecting three types of neighbourhood development (estate regeneration, urban infill, rural-urban extension) to examine whether the sustainable neighbourhood standard, BREEAM Communities (BC) affected GI evaluation and masterplan decisions. In each of three pairs, one site had adopted BC and one had not. Strategy-asPractice provided a conceptual framework to analyse 13 evaluative episodes, based on 48 interviews and public documents. The analysis revealed that GI-related recommendations were typically deprioritised at later masterplan stages, despite earlier decisions or the application of BC. Potential ways to enhance the embeddedness of GI evaluative practice include improving practitioners’ understanding of GI and increasing accountability at later masterplan stages, such as through sustainability reporting.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/81263
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of the Built Environment > Urban Living group Science > School of the Built Environment > Organisation, People and Technology group
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item