By Dr Isobel Wilson

CIHT released a report into green and blue infrastructure (GBI) in February this year, which included a survey to see how the transport sector was implementing GBI and what members’ opinions were of it.

We found that the examples people gave of what they were implementing were quite limited – and sometimes even incorrect. One of the key recommendations from the report was that the transport sector needs a better understanding of what GBI is, why it's important and the benefits that it can bring to local communities.

The result is a new course on CIHT Learn, a foundation course introducing GBI that we hope will provide the basis of a strong understanding of the topic. The aim is for members who complete it to feel informed and empowered to have wider discussions that promote GBI design and implementation.

The importance of GBI

The transport sector is increasingly recognising the importance of GBI. For example, the implementation of biodiversity net gain will require projects to have at least a 10% increase in the biodiversity of an area after completion. In addition, Schedule Three of the Flood and Water Management Act could include roads, so the transport sector will have to understand what good GBI looks like, and how to implement it and maintain it successfully. Our course will provide people with the technical knowledge, and the legal and political background for when these policies are implemented.

The course is broken down into three modules. The first covers what green and blue infrastructure is, breaking it down into the green and the blue. We want people to be able to name and describe green infrastructure features that can be implemented on our roads and streets, provide examples of sustainable drainage systems and describe how they can be used for water management. It also explains how green and blue infrastructure links to terminology such as ecosystem services, natural capital and nature-based solutions. We also include transport-related case studies where GBI has been successfully implemented.

The second module looks at GBI-related law and policy, such as the standards for implementation set out by Natural England, and building with the standards framework. It also looks into the laws surrounding biodiversity net gain and local nature recovery plans, so members get a good understanding of not just the kind of environmental, economic, health and social benefits of GBI, but also the legal importance of doing it as well.

The benefits of GBI

The third and final module looks at the benefits of GBI, such as the environmental benefits of cooling, drought and flood resilience, preventing water pollution and providing better air quality and biodiversity. It also addresses the health and social benefits of GBI, with studies that show how it promotes wellbeing, reduces anxiety and stress, promotes physical activity, reduces crime rates and increases social contact.

The course doesn’t avoid questions about the bottom line, either. It looks at the economic benefits of GBI, such as the savings to the NHS when people are healthier, with fewer respiratory or cardiovascular problems. GBI can also save money by avoiding heat-related productivity losses and the costs of air conditioning. GBI also has the knock-on effect of attracting people to an area, going into shops and spending money.

The course is now available on CIHT Learn and we hope that members find it useful in understanding how green and blue infrastructure will become an increasingly important part of our work in the future.

Dr Isobel Wilson was in conversation with Craig Thomas

How we can support your organisation

We can offer access to CIHT Learn courses and modules to companies wishing to put multiple applicants on an agreed license basis.

Contact admin@cihtlearn.org.uk to discuss options or complete this enquiry form.