Researchers from Finland's Aalto University and University of Helsinki analyzed how green infrastructure could be a resource for cities on a path to carbon neutrality.

This was the first study to focus on the carbon storage potential of plants and bushes commonly used in urban landscaping. One of the biggest challenges in assessing carbon storage of plants has been that the product changes over time. While a brick will always be a brick, plants grow, change and often expand in number over time.

The study charted lifecycle phases of plants, soils and mulches to determine basic considerations that could be used to create standards for products commonly used in urban spaces. The team identified existing carbon footprint standards that need development if they are to be applied to green infrastructure.

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Flows of carbon in soils, mulches and plants over their lifespans were compared and then translated into a standardized reporting format that could be used for conventional building products.

The recommendations from the study provide a concrete basis for developing global and regional standards for green infrastructures. The aim was to ensure that carbon storage claims of green infrastructure hold true. The team also hoped to develop a tool that landscape developers and designers could use to help plan new areas and refurbish existing urban spaces.

The researchers are now focusing on creating a tool to model changes in carbon storage of plants and soil due to land-use changes at a regional level. This would help planners target and maintain existing carbon storage in plants and soil.

The study was published in the International Journal of Life Cycling Assessment.