10 keys to integrating health into city planning and transportation planning

Twenty percent of early mortality rates can be due to poor city and transportation plans. Nevertheless, there is a lack of quantitative indicators to guide the integration of health factors into urban design. To address this gap, a team from the Barcelona Global Health Institute (ISGlobal), a center backed by the La Caixa Foundation, has set 10 principles and corresponding indicators for city planners to incorporate public health into their work. Identified.

New research published in International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental HealthWas implemented at the request of the Directorate General of Environmental Policy and the Natural Environment, which is part of the Catalan Climate Behavior, Food and Rural Agenda sector, with the aim of guiding urban planners in the design of healthy cities. Researchers conducted a review of the scientific literature and organized a process of participation with relevant Catalan stakeholders such as the Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona State Council, the Barcelona Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) and the Catalan Land Institute (INCASÒL). ..

“This study is unique in that it comes together. Scientific evidence “The proposed principles of urban health have a solid rationale,” said Mark Newwenhoisen, research coordinator and director of IS Global’s Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative. I will. ” Of the relevant stakeholders, you can ensure that the metrics are actually applied and useful to decision makers. “

Review of scientific literature with 4 cities Transportation plan Objectives that previous studies have associated with favorable health and well-being results:

1. Development of a mixed compact city Land use And high street connectivity
2. Reduction of private electric transport
3. Promotion of active and public transport (walking and cycling)
4. Development of green and public open spaces

10 principles and indicators

The new treatise summarizes the scientific literature and participatory processes into 10 principles for integrating health into urban planning from the beginning (zoning stage) and provides a checklist for this purpose. For example, for the first principle relating to the distribution of green and public open spaces, one of the proposed indicators is that at least 25% of the total land area should be dedicated to these types of spaces. ..

The checklist is designed to be used from the beginning of urban development. It can be used in all kinds of contexts, but especially for European cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. For application in other situations, the indicator can be adapted to the local situation.

“If implemented, the principles identified in this study will reduce the burden of illness and death associated with urban and transportation design and are not only healthy, but also livable, desirable, fair and sustainable. It should lead to a climate-resistant city. The benefits, ”explained IS Global researcher Natalie Mueller, the lead author of the study. “For example, the transition from private car use to active public transport and urban greening healthNot only does it help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, it is important to improve the city consistently and fairly, without leaving neighbors or groups behind. “

“Building a healthy city requires an interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders. Urban planner To public health “Expert”.

Here are 10 principles for designing a healthy city:

1. Land use mix
2. Street connection
3. density
4. Reduction of electric transportation
5. walking
6. cycling
7. Public transport
8. Multi-modality
9. Green and public open space
10. Integration of all planning principles