Adjusting the structure combinations of plant communities in urban greenspace reduced the maintenance energy consumption and GHG emissions
Abstract
Maintaining urban greenspace results in energy use and GHG emissions. To understand the change of the annual maintenance energy consumption and GHG emissions in varying combinations of plant structures (plant density or proportion of area covered) in urban greenspace, this study investigated 34 urban plant communities as sample plots (20×20 m), and divided them into woodland, shrub, herbaceous and grassland layers. The average energy use and GHG emissions in the woodland layer were 18.64 MJ/tree/y–1 and 0.23 kg/CO2-e/tree/y–1, respectively. In the shrub, herbaceous, and grassland layers, the average energy consumption was 3.73, 2.27, 7.23 MJ/m2/y–1, and the average GHG emissions were 0.06, 0.02, 0.09 kg/CO2-e/m2/y–1, respectively. The energy use and GHG emission curves had parabolic trends as the plant density in the woodland layer increased and increasing curves with two peaks as the plant area proportions of the shrub, herbaceous, and grassland layers increased. The annual maintenance of urban greenspace can divide into low, average and high levels of energy consumption and GHG emissions due to the change in the plant structure combinations. Furthermore, city managers and landscape designers can refer to the energy consumption and GHG emissions trends to understand the environmental impact of maintenance tasks. The future plant structures in greenspace can be better designed to improve ecosystem services based on limiting the maintenance environmental impacts.
Keyword : urban greenspace, plant community maintenance, plant structure combinations, environmental impact, energy consumption, GHG emissions
How to Cite
Liu, Y., Yang, Q., & Duan, L. (2018). Adjusting the structure combinations of plant communities in urban greenspace reduced the maintenance energy consumption and GHG emissions. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 26(4), 261-274. https://doi.org/10.3846/jeelm.2018.6126
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Barker, A. V., & Prostak, R. G. (2009). Alternative management of roadside vegetation. HortTechnology, 19(2), 346-352.
Berg, S., & Lindholm, E. L. (2005). Energy use and environmental impacts of forest operations in Sweden. Journal of Cleaner Production, 13(1), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2003.09.015
Bixler, R. D., & Floyd, M. F. (1997). Nature is scary, disgusting and uncomfortable. Environment & Behavior, 29(4), 443-467. https://doi.org/10.1177/001391659702900401
Bo, C., Adimo, O. A., & Bao, Z. (2009). Assessment of aesthetic quality and multiple functions of urban green space from the users’ perspective: the case of Hangzhou Flower Garden, China. Landscape and Urban Planning, 93(1), 76-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2009.06.001
Casey, J. W., & Holden, N. M. (2006a). Greenhouse gas emissions from conventional, agri-environmental scheme, and organic Irish suckler-beef units. Journal of Environmental Quality, 35(1), 231-239. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2005.0121
Casey, J. W., & Holden, N. M. (2006b). Quantification of GHG emissions from sucker-beef production in Ireland. Agricultural Systems, 90(1), 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.11.008
Dunnett, N., & Hitchmough, J. (2004). The dynamic landscape: design, ecology and management of naturalistic urban planting. New York: Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203402870
Fuglestvedt, J. S. (2010). Policy Update: multicomponent climate policy: why do emission metrics matter? Carbon Management, 1(2), 191-197. https://doi.org/10.4155/cmt.10.28
Gu, D. N., Li, L. P., Xing, W. Q., & Zhao, C. (2009). Distribution of heavy metals in urban soils of Zhengzhou City and soil quality assessment. Chinese Journal of Soil Science, 40, 921-925.
Haas, G., Wetterich, F., & Köpke, U. (2001). Comparing intensive, extensified and organic grassland farming in southern Germany by process life cycle assessment. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 83(1), 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(00)00160-2
Hitchmough, J., & Fieldhouse, K. (2008). Plant user handbook: a guide to effective specifying. UK: Wiley.
Ingram, D. L. (2012). Life cycle assessment of a field-grown red maple tree to estimate its carbon footprint components. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17(4), 453-462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-012-0398-7
International Organization for Standardization. (2006). Environmental management − Life cycle assessment − Principles and framework (ISO 14040). Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/37456.html
Jiang, S. P., & Peng, Y. L. (2003). Study on maintenance and management for residential planting. Journal of Chinese Landscape Architecture, 3, 1-8.
Jo, H. K. (2002). Impacts of urban greenspace on offsetting carbon emissions for middle Korea. Journal of Environmental Management, 64(2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1006/jema.2001.0491
Jo, H. K., & McPherson, G. E. (1995). Carbon storage and flux in urban residential greenspace. Journal of Environmental Management, 45(2), 109-133. https://doi.org/10.1006/jema.1995.0062
Khan, M. Y., Russell, R. L., Welch, W. A., Cocker III, D. R., & Ghosh, S. (2012). Impact of algae biofuel on in-use gaseous and particulate emissions from a marine vessel. Energy & Fuels, 26(10), 6137-6143. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef300935z
Kuo, F. E., Bacaicoa, M., & Sullivan, W. C. (1998). Transforming inner city landscapes: trees, sense of place and preference. Environment & Behavior, 30(1), 28-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916598301002
Lazzerini, G., Lucchetti, S., & Nicese, F. P. (2015). Green House Gases(GHG) emissions from the ornamental plant nursery industry: a Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) approach in a nursery district in central Italy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112(Part 5), 4022-4030.
Laiyun, S., Wenbo, W., & Weisheng, Z. (2015). China statistical yearbook. Beijing: China Statistics Press.
Lindholst, A. C. (2008). Improving contract design and management for urban green-space maintenance through action research. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 7(2), 77-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2008.02.001
Loreau, M., Downing, A., Emmerson, M., Gonzalez, A., Hughes, J., Inchausti, P., Joshi, J., Norberg, J., & Sala, O. (2002). A new look at the relationship between diversity and stability. In M. Lorea, S. Naeem, & P. Inchausti (Eds.), Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Management Committee of Zheng Dong New District. (2017). Environment and ecological. Retrieved from http://www.zheng-dong.gov.cn/sitesources/zhengdong/page_pc/qq/sthj/list1.html/
Mobtaker, H. G., Keyhani, A., Mohammadi, A., Rafiee, S., & Akram, A. (2010). Sensitivity analysis of energy inputs for barley production in Hamedan Province of Iran. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 137(3), 367-372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2010.03.011
Mohammadshirazi, A., Akram, A., Rafiee, S., Avval, S. H. M., & Kalhor, E. B. (2012). An analysis of energy use and relation between energy inputs and yield in tangerine production. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(7), 4515-4521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.04.047
National Geomatics Center of China. (2017). Map Word He Nan. Beijing: National Geomatics Center of China.
Nowak, D. J., & Crane, D. E. (2002). Carbon storage and sequestration by urban trees in the USA. Environmental Pollution, 116(3), 381-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(01)00214-7
Nowak, D. J., Hirabayashi, S., Bodine, A., & Greenfield, E. (2014). Tree and forest effects on air quality and human health in the United State. Environmental Pollution, 193(4), 119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.028
Nowak, D. J., Hirabayashi, S., Doyle, M., McGovern, M., & Pasher, J. (2018). Air pollution removal by urban forests in Canada and its effect on air quality and human health. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 29, 40-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.10.019
Rafiee, S., Mousavi Avval, S. H., & Mohammadi, A. (2010). Modeling and sensitivity analysis of energy inputs for apple production in Iran. Energy, 35(8), 3301-3306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2010.04.015
Semenzato, P., Sievänen, T., de Oliveira, E. S., Soares, A. L., & Spaeth, R. (2011). Natural elements and physical activity in urban green space planning and design. In K. Nilsson, M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. De Vries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.), Forests, trees and human health (pp. 245-282). Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9806-1_9
Shu-Hua, L. (2010). Symbiosis and circulation−the basic thought of urban green space construction under low-carbon economic society. Chinese Landscape Architecture, 6, 014.
Singh, S., & Mittal, J. P. (1992). Energy in production agriculture. Delhi: Mittal Publications.
Standardization Administration of the People᾽s Republic of China. (2008). Reciprocating internal combustion enginesperformance-part 1: declarations of power, fuel and lubricating oil consumption and test methods-additional requirements for engines for general use. Bei Jing: Standards Press of China.
Standardization Administration of the People᾽s Republic of China. (2011). Reciprocating internal combustion engines-exhaust emission measurement-part 2: measurement of gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions at site. Bei Jing: Standards Press of China.
Tooker, J. F., & Hanks, L. M. (2000). Influence of plant community structure on natural enemies of pine needle scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in urban landscapes. Environmental Entomology, 29(6), 1305-1311. https://doi.org/10.1603/0046-225X-29.6.1305
Tzoulas, K., Korpela, K., Venn, S., Yli-Pelkonen, V., Kaźmierczak, A., Niemela, J., & James, P. (2007). Promoting ecosystem and human health in urban areas using Green Infrastructure: A literature review. Landscape and Urban Planning, 81(3), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2007.02.001
Wang, X., Wu, Q., Zhou, J., Chen, Y., & Wu, F. (2014). Life cycle assessment of tomato production in greenhouses. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae, 34(11), 2940-2947.
Wang, X. D., Yang, Q. S., & Zhang, Q. F. (2016). Research on the construction of landscape plant communities and management in the urban green space. Chinese Landscape Architecture, 1, 1-16.
West, T. O., & Marland, G. (2002). A synthesis of carbon sequestration, carbon emissions, and net carbon flux in agriculture: comparing tillage practices in the United States. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 91(1), 217-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(01)00233-X
Xiao-Yu, P., Xi-Hui, W., Fa-Qi, W., Xiao-Qin, W., & Xiao-Gang, T. (2015). Life cycle assessment of winter wheat-summer maize rotation system in Guanzhong region of Shaanxi province. Journal of Agro-Environment Science, 4, 809-816.
Yadav, R. (2014). Handbook of agricultural engineering. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 44(6), 894-895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2014.09.008
Yang, L., Zhi, C., Tingning, W., & Shuibao, L. (2015). Study on greenhouse gas emission of nitrogen based on life cycle assessment. Environment and Sustainable Development, 40(3), 66-68.
Yongchang, S. (2001). Vegetation ecology (2th ed.). Bei Jing: East China Normal University Press.
Yuan-Yuan, J. I. (2015). Research of the evaluation system and strategies of low carbon landscape based on the sustainable development idea. Tian Jin: Tian Jin University.
Yuan-Yuan, J. I., Genovese, P. V., University, T. A., & University, T. (2016). Research on the carbon emission from the daily use and maintenance on the basis of life cycle of landscape architecture. Landscape Architecture, 9, 121-126.
Zheng Zhou Meteorological Bureau. (2018). Remote sensing information of agricultural meteorological in Zheng Zhou. Retrieved from http://www.zhengdong.gov.cn/sitesources/zhengdong/page_pc/qq/sthj/list1.html/
Berg, S., & Lindholm, E. L. (2005). Energy use and environmental impacts of forest operations in Sweden. Journal of Cleaner Production, 13(1), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2003.09.015
Bixler, R. D., & Floyd, M. F. (1997). Nature is scary, disgusting and uncomfortable. Environment & Behavior, 29(4), 443-467. https://doi.org/10.1177/001391659702900401
Bo, C., Adimo, O. A., & Bao, Z. (2009). Assessment of aesthetic quality and multiple functions of urban green space from the users’ perspective: the case of Hangzhou Flower Garden, China. Landscape and Urban Planning, 93(1), 76-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2009.06.001
Casey, J. W., & Holden, N. M. (2006a). Greenhouse gas emissions from conventional, agri-environmental scheme, and organic Irish suckler-beef units. Journal of Environmental Quality, 35(1), 231-239. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2005.0121
Casey, J. W., & Holden, N. M. (2006b). Quantification of GHG emissions from sucker-beef production in Ireland. Agricultural Systems, 90(1), 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.11.008
Dunnett, N., & Hitchmough, J. (2004). The dynamic landscape: design, ecology and management of naturalistic urban planting. New York: Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203402870
Fuglestvedt, J. S. (2010). Policy Update: multicomponent climate policy: why do emission metrics matter? Carbon Management, 1(2), 191-197. https://doi.org/10.4155/cmt.10.28
Gu, D. N., Li, L. P., Xing, W. Q., & Zhao, C. (2009). Distribution of heavy metals in urban soils of Zhengzhou City and soil quality assessment. Chinese Journal of Soil Science, 40, 921-925.
Haas, G., Wetterich, F., & Köpke, U. (2001). Comparing intensive, extensified and organic grassland farming in southern Germany by process life cycle assessment. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 83(1), 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(00)00160-2
Hitchmough, J., & Fieldhouse, K. (2008). Plant user handbook: a guide to effective specifying. UK: Wiley.
Ingram, D. L. (2012). Life cycle assessment of a field-grown red maple tree to estimate its carbon footprint components. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17(4), 453-462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-012-0398-7
International Organization for Standardization. (2006). Environmental management − Life cycle assessment − Principles and framework (ISO 14040). Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/37456.html
Jiang, S. P., & Peng, Y. L. (2003). Study on maintenance and management for residential planting. Journal of Chinese Landscape Architecture, 3, 1-8.
Jo, H. K. (2002). Impacts of urban greenspace on offsetting carbon emissions for middle Korea. Journal of Environmental Management, 64(2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1006/jema.2001.0491
Jo, H. K., & McPherson, G. E. (1995). Carbon storage and flux in urban residential greenspace. Journal of Environmental Management, 45(2), 109-133. https://doi.org/10.1006/jema.1995.0062
Khan, M. Y., Russell, R. L., Welch, W. A., Cocker III, D. R., & Ghosh, S. (2012). Impact of algae biofuel on in-use gaseous and particulate emissions from a marine vessel. Energy & Fuels, 26(10), 6137-6143. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef300935z
Kuo, F. E., Bacaicoa, M., & Sullivan, W. C. (1998). Transforming inner city landscapes: trees, sense of place and preference. Environment & Behavior, 30(1), 28-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916598301002
Lazzerini, G., Lucchetti, S., & Nicese, F. P. (2015). Green House Gases(GHG) emissions from the ornamental plant nursery industry: a Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) approach in a nursery district in central Italy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112(Part 5), 4022-4030.
Laiyun, S., Wenbo, W., & Weisheng, Z. (2015). China statistical yearbook. Beijing: China Statistics Press.
Lindholst, A. C. (2008). Improving contract design and management for urban green-space maintenance through action research. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 7(2), 77-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2008.02.001
Loreau, M., Downing, A., Emmerson, M., Gonzalez, A., Hughes, J., Inchausti, P., Joshi, J., Norberg, J., & Sala, O. (2002). A new look at the relationship between diversity and stability. In M. Lorea, S. Naeem, & P. Inchausti (Eds.), Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Management Committee of Zheng Dong New District. (2017). Environment and ecological. Retrieved from http://www.zheng-dong.gov.cn/sitesources/zhengdong/page_pc/qq/sthj/list1.html/
Mobtaker, H. G., Keyhani, A., Mohammadi, A., Rafiee, S., & Akram, A. (2010). Sensitivity analysis of energy inputs for barley production in Hamedan Province of Iran. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 137(3), 367-372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2010.03.011
Mohammadshirazi, A., Akram, A., Rafiee, S., Avval, S. H. M., & Kalhor, E. B. (2012). An analysis of energy use and relation between energy inputs and yield in tangerine production. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(7), 4515-4521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.04.047
National Geomatics Center of China. (2017). Map Word He Nan. Beijing: National Geomatics Center of China.
Nowak, D. J., & Crane, D. E. (2002). Carbon storage and sequestration by urban trees in the USA. Environmental Pollution, 116(3), 381-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(01)00214-7
Nowak, D. J., Hirabayashi, S., Bodine, A., & Greenfield, E. (2014). Tree and forest effects on air quality and human health in the United State. Environmental Pollution, 193(4), 119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.028
Nowak, D. J., Hirabayashi, S., Doyle, M., McGovern, M., & Pasher, J. (2018). Air pollution removal by urban forests in Canada and its effect on air quality and human health. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 29, 40-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.10.019
Rafiee, S., Mousavi Avval, S. H., & Mohammadi, A. (2010). Modeling and sensitivity analysis of energy inputs for apple production in Iran. Energy, 35(8), 3301-3306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2010.04.015
Semenzato, P., Sievänen, T., de Oliveira, E. S., Soares, A. L., & Spaeth, R. (2011). Natural elements and physical activity in urban green space planning and design. In K. Nilsson, M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. De Vries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.), Forests, trees and human health (pp. 245-282). Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9806-1_9
Shu-Hua, L. (2010). Symbiosis and circulation−the basic thought of urban green space construction under low-carbon economic society. Chinese Landscape Architecture, 6, 014.
Singh, S., & Mittal, J. P. (1992). Energy in production agriculture. Delhi: Mittal Publications.
Standardization Administration of the People᾽s Republic of China. (2008). Reciprocating internal combustion enginesperformance-part 1: declarations of power, fuel and lubricating oil consumption and test methods-additional requirements for engines for general use. Bei Jing: Standards Press of China.
Standardization Administration of the People᾽s Republic of China. (2011). Reciprocating internal combustion engines-exhaust emission measurement-part 2: measurement of gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions at site. Bei Jing: Standards Press of China.
Tooker, J. F., & Hanks, L. M. (2000). Influence of plant community structure on natural enemies of pine needle scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in urban landscapes. Environmental Entomology, 29(6), 1305-1311. https://doi.org/10.1603/0046-225X-29.6.1305
Tzoulas, K., Korpela, K., Venn, S., Yli-Pelkonen, V., Kaźmierczak, A., Niemela, J., & James, P. (2007). Promoting ecosystem and human health in urban areas using Green Infrastructure: A literature review. Landscape and Urban Planning, 81(3), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2007.02.001
Wang, X., Wu, Q., Zhou, J., Chen, Y., & Wu, F. (2014). Life cycle assessment of tomato production in greenhouses. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae, 34(11), 2940-2947.
Wang, X. D., Yang, Q. S., & Zhang, Q. F. (2016). Research on the construction of landscape plant communities and management in the urban green space. Chinese Landscape Architecture, 1, 1-16.
West, T. O., & Marland, G. (2002). A synthesis of carbon sequestration, carbon emissions, and net carbon flux in agriculture: comparing tillage practices in the United States. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 91(1), 217-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(01)00233-X
Xiao-Yu, P., Xi-Hui, W., Fa-Qi, W., Xiao-Qin, W., & Xiao-Gang, T. (2015). Life cycle assessment of winter wheat-summer maize rotation system in Guanzhong region of Shaanxi province. Journal of Agro-Environment Science, 4, 809-816.
Yadav, R. (2014). Handbook of agricultural engineering. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 44(6), 894-895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2014.09.008
Yang, L., Zhi, C., Tingning, W., & Shuibao, L. (2015). Study on greenhouse gas emission of nitrogen based on life cycle assessment. Environment and Sustainable Development, 40(3), 66-68.
Yongchang, S. (2001). Vegetation ecology (2th ed.). Bei Jing: East China Normal University Press.
Yuan-Yuan, J. I. (2015). Research of the evaluation system and strategies of low carbon landscape based on the sustainable development idea. Tian Jin: Tian Jin University.
Yuan-Yuan, J. I., Genovese, P. V., University, T. A., & University, T. (2016). Research on the carbon emission from the daily use and maintenance on the basis of life cycle of landscape architecture. Landscape Architecture, 9, 121-126.
Zheng Zhou Meteorological Bureau. (2018). Remote sensing information of agricultural meteorological in Zheng Zhou. Retrieved from http://www.zhengdong.gov.cn/sitesources/zhengdong/page_pc/qq/sthj/list1.html/