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Analysis of the role and impact of NBS (Nature Based Solutions) for sustainable urban environment

Lilli Aikaterini

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Summary

This PhD thesis investigates the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in promoting health, well-being (H&WB), and sustainability in urban environments, with a focus on the city of Chania, Greece. Against the backdrop of accelerating urbanization and the increasing burden on health systems, the work underscores the importance of integrating NbS into the planning and design of cities to improve quality of life and urban resilience. Green spaces (GSs) serve as the primary lens through which the impacts of NbS are assessed, both as ecological assets and public health enablers.The study identifies two major research gaps in the existing literature: the over-reliance on generic metrics of green space exposure—such as proximity or quantity—at the expense of specific ecological characteristics and experiential qualities, and the limited exploration of how people engage with GSs through frequency, duration, and type of use. To address these gaps, the thesis adopts a mixed-methods approach combining ecological assessment, statistical modeling, and participatory design.The research is structured around three interconnected objectives: (1) to develop a health-relevant framework for evaluating GS characteristics, including vegetation structure, cooling performance, and pollution removal; (2) to assess the health-related impacts of GS exposure through a representative survey of 718 urban residents; and (3) to design and deploy a visionary solution—the Mobile Urban Living Room (MULR)—as an innovative infrastructure for activating underused green areas.The study provides an in-depth ecological assessment of two major GSs in Chania—MGC and SAP—highlighting complementary benefits: MGC offers dense vegetation and superior thermal regulation, while SAP demonstrates higher pollutant removal and perceived quality. These findings inform evidence-based planning strategies to enhance green infrastructure in ways that align ecological performance with public health goals.Additionally, quantitative analyses, including chi-square tests, logistic regressions, and exploratory factor analysis, reveal strong associations between GS visitation (both frequency and duration) and improved mental and physical health outcomes. Regular and prolonged visits are linked to better sleep quality, emotional resilience, reduced stress, and lower risks of cardiovascular conditions. Demographic variables such as age, gender and education significantly shape patterns of GS engagement, reinforcing the need for demographically responsive planning.Central to the practical implementation of these insights is the development of the MULR, a multifunctional, mobile infrastructure designed to foster citizen interaction, facilitate data collection, and deliver cultural and educational programming in GSs. The MULR’s co-creation and evaluation process emphasizes participatory governance and integrates sensor technology and social research methods. A robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, based on key performance indicators (KPIs) and the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, ensures a multidimensional impact assessment.By bridging ecological, social, and technological dimensions, this thesis contributes a replicable model for deploying NbS in cities, aligning urban resilience with inclusivity and public health. The results provide actionable guidance for urban planners, policymakers, and health professionals aiming to design greener, healthier, and more livable urban environments.

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