New paper published: Comparative environmental life cycle assessment of urban green spaces and design elements – A case study in Vienna

Acknowledging the growing importance of urban green spaces and their ecosystem services, this Vienna-based study expands typical environmental evaluations beyond solely greenhouse gas emissions. Employing life cycle assessment (LCA), it compares environmental performance across multiple impact categories (including climate change, particulate matter, water and soil quality impacts) for typical green space designs: intensively managed utility lawns, extensive meadow lawns, and perennial beds. The assessment also incorporates combinations with different pathway types.  
Results clearly demonstrate that intensively managed green spaces exert considerably higher environmental pressure than extensively managed alternatives. Across all assessed impacts, the maintenance phase emerges as a primary driver of environmental pressures. The study also reveals a size effect for intensive areas, where larger spaces are relatively less impactful per unit area. Combining different vegetation types shows potential to reduce specific environmental impacts, particularly those on water quality related to fertilizer use, whereas adding pathways does not substantially alter the overall park's environmental footprint.

Krexner, T., Obriejetan, M., Bauer, A., & Kral, I. (2025). Landscape and Urban Planning Comparative environmental life cycle assessment of urban green spaces and design elements – A case study in Vienna. Landscape and Urban Planning, 259, 105363. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2025.105363