| Abstract/Contents: | "The studies in this report focus on the benefits of "turfgrass" or "turf". In everyday parlance, these terms are typically associated with the broader notion of "green space," which typically connotes such turf-related surfaces as residential lawns, commercial or institutional turf surfaces and public facilities such as parks and playing fields. For purposes of this Report, all of these terms have been consolidated under the umbrella notion of "green space" but specifically link back to the benefits of turfgrass or turf. Environmental Benefits Healthy, properly maintained green space provides significant benefits to the environment in terms of water and air quality: • Erosion Control and Run-Off Prevention - One of the most significant functions of green space is to stabilize and protect the soil against water and wind erosion. This is particularly important in preventing nutrient run-off. Healthy, dense green space is three times more effective than weedy, unhealthy green space in preventing nitrogen run-off. • Water Purification - Not only do green spaces absorb rainfall, but they also trap and remove pollutants, which are broken down by the root system and soil microbes. • Air Purification - Green spaces purify and trap more than 12 million tons of dust, soil and other particulate matter. This is particularly important in urban areas due to the high incidence of asthma and other breathing disorders. • Temperature Modification/Energy and Cost Saving - Green spaces around homes can reduce air conditioning costs, potentially saving $6.3 billions (U.S., 2005). Modeling studies (Manchester, U.K.) indicate that, despite the projected effects of climate change, addition of 10% green space in high density urban areas will allow cities to mantain current summer temperature levels (and thus current summer utility costs) for the next 70 years (up to 2080). • Oxygen Generation - A 50 by 50 foot green space releases enough oxygen for a family of four on a daily basis, an average 18-hole golf course release enough oxygen for 4000 to 7000 people and green space along the U.S. interstate highway system releases enough oxygen for 22 million people. • Carbon sequestration - While the evidence clearly suggests that properly maintained green space is a new benefit in the effort to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, further study is required to determine precisely how significant the net carbon sequestration benefit is to the environment vis-à-vis such offsetting factors as fuel expense in maintaining green space, fertilizer and pesticide use, energy for water costs, etc. Health Benefits Human health also benefits from properly maintained green space: • Recreation - Green spaces provide ideal surfaces for a variety of recreational and sports activity and high use activities including parks and playgrounds. • Increased Physical Activity/Reducing Obesity - Access to green space is an important predictor of increased physical activity ("active living") and reduced risk of obesity. A recent study of over 40 million people in England shows that health disparities between high income and low income people are much narrow in areas with ample green space, possibly because it allows residents to become more physically active and reduce stress. • Healthcare/Stress Reduction - Just being in, or viewing, green space for a few minutes reduces stress. This has been demonstrated by medical studies with hospital patients and the general public. These data refute the notion that green space is merely ornamental or aesthetic and indicated substantial environmental and human health benefits form healthy, properly maintained green space. Methodology Some notes on the research methodology used are also appropriate: • Objective basis for sources - The report cites primarily peer-reviewed, published studies as well as government and academic reports to document the objective basis for benefits of a healthy, properly maintained green space. • Most current research - The Report summarizes the most current studies and findings (since 2000) to ensure reliance on the most up to date research. These studies in many cases reflect and build on the long history of research on the benefits of green space. • Standard research criteria used - For each section of the Report, e.g. Erosion. Control, the findings and the reports themselves have been reviewed using six standard research criteria to ensure: · Impartial, objective and balanced review of the data · Adequately comprehensive review of the available data · Properly used "weight of evidence" to evaluate the data · The findings are supported by the data in the studies cited · The studies cited have been subjected to independent scientific peer review · Studies since 2000." Includes: Introduction (Key Findings; and Study Methodology); Environmental Benefits (Erosion Control and Run-Off Prevention; Water Purification; Air Purification; Temperature Modification/Energy and Cost Savings; Oxygen Generation; and Carbon Sequestration); Human Health Benefits (Recreation/Increased Physical Activity/Reduced Obesity; and Healthcare/Reduced Stress); and Conclusions. |
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