Community Greenspaces Make a Measurable Difference
Community greenspaces provide myriad economic, health, societal and environmental benefits in Nebraska, but not all greenspaces are created equally.
Landscape projects funded in part by Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) grants over the past XXX years have impacted thousands of Nebraskans in dozens of towns and cities across Nebraska from Gering to Columbus, Chadron to Wahoo and Grand Island to Bellevue.
These greenspaces have brought residents countless hours of connection, leisure and enjoyment by providing beautiful, purposeful spaces in which to relax, socialize and enjoy nature and recreational experiences. They have also positively impacted the environment by providing critical habitat for pollinating insects, by filtering pollutants and absorbing storm water and by reducing energy use and urban heat through strategically planted shade trees.
In addition, these greenspaces have significantly impacted economic development and will continue to do so for decades to come. Studies show that in business districts that have ample shade from tree-lined streets, consumers spend, on average, 10% more in local shops and restaurants. They also spend longer shopping and will travel farther to shop in towns with inviting shady streets. Here are some additional economic and environmental impact statistics:
- Shade can increase the lifespan of pavement up to 60%.
- Rental rates are on average 7% higher on shady streets.
- Shady streets are on average 3-15 degrees cooler than non-shaded streets, which can reduce energy costs associated with air conditioning.
- Tree canopy along streets can intercept up to 3,000 gallons of storm water before it drains into municipal sewer systems, resulting in reduced flooding and fewer pollutants flowing into local streams and lakes.
