The ecological Index is a complex urban indicator, which combines various “green” parameters (e.g. the area of greenery in direct contact with the ground, the number of planted trees, the area of a green roof or a green wall) to significantly contribute to the ecological comfort of each new building, through e.g. more efficient rainwater management, encouraging biodiversity, purifying the air, contributing to thermal and acoustic insulation, but also improving physical and mental public health.
In the last 30 years, this kind of regulatory instrument has been increasingly applied in numerous cities in Europe and the world, and it was introduced in the planning documentation of Belgrade as an “ecological index” in 2019.
If it would be regulated by an additional legal act as a binding instrument, a significant improvement of ecological functions would be required for each new building, when issuing location conditions, construction and usage permits.
What are the simple parameters that can be used for calculation of the Ecological Index in Belgrade? How much flexibility does this index leave for architects and developers? Does this measure only involve complex and expensive technological solutions, in order to help investors keep building? Who determines the values and importance of different “green” parameters? What are the experiences of other cities with this type of urban planning measure?
The answers to these and similar questions were investigated by CEUS with representatives of the public, private and civil sectors, within the support program for public advocacy “Investigate – Empower”, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom and implemented by the Trag Foundation.
Results of our research can be found in the following publication:
“MOGUĆNOSTI PRIMENE EKOLOŠKOG INDEKSA U PLANIRANJU BEOGRADA“.