Urban Green Factor Study
Working with The Ecology Consultancy and Temple, we undertook the Urban Greening Factor (UGF) Study for the Greater London Authority. This work underpins Policy G5 in the New London Plan. GIC subsequently undertook a similar study for the City of London’s Planning Department, the City of Swansea and Telford and Wrekin Council.
The UGF study reviewed how similar schemes have been operated in Germany (where they originated as the Biotope Area Factor), Scandinavia and the United States. The study also considered how a UGF might be used in London, looking at various development scenarios and development types. A scheme for applying UGF factor scores for various landscape typologies was devised and overall targets for London recommended.
The project also included a consultation event at City Hall. Draft Policy G5 promotes the UGF as a planning policy tool. The purpose of UGF schemes is to increase the quantity and functionality of green infrastructure in the built environment, by assessing development projects submitted for approval.