Plant materials as an indicator for low carbon urban park planning and design

Abstract

Plant materials are essential in reducing the carbon dioxide in the air and function as a carbon sink by reducing air pollutant levels and sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Nowadays, the concept of a low carbon urban park is becoming a new approach for low carbon cities development in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitment towards reducing carbon emission. Several studies reported limited published information on the extent of carbon storage and sequestration on planting materials in Malaysia, especially in urban parks. Therefore, finding a valuable plant for CO2 absorption is one of the critical challenges and remains accomplished. This research aimed to investigate the plant materials as an indicator for low carbon urban parks through carbon sequestration rate assessment to enable future optimal carbon accumulation in reducing carbon emissions. The research employs a qualitative method which consists of a case study approach and observation. The three urban parks were sampled based on their locality, park age and specified planting material factors. The observation checklists were developed accordingly. The carbon sequestration rate (CSR) calculation was used to analyse the collected data of three selected urban parks. The findings revealed four main factors identified as plant materials indicators for low carbon urban parks: planting design composition, plant’s growth, green area distribution, and planting density. These key factors are then categorized into eleven criteria. Identifying these key factors that influenced carbon sequestration rates is beneficial to develop a greater understanding of building a low carbon urban park with optimum carbon sequestration rates, thus helping to strengthen the ecosystem services, alleviating urban heat island global warming. These findings become an added value for the planning and design guidelines to further support the existing carbon reduction rating system, simultaneously contributing to a green practice approach to neutralize carbon emission towards environmental quality with better design solutions, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The formulation of the framework is the final output that contributes to the overall understanding of plant materials as an indicator for a low carbon urban park. Hence, selecting landscape planting design settings plays an essential role in contributing to the higher CSR value. In addition, a higher percentage of the green area has much influenced in contributing more excellent CSR value. Suitable planting design composition by adequately selecting the right plant materials with higher specifications and larger quantities also contributed to the optimum value of carbon sequestration rate in urban parks. Furthermore, the key factors influencing the CSR rate are plants’ growth performance and planting density. Suitable plant species and higher planting density supported with good plant growth contributed to the more excellent CSR value. Proper application of landscape maintenance activities and good park management services contributed to better plant growth performance, providing larger plant biomass obtained through carbon estimation.