AI for Greener and More Sustainable Cities: Arboair’s Groundbreaking Project In a world where cities are constantly growing and climate challenges are increasing, green spaces and trees are becoming increasingly important for creating sustainable and healthy urban areas. Arboair, an innovative company based in Linköping, has now taken a significant step forward with its project ‘3-30-300: AI for Sustainable Urban Planning and Greener Cities.’ By combining advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, Arboair will create a revolutionary solution to map and optimize green spaces in urban environments.
Green spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing; they play a crucial role in the health and well-being of residents. They purify the air, reduce noise, offer recreational areas, and improve mental health. Research shows that access to green spaces reduces stress levels, improves physical health, and increases biodiversity.
By ensuring an equitable distribution of green spaces, the project contributes to a more inclusive and fair social structure where all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to the benefits of nature.
The project addresses the internationally recognized 3-30-300 rule: every home should have a view of at least three trees, 30 % of the city’s area should be covered by tree canopies, and no one should live more than 300 meters from a park or green space. By using high-resolution satellite images and AI algorithms, the innovation will automatically map and analyze trees and green spaces with a precision and cost effectiveness that was previously not possible. This tool provides cities with a continuous overview of their green infrastructure and quickly identifies areas that need improvement. One of the project’s strongest features is its scalability and international dissemination potential.
Through collaboration with Husqvarna and their global platform HUGSI.green, which is already used by over 300 cities worldwide, the solution can be quickly implemented internationally. This means that cities around the world can benefit from this technology to create greener and more sustainable environments without further straining municipal resources.
The project aligns with Agenda 2030 and the UN’s global goals for sustainable development, particularly target 11.7 (access to green and inclusive public spaces) and target 13.1 (strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards). By ensuring an equitable distribution of green spaces and contributing to climate adaptation, Arboair’s project promotes both social and environmental sustainability.
To ensure the project’s success, Arboair has entered into strategic partnerships with key players such as Husqvarna, SLU, and the municipalities of Karlstad and Malmö.
These collaborations not only enable the development of the technology but also its practical testing and implementation in real urban areas. Through these partnerships, the project receives valuable feedback and can adapt the solution to meet specific local needs, increasing its efficiency and usability.
Another important aspect of the project is its focus on equality and diversity. By analyzing and improving access to green spaces in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, the project contributes to a more just social structure.
This means that residents in densely populated and less resource-rich areas have the same opportunities for fresh air and recreation as other parts of the city, promoting both health and social welfare.
Arboair’s project also includes a detailed plan for how the results will be disseminated and broadly implemented. By leveraging Husqvarna’s extensive network and academic partnerships with SLU, it ensures that the knowledge reaches more cities and researchers. This contributes to continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable urban planning, making the project’s effects long-lasting and extensive.
In summary, 3-30-300: AI for Sustainable Urban Planning and Greener Cities’ represents a significant effort towards creating greener, healthier, and more equitable cities.
By combining advanced technology with a clear vision for sustainable development, Arboair demonstrates how AI can be used to create real, positive changes in our urban environments. This project is a step towards making our cities not only smarter but also greener and more inclusive for all residents.
Granted in: Innovationsidén 7
Project number: i7-7
Project manager: Jacob Hjalmarsson, Arboair AB