OPTIGREEN · Optimal Planning with Tools that Integrate Green Regenerative Environments in Equitable Neighborhoods

Air pollution presents a significant public health challenge, contributing to approximately 9 million premature deaths globally each year, including 400,000 in Europe. Green infrastructure (GI)—encompassing urban trees, green roofs, and green walls-offers an innovative solution to mitigate the impacts of urban pollution while enhancing public health and quality of life. These approaches are not only cost-effective but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability.OPTIGREEN seeks to develop a comprehensive methodology for designing, planning, and managing green infrastructure in European cities, with Pamplona serving as the pilot case. This methodology will determine optimal GI configurations to effectively reduce concentrations of harmful air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), thereby improving respiratory and cardiovascular health. A key output of the project will be the development of an interactive geographic viewer, which will serve as a practical and versatile tool for dynamically visualizing and analyzing different intervention scenarios within the city.The project’s impact will be substantial, combining scientific innovation through the use of advanced computational fluid dynamics models with a practical framework that empowers urban planners and policymakers to make informed decisions for improving urban sustainability. OPTIGREEN will address critical challenges in green infrastructure management, including adapting designs to specific local conditions and efficiently implementing them in complex urban environments.By directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals, OPTIGREEN will integrate science, technology, and urban planning to transform how cities tackle air pollution and its health impacts. With its interdisciplinary approach, the project will positively impact Pamplona and serve as a replicable model for other European cities, promoting healthier, more sustainable urban environments.