LIFE-CLIVUT, ecosystem benefits of urban green areas: a pilot case study in Perugia (Italy)

Trees have a great value in terms of ecosystem services urban areas. LIFE CLIVUT is an “Information and Governance” European project developed 4 Mediterranean Cities, with the goal increasing knowledge awareness citizens, especially young people, on importance presence good management trees to mitigate “Heat Island” effects. The data collected tree heritage their future potential are used design green asset strategy that will help planners adopt better practices for mitigation effects climate change environments. This paper illustrates results census activity four areas Perugia, Central Italy, be compared those recorded others cities involved project. Dendrometric parameters (diameter at breast height, first branch max min crown width, shape density) were situ using dedicated software operating through web app (“Clivut-Treedb”). following estimated: CO2 sequestration, particulate matter (PM) absorption, shadow effect, biodiversity indexes. Several species characterized by important wood structures during adult phase, such as Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, Q. pubescens, Ulmus carpinifolia, Populus alba Aesculus hippocastanum showed highest estimates stored. ilex was most efficient adsorption, showing similar (about 60 g PM10 tree-1 year-1) 3 oldest established 1980s, while youngest plantations (dating back 2005) absorbed about 10 per year. In cooling effect trees, preliminary shaded highlighted difference between older 50% shading) younger ones 15% 8%).