The Value of Green

Green that proves its immeasurable value not only today, but for decades to come. On ecological, health, social, and financial levels. We make this possible with carefully chosen, well-considered, and thoroughly substantiated advice on the design of outdoor spaces. It’s not about just planting a few trees and shrubs, doing soil and water work, or creating a playground. It’s about designing and monitoring a sustainable green environment that contributes to residents’ well-being, increases biodiversity, and ensures that public spaces are truly functional and climate-resilient.

Financial benefits

By measuring the effects of green and continuously optimizing them, GAES transforms greenery into a profitable and valuable investment.

Economic Benefits
Urban greenery is not just decorative; it is a powerful tool that strengthens both the economy and the living environment. Research shows that property values in green and blue environments are 10 to 20% higher. They significantly outperform comparable homes without a green environment!

Happiness and Health
Green living and working environments also provide comfort and beauty, helping both residents and businesses feel more connected to their surroundings, leading to greater happiness and better health. Green also plays an important role in the circular economy. In our view, a functional circular and green design must always be the starting point in urban area development. Only then can greenery contribute to various functional values and create financial added value.

Social Cohesion
Let’s not forget the cultural and historical value of green! Old trees and parks give cities character and enhance quality of life. These cultural-historical elements are cherished by residents and strengthen social cohesion, making it more attractive both recreationally and economically to stay close to home.

Social impact

Green promotes well-being, saves energy, and strengthens the sense of community. That’s why GAES focuses on creating green environments that contribute to residents’ happiness and connectedness.

Cooling
Trees are the air conditioners of the city. They are crucial tools to keep urban areas cool! The shade they cast lowers ground temperatures. Trees also sustainably store large amounts of CO₂. By providing cooling, greenery helps regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

Water Management
Green also plays a key role in urban water management. By capturing and slowly releasing water, trees and planted areas reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. Green spaces also offer major social benefits, providing areas where people can meet—especially important in cities where loneliness is a growing issue.

Recreation and Exercise
You might not expect it right away, but greenery also encourages recreation and exercise. This promotes residents’ health. By offering sports and recreational opportunities in green spaces, GAES not only reduces health risks but also helps to lower stress and anxiety.

Ecological Benefits

In our increasingly warmer cities, green plays a crucial role in ensuring a pleasant and healthy living environment. With GAES, we strategically place greenery: large trees with dense or open crowns, combined with spacious planting areas, to improve livability in urban areas.

Reducing Flood Risks
In addition to cooling, green provides other essential ecosystem services. Green zones help absorb and gradually release excess rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding caused by extreme downpours.

Improved Air Circulation
Trees and greenery also contribute to healthier air quality. They capture CO₂, NOx, and particulate matter, creating a natural buffer against air pollution. Green also improves urban air circulation: with wind corridors, we enhance airflow, allowing polluted air to escape and fresh air to flow in.

A Healthy Urban Climate
Through temperature, air, and wind measurements, GAES links the right measures to specific conditions, ensuring that every tree, plant, and green space contributes to a sustainable, cool, and healthy urban climate. In this way, greenery is not only beautiful to look at, but also becomes a valuable investment in the future of our cities.

Health and Livability

Green contributes to our health and even reduces healthcare costs! By creating safe, active, and green spaces, residents are encouraged to move more often and live healthier lives.

Enhancing Well-being
Research shows that trees and green spaces enhance our well-being and encourage more active lifestyles. Lush parks, cycling paths, and walking routes make green environments more attractive, while safe and separated residential–work connections encourage people to walk or cycle more often—delivering both physical and mental benefits.

Faster Recovery
Research also shows that a green view supports patient recovery in care institutions and hospitals. GAES uses these insights to design outdoor spaces that contribute to shorter recovery times and lower healthcare costs. Green also helps reduce noise pollution. Trees and shrubs buffer traffic noise, improving quality of life and lowering stress levels.

Play and Stay Active
A green environment also encourages children to play outside and stay active. Studies show that children with access to green play areas spend more time outdoors and grow up healthier. We design green, safe, and inviting spaces that support the well-being and health of both children and adults.

We prove the value of green with our projects

With Green As A Service, we can design functional public spaces for everyone. Here is a selection of the projects we’ve already carried out for various companies and organizations.

Laak, The Hague

A special district of The Hague with many faces, Laak is a unique mix of old working-class neighbourhoods, typical Berlage houses and modern new buildings. For years, this area has been struggling with the effects of an excess of stone. This project marks an important step towards a healthier and more pleasant The Hague.