What is it?

Vilnius is the first city in Lithuania to apply the Green Space Index tool in urban development projects. This tool allows developers to independently assess the environmental impact of their buildings or public spaces. It is one of the measures Vilnius is implementing to improve the quality and quantity of green infrastructure in the city.

How does it work?

The Green Space Index is calculated using a table-based tool that developers fill out prior to obtaining a building permit. The tool evaluates variables such as the amount of green space, vegetation type, rainwater absorption capacity, and the ratio of permeable to impermeable surfaces. Each element is assigned a coefficient based on its ecosystem service potential. These values are then multiplied by the corresponding areas in the project, resulting in the project’s Green Space Index score.

Try the tool here: https://www.zalumoindeksas.vilnius.lt/

Vilnius is among the world’s leading cities

The Green Space Index was first introduced in Berlin and has since been adopted in other cities, including Malmö, Stockholm, Helsinki, London, Seattle, and Toronto. In Lithuania, the tool was developed by BLUMA, based on Helsinki’s model—chosen for its detailed structure and the flexibility it offers through its use of weighted variables. This allows for easy adaptation to local environmental and planning contexts. Similar models have also been implemented in neighboring cities such as Riga and Tartu.