Access to urban green spaces is good for health. This has been shown in various scientific research studies. RIVM investigated whether green neighbourhoods’ impact on health could also be expressed numerically. It has proven difficult to indicate the exact extent to which access to green space improves health outcomes, although it has been shown that people living in greener neighbourhoods have a higher life expectancy.

People living in green neighbourhoods are often healthier, for instance because physical activities in green spaces improve physical health and the immune system. Engaging in physical activities with others in a green environment also benefits mental health.

What do green spaces do for our health?

It has proven difficult to express numerically exactly how this ‘healthy green effect’ works, as many factors influence the onset or prevention of diseases.  Scientific research also often uses differing descriptions for what constitutes ‘green space’. As this could refer to just a few trees or to a park in the vicinity, it is difficult to identify how much urban green space is needed to have a positive impact on health.

What research does show is that, on average, life expectancies are higher when people have access to green spaces. This was established using satellite images showing the amount of green space in a neighbourhood and linking this to mortality rates.

Greening up neighbourhoods for health

RIVM published guidelines in December 2025 to help local authorities and provinces design greener public spaces. The literature review now being published confirms the impact of access to urban green spaces and offers suggestions for further research into the design of such spaces.

Increasing knowledge on this topic will help policymakers consider the advantages of prioritising health and wellbeing when designing urban green spaces. For example, by creating a park in a city.