A healthy environment is one that is green and offers sufficient space for physical activity and social encounters. However, public space is limited in the Netherlands and its use is under pressure. This is why it is important for municipalities and provinces to be able to make healthy, science-based choices. RIVM has developed a few rules of thumb for this. For example, 25 per cent of public space should be intended primarily for physical activity, and all children up to the age of 12 should have access to a playground within 200 metres. The purpose of these rules of thumb is to help kickstart a dialogue about the design of public space and to help weigh different interests.
The environment in which people live and work can have a positive impact on health in a number of ways. For instance, a park invites people to encounter each other socially and engage in physical activity more often. An environment with a multitude of trees, plants and water is pleasant and contributes to mental recovery.
Examples for physical activity, green and social encounters
RIVM has developed specific and spatial rules of thumb for physical activity, green and social encounters because there are as yet no standards that these important values should comply with. Using these rules of thumb will allow municipalities and provinces to take health into account when designing spaces.
As an example of a rule of thumb, at least 25 per cent of public space in a neighbourhood should be designed for walking, cycling, play and sports. Other examples: all young children should have access to a playground within 200 metres, every home should have access to a connected green space for physical activity within 300 metres, and every home should have access to at least three types of sporting facilities within 1,500 metres.
A green neighbourhood is also important. Therefore, another rule of thumb is that every home should look out on a green space, since this has a calming effect. Trees have added benefits: they create shade, cool the environment and capture rainwater. Moreover, people who work together to create a greener neighbourhood have more opportunities for social encounters.
A final rule of thumb is to broaden pavements or ensure appropriate street furniture. This allows people to have conversations without getting in others’ way.
Science-based rules of thumb
The rules are measurable and based on scientific information on the effect of the environment on our health. For example, people tend to adhere to physical activity guidelines more often if at least 25 per cent of public space is intended primarily for physical activity. Although these rules of thumb are not mandatory, they do provide a well-founded framework for weighing up choices and understanding their merits.
Closely linked to practice
RIVM has developed these rules of thumb with partners including the Municipal Public Health Services, municipalities and provinces and various knowledge institutes and consultancy firms. As a result, the rules are closely linked to practice. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport commissioned the rules of thumb because it would like to increase the focus on health matters in spatial planning.