A study conducted in the Netherlands offers a model for addressing the environmental challenges associated with the projected 2.5 billion increase in the global urban population by 2050.

The study recommends integrating green infrastructure—such as trees, shrubs, and grasses—into urban development to both maintain and enhance green spaces. Combining dense urban construction with green infrastructure can increase green spaces by up to 5%, which improves ecosystem services (including cooling, stormwater retention, and overall green infrastructure availability) and boosts climate resilience.

Green infrastructure also benefits sparsely developed areas in newly built zones. However, dense construction reduces material demand and emissions, despite requiring more frequent material turnover. High-rise buildings, in particular, are more material-intensive due to the additional structural components they need.

Adopting a circular economy can further alleviate environmental impacts by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.

Although challenges such as competition for land with grey infrastructure (e.g., buildings and roads) and underground utilities exist, solutions like green roofs and facades make this approach feasible and globally applicable for sustainable urbanisation.