Achieving multifunctionality in green infrastructure projects : a fuzzy evaluation and gini index of key drivers in developing countries

Abstract

While many developed countries are well advanced in green infrastructure (GI), more efforts are needed to bring less developed regions to speed. Existing evidence shows that GI understanding differs significantly among stakeholders due to the multifunctionality concept. As key technical stakeholders in GI implementation, there is little empirical knowledge of the multifunctional attributes of GI systems among built environment professionals in developing regions. This study provides an in-depth analysis to fill this knowledge gap through a combination of the Gini coefficient and fuzzy synthetic evaluation toward understanding the multifunctionality concept of GI among built environment professionals in developing regions. As a measure of dispersion, the stationary driver points to a constant factor that underpins the implementation of GI across several geographic regions. The need to mitigate urban heat islands and enhance ecosystem services were revealed as the anchors among built environment professionals in supporting GI development; hence, specific attention needs to be accorded to these dimensions in GI policies. Ecosystem services, water resources management, and thermal regulation were identified as the three broad multifunctional drivers of GI in developing nations. For effective water management in GI projects, integrated green-grey infrastructure systems are recommended. To achieve thermal objectives, insulation materials are pivotal. The ecosystem properties are more passive as compared to thermal and water management; hence, specific considerations must be accorded to ensure GI success. The key contribution of the study was the delineation of the key multifunctional factors that support GI adoption and implementation success in developing regions.