Reviewing the measurement methods for Green Development in Cities – a proposal for Polish cities

Abstract

Abstract The issues of sustainable and green development is becoming more important, both in scientific analyses and in city policies. The aim of this article was to attempt to create The Green Polish Cities Index. The Index consists of two main parts - Sustainable Development and Green Development, and was based on a review of previous indices and the OECD typology - the PSR (pressure-state-response) model. The article compares and critically analyzes 6 indices used by the European Environment Agency, OECD or other European Units. The selection of indices was connected with a wide application and the diversity of variables used. In total, 226 variables were analysed. Due to a lack of comparative research for Polish cities, The Green Polish Cities Index was constructed. The Index consists of 31 variables representing the most important dimensions of a green and sustainable city. The availability of data and specific conditions of Polish cities were taken into account. An overview of indices and preparation of The Green Polish Cities Index led to the conclusion that implementation of the green city idea under Polish conditions requires, amongst other things, greater cooperation between the Central Statistical Office, universities and city decision-makers.