Public Perception and Preferences of Industrial Green Infrastructure in Northwest China

The increasing global demand for sustainable urban development has led to the widespread adoption of Green Infrastructure (GI) worldwide. However, there remains a lack of understanding regarding public support for implementing GI specifically at industrial sites. This study focuses on promoting industrial GI (IGI) and examines residents' willingness to pay (WTP) for GI installation and the nonmarket value of GI is estimated using the travel cost method (TCM). Among respondents residing in neighborhoods surrounding industrial areas, a significant proportion (90%) expressed their WTP for GI promotion. The aggregated annual WTP for IGI and Neighbourhood GI (NGI) were estimated to be approximately CNY 16.2 million and CNY 21.9 million, respectively. Moreover, the annual nonmarket value provided by IGI and NGI to human well-being was estimated to be around CNY 4.5 million and CNY 20.7 million, respectively. The study reveals that middle-aged and middle-income groups exhibit a higher propensity for WTP, with specific GI measures such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, trees, and naturalized landscaping receiving greater WTP intentions. The primary challenges identified for promoting IGI include cost, policy, and maintenance considerations. This study recommends customizing planning approaches for IGI promotion, considering diverse demographics, including constructing youth apartments near industrial areas, implementing age-friendly design features, and enhancing landscape design in elderly communities. Disseminating GI knowledge through media and partnering with local organizations for awareness enhancement is essential for encouraging higher WTP. The effectiveness of water features and pedestrian-friendly areas in improving and promoting IGI spaces is also highlighted. These findings offer valuable insights to policymakers and city planners, facilitating the identification of more effective GI designs for promoting sustainable urban environments that align with societal preferences and demands.