Eco-Salute Infrastructure and Its Potentials for Health Promotion, Quality of Life and Well-Being in Urban Contexts: Conceptualization, Comparative Analysis and Review of Existing Evidence

Ellen Jahr, Tobias Ihle, Miriam Finkhäuser, Silke Schmidt and Holger Muehlan ()
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Ellen Jahr: Department Health & Prevention, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
Tobias Ihle: Department Health & Prevention, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
Miriam Finkhäuser: Department Health & Prevention, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
Silke Schmidt: Department Health & Prevention, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
Holger Muehlan: Department Health & Prevention, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-21

Abstract: This contribution introduces the novel concept of Eco-Salute Infrastructure in the Built Environment (ESI) as a framework for urban planning that focuses on promoting environmental health and improving human well-being. The ESI framework expands on previous concepts that explore the relationship between human well-being and urban design with the aim to create healthier cities and enhance people’s quality of life. The paper presents existing evidence from research literature that supports the notion that ESI can foster human well-being in urban areas. Overall, implementing an ESI approach, which involves designing infrastructure and architecture that support active mobility and physical activity, creating appealing public spaces that encourage outdoor activities, and providing urban residents with increased access to high-quality, biodiverse green spaces holds significant potential for enhancing human health and well-being, in general, and in the face of additional threats caused by the climate crisis. Further research is needed to provide more evidence for the health effects of ESI and to uncover synergies between human and environmental health in regard to urban design.

Keywords: eco-salute infrastructure; quality of life; urban planning; green space; one health; biodiversity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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