In 2019, we embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that has since blossomed into an international authority on urban green space data. Today, the initiative, known as the Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index, HUGSI, has become a vital AI tool for cities around the world to assess and nurture their urban green areas. Product owner, Erik Swan has been a driving force behind the initiative from the start.
The importance of greener cities is increasingly becoming a factor that cities place high on the agenda. Green spaces are the lungs of cities. Improving air quality and helping to manage flooding and rainwater. Contributing to the physical and mental health of citizens. As urbanization continues, it’s therefore vital to monitor the proportion between grey and green areas in and around cities.
From vision to AI-powered reality with global impact
The HUGSI journey began in 2019 with a vision of greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments. This AI-powered satellite solution was developed to analyze the greenness of urban areas and track their development.
“Our goal is to provide cities with a comprehensive tool to measure and improve their green spaces, ensuring that urban areas could thrive in harmony with nature,” says Erik Swan, Project Manager for HUSGI.
Since the start, we’ve been conducting annual surveys in a growing number of cities worldwide and continuously developed the tool with new features. As we celebrate our fifth year, an impressive 279 cities in 61 countries have joined the HUGSI network.
“It's inspiring to witness more cities embracing this initiative and making it a central part of their agendas. Our aim is to continue empowering cities to take action, becoming greener, healthier, and more sustainable for all. By utilizing HUGSI.green, city leaders and residents can make well-informed decisions, set ambitious goals, and play a pivotal role in transforming their urban environments," Erik Swan says.
The Future of HUGSI
The future of HUGSI promises exciting developments, including the introduction of new features, the establishment of key partnerships, and the advancement of research initiatives. This year we have, for example, launched a new biodiversity alert feature that will allow cities to pinpoint areas to protect and further develop to boost urban biodiversity. These continuous efforts will further empower cities to create greener and more sustainable urban environments, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all.
Through HUGSI.green cities are able to:
- Get an instant baseline of urban green to set a relevant greening ambition.
- Track effects of city greening plans.
- Assess tree canopy cover and find plantable spots.
- Find areas with low vitality of vegetation.
- Detect city-wide changes affecting vegetation.
Join Our Online Event
And now you are probably wondering; How green are our cities around the world? And are they getting greener? Don’t miss our online event on November 29 16:00 (CET) to learn more --> sign up here!
Did you know?
In 2022, HUGSI earned recognition from the World Economic Forum as one of the top 15 Innovators within the UpLink innovation network, an open innovation platform dedicated to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).