AIPH Green City Standard

The AIPH Green City Standard is designed to:

• Make urban greening more efficient and cost-effective  
• Help cities show the value of greening to decision-makers and funders  
• Improve quality of life for residents 
• Strengthen climate resilience and city competitiveness  

Developed by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the AIPH Green City Standard is based on decades of global experience and consultation with city leaders, experts, and practitioners. It supports cities in:

• Setting clear goals for greening  
• Gaining a systemic overview of urban greening efforts 
• Tracking progress and impact  
• Aligning greening with city planning and budgets  
• Learning from a wide range of successful examples around the world 

Principles

The AIPH Green City Standard was developed along these principles:

• Plant-centricity: Prioritises the role of plants, biodiversity, and green infrastructure in addressing urban challenges.
• Inclusivity and collaboration: Encourages multi-stakeholder engagement, fostering partnerships across government, industry, and communities.
• Global frameworks, local action: Provides a flexible, adaptable tool that respects local contexts while aligning with global sustainability agendas.
• Data-driven decision-making: Uses measurable indicators to track progress, identify opportunities, and guide improvements.
• Continuous improvement: Promotes learning, innovation, and adaptation to meet evolving urban and environmental needs.
• Leadership and commitment: Inspires cities to take bold proactive measures, demonstrating dedication to sustainability.

Methodology: A Practical Framework for Urban Greening

The AIPH Green City Standard is developed through a rigorous, inclusive, and transparent process designed to ensure global relevance and impact.

• Research and expertise: The AIPH Standard draws on decades of horticultural expertise, knowledge produced via the AIPH World Green City Awards, and a thorough review of international best practices in urban greening.
• Stakeholder engagement: We are consulting with local governments, NGOs, private sector partners, and international organisations to ensure the Standard addresses diverse needs.
• Pilot testing: The framework will be piloted in select cities to test its applicability and refine its structure.
• Iterative development: Feedback from stakeholders, pilot cities, and global partners is integrated to ensure the AIPH Standard is practical, measurable, and impactful.

Developed by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)

info@aiph.org

Steering Committee

A diverse, international steering committee guides the development of the AIPH Standard and ensures its validity. Members include:

• Gracia Plenita Agnindhira, Training & Development Manager, Alliance for Water Stewardship, Indonesia
• Atiya Anis, Independent Strategic Communications Consultant, India
• Carey Duncan, Owner of Carey Duncan Design and Volunteer for IFLA Africa and IFLA Europe, Morocco
• Daniela España, Sustainability Director, ASOCOFLORES, Colombia
• Russell Galt, Head of Science & Natural Capital, Nature Broking, UK
• Albert Haasnoot, Programme Manager Sustainability, Royal FloraHolland, Netherlands
• Bill Hardy, Board Director, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Canada
• Oliver Hillel, Consultant, Instituto Orizzonte, Canada
• Ammaarah Martinus, Independent Consultant – Behavioural Public Policy Specialist, South Africa
• Neil McCarthy, Executive Director, Mosaic Insights, Australia