A well managed park can be carbon positive while poorly managed ones can be net emitters.
Climate Friendly City Parks
CFCP certification is built on four pillars:
I - GHG balance focusing on emission reductions, removals, and long-term wood substitution,
II - Ecosystem services assessment (i.e.biodiversity and microclimate regulation),
III - Climate justice through universal accessibility, and
IV - Circularity in water and waste management.
These integrated criteria ensure parks effectively mitigate climate Change while serving city officials and residents. This framework provides clear, measurable goals for progressive urban park management.
Increased removals, reduced emissions and low‑input management, supported by long‑life wood products and material substitution.
Healthy soils, infiltration and cooling microclimates through canopy cover, litter layers and low impervious surfaces.
Safe, inclusive parks accessible to everyone, including people with impaired mobility or vision.
Grey water use, water harvesting and integrated waste and water management.
GHG Balance
Ecosystem Services
Climate Justice
Circularity
Activity/Source
Lawn Mowing
Pond Methane
Fertilizing
Concrete Paths
Primary Emission
CO2
CH4
N2O
Embodied CO2
Mitigation Potential
High (Electric mowers)
Medium (Aeration/Bubblers)
High (Organic compost)
Medium (Permeable gravel/Wood)
While these emission sources exist, the net carbon balance of a well-designed park is usually positive (acting as a carbon sink) because of the CO₂ sequestered by trees and deep-rooted perennials. However, a park dominated by high-maintenance turf and gas-powered equipment can sometimes emit more than it absorbs.
The CFCP certification process begins with an assessment of the city park to be certified. Applicants may apply for an existing park or for a new project, either upgrading an existing park or developing a new one from scratch. In all cases, the applicant should first review the CFCP certification criteria to confirm that the park under consideration is eligible. The application form is then completed (either by the applicant or with support from a consultant) and submitted through the Chamber of Landscape Architects (CLA) platform for an initial review. If the application passes this first check, a full proposal is requested. The CLA assigns an auditor to review the project documents and carry out the on‑site field audit. The CFCP standard itself is available in the CFCP section of the LandscapeCarbon platform. Final certification is granted by LandscapeCarbon, an initiative under the Technology Transfer Office of Istanbul University‑Cerrahpaşa.
1. Check CFCP eligibility criteria
2. Prepare park concept and documents
3. Submit application via CLA platform
4. Submit full proposal upon initial approval
5. CLA document review and field audit
6. Final certification by LandscapeCarbon