A healthy living environment is green and provides enough space for exercise and social interaction. However, public space in the Netherlands is limited and its use is under pressure. Therefore, it is important for municipalities and provinces to make scientifically supported healthy choices. The RIVM developed several concrete guidelines for this. For example: 25 percent of public space is primarily intended for physical activity. Or: a playground for children up to 12 years old within 200 meters. These types of guidelines help facilitate discussions about spatial planning and balancing interests.

The neighborhood where people live, work, or spend time can positively influence health in various ways. For instance, a park encourages people to be more active and meet each other. People also find environments with many trees, plants, and water pleasant, which contributes to mental recovery.

Examples for physical activity, greenery, and social interaction

There are no clear standards yet for these important values. Therefore, the RIVM developed concrete and spatial guidelines for physical activity, greenery, and social interaction. By using these, municipalities or provinces can pay attention to health when designing spaces.

An example guideline is: at least 25 percent of public space in a neighborhood is designed for walking, cycling, playing, and sports. Other examples include: a playground for young children within 200 meters, 300 meters of contiguous green exercise areas, and each home having at least three types of sports facilities within 1,500 meters.

A green neighborhood is also important. Every home having a view of greenery is one of the guidelines. Green views are calming. Trees also provide shade, cooling, and capture rainwater. Collaborating to make the neighborhood greener contributes to social contacts.

Another example is to make sidewalks wider or provide suitable street furniture. This allows people to chat without disturbing others.

Scientifically supported guidelines

The guidelines are measurable and based on scientific information about the influence of the environment on health. For example, people are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines if at least 25 percent of public space is primarily intended for physical activity. Using the guidelines is not mandatory but provides a substantiated framework to weigh choices and show their importance.

Good alignment with practice

The RIVM developed the guidelines together with partners such as the GGD Municipal Public Health Service (Municipal Public Health Service), municipalities and provinces, and various knowledge institutions and consultancy firms. This ensures the guidelines align well with practice. The Ministry of VWS Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) requested the guidelines because it wants more attention for health in spatial planning.