Soil sealing in Padua and green scenarios: the case study of San Lazzaro district

The increase of soil sealing is presently affecting urban areas by concrete surfaces, asphalt, new buildings, and infrastructures. This phenomenon is eroding important urban ecosystem services provided by the soil system: carbon sequestration, micro-climate regulation, mitigation of hydrogeological risk, water and air purification, cultural and aesthetical services. According to ISPRA (2016) soil sealing in Italy is a crucial issue at national scale, so that 21,100 km2 (7%) are, at present, sealed. Veneto is one of the most affected region showing the highest values in the Province of Padua by 40,310 ha sealed from 2012 (18,8%). The city of Padua is one of the 20 municipalities most affected by this phenomenon, showing 4,558 ha sealed only in 2015. In such context the European Commission is addressing urban policies and strategies to implement adaptation and mitigation measures to compensate soil sealing and improve ecosystem services quality (2016). The general aim of this work is evaluating the evolution of the territory in complex macro-area of Padua (the San Lazzaro neighborhood), characterized by an industrial sector, a residential district, broad communication infrastructures, and green areas.