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France mandates green roofs – time for Oz to look at the pacesetters

M-Tray green roof in flower, Radisson Heathrow

The French parliament recently passed a new law requiring all new commercial buildings to have plants or solar panels on their roofs. 

This news will resonate with Australian property owners where green roofs are still their infancy. Issues around this topic will be covered in a strong line up at The Fifth Estate’s Urban Greening 2022 summit on 28 July, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, UTS and Living Future Institute. 

While the proposal initiated by French environmental activists was for roofs to be completely covered by greenery, the government decided that to ease costs to businesses, roofs must be partially covered (to at least 30 per cent) with greenery instead of fully covered.

However, this is still a huge step toward more sustainable cities and infrastructure, the main benefits being to improve air and water quality as well as to increase greenhouse gas sequestration and combat pollution. Green roofs are also longer-lasting: the lifespan of green roofs is two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials.

Plants on roofs are known to reduce urban heat effect by providing shade, reducing the temperature of roof surfaces, and removing heat from the air. 

The Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) Living Wall and Green Roof Plants for Australia report by the Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation in 2012 found that green roofs and living walls in the built environment “offer significant environmental, economic and social benefits” – so why are there so few green roof buildings in Australia? 

There is some progress in Australia, with some green roofs in Sydney and Melbourne having the Green Our Rooftop project as a key part of the Green Our City Strategic Action Plan towards more green infrastructure. There are no mandates on green roofs.

In the City of Melbourne there are currently about 40 green roofs covering five hectares, which compared to other cities is not much. Toronto has around 500 green roofs and Munich has 300 hectares of green roofs. 

For the full story, please click here.

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What’s the most effective way of keeping a hot city cool?

Teak Decking

The temperature difference is caused by a range of factors, including dense building materials absorbing more of the sun’s energy, fewer trees to provide shade, and less soil to cool by evaporation.

Buildings can also act like the hairs on a husky, reducing wind speeds and blocking thermal radiation up to the night sky. On top of that, waste heat from car engines, air-conditioners and other energy use adds to overall air temperatures.

 

Why does this matter? Even a small increase in air temperature pushes up overall energy demand, and about 25% of our energy bills are for only 40 hours per year when the grid is most heavily used.

The most extreme heat events can buckle train lines, cause rolling blackouts and cost billions in lost productivity. And it’s not just bad for our wallets.

Heat stress can damage organs or exacerbate existing illnesses. Since 1900, extreme heat events have killed more Australians than bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes, floods and severe storms combined.

So, what can we do?

There are a number of things individuals can do to reduce the impact of heat in their homes, such as installing light-coloured roofing material, insulation or an air-conditioner.

But it gets more complicated when considering the city as a whole, and how these small actions interact with each other and with the climate.

Air-conditioners

In heatwaves, air-conditioners save lives, allowing stressed bodies time to cool. But our homes can only be made cooler by blowing heat outside, along with the extra energy to run the system.

As well as increasing outside air temperatures in the short term, the fossil fuels burned add to global warming. A world cooled by air-conditioning probably isn’t the answer.

Trees and parks

Trees provide shade, but also cool the air, because evaporating water from leaves takes energy, reducing peak temperatures by 1-5°C.

Most city planners agree on the broad benefits of urban vegetation, with some metropolitan councils developing urban greening strategies.

However, urban trees can be a vexed issue for some councils; they use water, can be costly to maintain, damage utilities and property, and worsen air quality instead of improving it. Larger cities are often made up of dozens of councils; getting them to agree is a major challenge.

[Read more: In many cities, it is becoming too hot to work]

White roofs

We know that black surfaces get hotter in the sun, but the demand for dark roof tiles still far outweighs the demand for light colours. More reflective roofs can reduce a household’s energy bill, as well as the overall temperature of a city.

White roofs are most effective in warmer climates because, in cold climates, the cost savings in summer must be balanced with additional heating costs in winter.

Green roofs and walls

Green roofs and walls are building structures with integrated vegetation. They provide cooling benefits by shading buildings and through evaporation from leaves. They generally show less cooling benefit than white roofs, cost more to install and maintain, and use additional water and energy.

But they do look nice, improve biodiversity and make people happier.

For more information, please visit – https://citymonitor.ai/community/public-health/whats-most-effective-way-keeping-hot-city-cool-2761

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How a Sponge Approach Can Help Build More Climate-resilient Cities

Lodha Project Demands Perfectly Flat Limestone Terraces

More greenery and green roofs mean better flood protection as well as cleaner air and cooler temperatures.

Heat domes, wildfires, droughts—Canadians have firsthand experience of the effects of climate change on our weather. And from British Columbia to the Atlantic provinces this also includes heavier and more frequent rains, which are flooding communities across the country.

Meanwhile, our cities and water-management infrastructure were designed for an era where powerful rainstorms were considered a once-in-a-century event.

“We’re building larger buildings and leaving less landscaping around buildings because we’re going for maximum density,” says Ron Schwenger, president of Architek, a design-build company that’s been on the leading edge of living architecture for 15 years. “That also means more surrounding hardscape—pavement and concrete.”

When it rains, it pours

In the past, lawns, gardens, parks and meadows did some of the heavy lifting after a downpour, absorbing water into the ground. But as concrete jungles expand, excess water has nowhere to go. “All the rain gets deflected into the storm sewer system, which can only take so much water,” Schwenger says.

With more forceful rainstorms happening more often, these systems become overwhelmed, putting a high imperative on creative new solutions to reduce the deluge.

For Schwenger, stemming this rising tide means making building surfaces more absorptive. “The spongier a city is, the more capable it is of managing water during a heavy rain event,” he says.

Creating a sponge effect

The so-called sponge city approach doesn’t mean incorporating dishwashing aids into urban design. Rather, it builds on another climate change-fighting tactic—the green roof—to absorb and utilize rain waters, essentially turning hard surfaces into sponges.

“Planted materials can percolate and hold water just like miniature sponges,” Schwenger says. “When rains come down, green roofs and green spaces absorb water rather than deflecting it to the storm sewer system.”

For more information, please click here.

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How To Install Green Roofs

Green Roof Installation

A step-by-step to unpacking, assembling and installing a green roof.

Delivery
The M-Trays® are delivered on pallets to the kerbside. It is the buyer’s responsibility to move the pallets from the kerb to the roof/podium.

Unpack immediately
Unpack the M-Trays® from the pallets immediately upon delivery to prevent the sedum plants being crushed. If left stacked for more than 24hrs sedum will start to decompose and die.

Handballing trays
The trays can be easily transported by hand to where they are being laid.

Prepare your roof
Ensure the roof membrane is properly protected and free from dirt and debris. Roll out the supplied geotextile fabric, ensuring an overlap of 20cm. This will act as a protective layer and a filter for drainage.

Install metal edging
Once the geotextile is laid, install your aluminium edging (optional). This is placed around the perimeter and loose laid into position. Do not mechanically fix the edging into the waterproofing membrane.

Start placing the trays
The trays are laid over the geotextile fabric and clicked together. They fit over the base of the edging bar.

Tray orientation
Each module has 2 x clips on the North side and the East side; and 2 x recesses on the South side and the West side.

Lay irrigation piping
If an irrigation system has been purchased, install as you lay the modules (see irrigation guide) by laying the pipes in between each tray at the base.

Aligning your trays
Repeat the process across the roof taking care to ensure the rows of M-Tray® are properly aligned.

Clipping trays together
Click each module into position ensuring clips are connected over the recess points.

Adapt the trays
For curves, details and end-of-runs, the M-Tray® modules can be easily adapted using a wood saw. Take care not to dislodge the substrate or vegetation too much.

Press open sides together
The open side(s) must always be pressed up to the side of the neighbouring M-Tray® in order to retain the substrate / growing medium.

Create a hard border
Fire Regulations state that M-Trays® must not be installed right up to buildings, walls, roof lights, hatches, mansafes, vents, drainage outlets, or other protruding objects.

Riverstone pebbles
A riverstone pebble border of at least 200mm width should be installed at these points (See GRO Code for guidance on building green roofs).

Irrigate once installed
After installing the modules, it is essential that you water them thoroughly until fully saturated.

If an irrigation system has not been installed, water by hand.

Fertilize the vegetation
It is recommended that you scatter slow-release fertilizer by hand across the whole roof at the rate of 25 grammes per m2 (a handful).

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Modular Green Roof Market to Set Phenomena Growth by Wallbarn, Architek, GreenGrid

M-Tray sedum garden room green roof

An extensive elaboration of the Modular Green Roof Market covering micro level of analysis by competitors and key business segments. The Modular Green Roof explores comprehensive study on various segments like opportunities, size, development, innovation, sales and overall growth of major players. The study is a perfect mix of qualitative and quantitative Market data collected and validated majorly through primary data and secondary sources. Some of the MajorKey players profiled in the study are LiveRoof, Wallbarn, Green Roof Outfitters, Architek, GreenGrid, James Greenroofs, Vegetal iD USA, ZinCo & Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing

Get Free Sample Pages PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/4066112-modular-green-roof-market

On the off chance that you are engaged with the industry or expect to be, at that point this investigation will give you complete perspective. It’s crucial you stay up with the latest sectioned by Applications [Commercial, Industrial & Residential], Product Types [Modular Green Roof Market, Intensive, Semi-intensive & Extensive] and some significant parts in the business
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Which market aspects are illuminated in the report?

Executive Summary: It covers a summary of the most vital studies, the Modular Green Roof market increasing rate, modest circumstances, market trends, drivers and problems as well as macroscopic pointers.

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Highlighted of Modular Green Roof Market Segments and Sub-Segment:

Modular Green Roof Market by Key Players: LiveRoof, Wallbarn, Green Roof Outfitters, Architek, GreenGrid, James Greenroofs, Vegetal iD USA, ZinCo & Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing

Modular Green Roof Market by Types: Global Modular Green Roof Market, Intensive, Semi-intensive & Extensive

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Examine Detailed Index of full Research Study at@: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/4066112-modular-green-roof-market

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Climate Experts Urge Government to Turn City Roofs into Wildlife Havens

Modular green roof Ascot

Jane Dalton of Independent UK writes:

Ministers should transform the UK’s towns and cities by turning flat roofs into wildlife havens and creating “green” walls, say conservationists. Experts are urging the government to launch a raft of climate measures, including writing into national planning policy that all flat roofs in new developments be made nature-friendly or solar roofs.

Harnessing nature to protect homes from floods, droughts and heatwaves will save money, report claims

Green roof in flower

Their report also calls on ministers to support tree-planting in cities and to set targets to retrofit buildings with green roofs.

The researchers want all four governments of the UK to “unleash the power of nature” to protect homes and farmland from floods, droughts and heatwaves brought on by the climate crisis. They say harnessing nature’s power for the changes will save taxpayers’ money in the long run.

Last month more than 200 scientists for the UN issued a “code red for humanity”, warning such emergencies will become more frequent, but said catastrophe can be avoided if world leaders act quickly.

The new report, Nature-based Solutions in UK Climate Adaptation Policy, commissioned by the RSPB and WWF, points out the government needs to act much faster on expert advice about using nature to help society adapt to the effects of climate change.

This report is published by the European Federation of Green Roof and Green Wall Associations (EFB) and Livingroofs.org on behalf of the Greater London AuthorityEarlier this year, the government unveiled a plan to plant 44,000 large trees in towns and cities, as part of an ambition to reach at least 12 per cent of England covered by woodland, from 10 per cent now. But the researchers say far more funding and support is needed to promote a nature-first approach to flood control, also calling for measures such as making artificially straightened rivers meander again, restoring peatlands and planting trees in cities and on farms.

The RSPB says green walls and roofs, with wildflowers and insect-friendly features such as old logs, have blossomed in London boroughs after being made part of local planning policy.

Flat green roofs with a thick layer of soil cool buildings in summer by as much as 12C, a 2019 report found, and insulate them in winter, reducing flooding risks by soaking up water and filtering air. This report was written by Gary Grant and Dusty Gedge of The Green Infrastructure Consultancy Ltd (GIC).

South-facing green walls can be up to 32C cooler than others, Spanish research has found, save 59 per cent of energy, and provide sound insulation. In seas and rivers, restoring kelp forests and seagrass meadows would help otters and seahorses and reduce the height and force of waves, preventing coastal flooding, according to the report authors.

A Department for Environment spokesperson said the Environment Bill would create further incentives for developers to include green roofs, walls, trees and other green infrastructure in their development plans, adding: “Our Environment Bill will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on Earth and drive forward action to protect nature and improve biodiversity, supported by a legally binding target to halt species decline in England by 2030.

READ MORE: Climate experts urge government to turn city roofs into wildlife havens and plant urban trees

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Rooftop gardens: taking green spaces to new heights

Installing M-Tray green roof

With parks and other green spaces often at a premium on the ground, could we look to the skies for the answer?

Rooftop gardens or sky gardens are becoming an increasingly common fixture on the roofs of buildings around the world. While they might seem like just a luxury on the surface, these sky-high landscapes are more essential to the community than what first meets the eye.

Landscape architect, Sara Padgett Kjaersgaard, UNSW Built Environment, says we could see more gardens pop up on our rooftops in the future as a way to create more green spaces in increasingly urban areas.

“We need more green spaces wherever we can get them, and green roofs are a big part of the answer,” she says. “They’re not the only spaces we need…but they are part of a suite of semi-private and semi-public community spaces for people that provide essential health and wellbeing benefits.” 

Green spaces in unlikely places

Ms Padgett Kjaersgaard says a rooftop garden can be perfect for people living in apartments who might not have the luxury of a backyard.

“There’s big pressure in metropolitan areas to deliver quality apartment-style living…so the creation of additional green space for people living in apartments to access is important,” she says.

Rooftop gardens are not only decorative, though it’s undeniable they have a desirable aesthetic. Many have BBQ facilities, group seating areas and small recreational areas for yoga or strength training. Some are even productive spaces, including the likes of chook pens, worm farms, fruit trees and communal vegetable gardens.

The big driver of rooftop gardens, however, is the social aspect. Where apartment living is scrutinised for not bringing people together, they’re a space that encourages residents to get to know their neighbours.

“People remark about the way these spaces enable socialising in ways [other] apartment common areas might not,” Ms Padgett Kjaersgaard says. “Particularly when it comes to connecting with neighbours and having more intergenerational engagement, those moments can thrive in those green roof spaces.”

Ms Padgett Kjaersgaard says a rooftop garden can also be friendly for the environment. They help retain stormwater, keep the average roof temperature cooler, reduce the energy consumption of the building, and collectively reduce the overall urban heat island effect by creating a cooler microclimate in the area. 

They also have community health benefits. Many people have benefited from having an accessible green space on their rooftops during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“We also know green space aids people’s ability to de-stress and achieve respite,” Ms Padgett Kjaersgaard says. “From a mental health perspective, they can go a long way to support preventative health measures in the community.”

Please click here for the full story.

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Our Secret Way To Transform Flat Roofs

Flowering native sedum

Turning unloved and little-used flat roof spaces into beautifully finished paved areas or lush green roofs is a speciality that Wallbarn has built its reputation upon. The business, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is a leader in both areas but jokes that it is the really successful company that many people are unaware of. RCI spoke with Julian Thurbin, director at Wallbarn to find out more.

2020 marks Wallbarn’s 40th year in business, why do you feel many people are unaware of you?

Essentially, we operate in two fairly niche areas – pedestal support systems for paving and decking, and green roofs. Our ethos has always been to stick to what we know and do it brilliantly. We have a dedicated customer base throughout the UK and overseas and their loyalty has allowed us to somewhat fly under the radar. Our products are suitable for pretty much every type of flat roof on every type of building, plus balconies, podium decks and terraces. Given that many are installed at height, the Wallbarn team has the inside track on some of the best city views around!

How has the company evolved over its 40 years?

Wallbarn started out with two products – a 9mm rubber paving pad and a bituminous board for protecting waterproof membranes. At that time, it was a novel idea to mount paving slabs onto rigid insulation boards as part of an inverted roof system, pebbles were the norm for ballast. Since then we have designed and developed a large range of pedestals and support systems for paving and decking.

In 2006 we launched our roll-out green roof but thought there was potential for a pre-grown modular alternative so began developing our own. This product – the M-Tray – was launched three years ago to great success.

Wallbarn has two new products launching this year. What are they?

Metalpad – developed in response to amendments to British Standard BS 8579, which followed fires in blocks of flats. The guidance covers the combustibility of balcony construction materials, including pedestals installed beneath paved balconies, in order to limit the potential for fire spread on external walls.

Pedestals are the core of our business and it was imperative for us, as leaders, to respond. Our pedestals (self-levelling, adjustable, fixed height, mini and heavy-duty) are manufactured from hardwearing polypropylene plastic, so it made sense to translate their success into a metal version to meet the revised BS 8579.

Metalpad is not the only metal pedestal on the market but it is the only one designed and developed in response to the new standards specifically for external paving and decking systems on balconies. Other metal pedestals are adaptations of products used in different applications.

Designed from scratch for the purpose intended, Metalpad is a Class A1 non-combustible, adjustable height solution suitable for paving and decking. All our pedestal products are certified by an independent laboratory to ensure they perform to stated weight and temperature tolerances.

Wildflower M-Tray – we’ve had huge success with our M-Tray modular green roof system, which is normally pre-planted with sedum. Launching a native, perennial wildflower option is a natural progression, allowing clients to enjoy a super easy to install a green roof that is hardy, beautiful and a haven for pollinators, increasing biodiversity and answering the questions designers and environmental campaigners are asking about encouraging native wildlife into cities.

What challenges do you face?

Educating the market about the benefits of investing in quality. Wallbarn products are of high quality, technically proven with manufacturing provenance and established sales records. We pride ourselves on quality, speed of delivery and customer support. What’s more, M-Tray’s installation time is a fraction of roll-out green roof systems so investment in the product is recouped from on-site time and labour savings.

Where are your products available?

Our routes to market have changed massively in recent years and we now sell large volumes through online partners, which complements our own direct sales. We’ve really prioritised quick delivery (a next day is an option if ordered before 2 pm) to support our customers and make their lives easier.

What does 2020 hold for Wallbarn?

I think, like many companies in the construction industry, greater optimism now that Brexit is progressing. I get a sense of increasing confidence in the market and a lot of projects, which had previously been put on hold or on slowdown will push forward. As a business, we have two new products coming to market, so it is set to be an exciting year.

To read the full article, please click here.

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Green Roofs and Walls – An Extra-Dimensional Approach to City Greening

Installing M-Tray green roof

The third in the series of highly relevant Briefings,  explored how green roofs and walls provide an extra-dimensional approach to city greening.

It is essential that the true value of urban green space is globally understood, and that decision-makers have the tools to guarantee its position. With a body of evidence available to quantify the benefits, policymakers and decision-makers can advocate projects to make green roofs and walls more commonplace.

Dr. Daniela Rizzi, Senior Officer for Nature-Based Solutions and Biodiversity at ICLEI Europe, joined Mr. Dusty Gedge, President Federation of European Green Roofs and Walls, and Mr. Kelvin Kan, Principal Architect & Facade Consultant, and founder of AgFacadesign in Singapore, to discuss advances in city greening.

Watch the webinar on demand:

READ MORE: AIPH and WCoG presents convincing and inspiring case for city greening

To view the full story, please visit the link below.

Green Roofs and Walls – An Extra-Dimensional Approach to City Greening