Topic Overview:
Due to the large demands for food, energy and water,
the growth in urban populations has and will continue
to create a unique set of environmental problems,
many are either directly caused or exacerbated by
the removal of vegetation to accommodate urban expansion.
It is expected that many of these problems will be
further exacerbated by climate change, particularly
climate change impacts that exacerbate heat waves
and the associated health problems, rapid temperature
changes, stormwater runoff, water quality, biodiversity
and food security
The very real issue of global warming combined with
an increased interest and greater understanding of
the benefits of living walls and roofs to encourage
their implementation within the urban environment.
Living walls and roofs offer a number of environmental
benefits, to both the social and economic sectors.
Aesthetically pleasing
Reduction of urban heat island effect
Reduction of carbon dioxide - Green House effect
.
Reduction of air pollution
Reduction of heating AND cooling loads
Reduction of rainfall runoff impacts
Opportunity for Urban Agriculture & food production
Provision of open space in urban areas
Increases the productivity of Photo Voltaic cells
and Air conditioning units thus reducing energy consumption.
Green roof and Living wall design solutions and examples
making the concept, technology and infrastructure
more accessible from a social, environmental and economic
view point, offering achievable solutions for global
warming while creating local distinctiveness and identity
of place. |
