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Published: 3 March 2014
New guide set to make Melbourne’s buildings come alive
Roofs, walls and facades of buildings across Melbourne are set to come alive and cool the city due to the launch of a free online resource based on University of Melbourne research.
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Limited only by the imagination: What appears to be a wheatfield in downtown Ottawa, Canada, is actually a green roof on top of a museum. Building spires are visible in the distance. Credit: cjuneau
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The Growing Green Guide will help building owners, planners, designers, developers, renovators and homeowners include green plant roofs, walls and facades into their buildings to help manage the impact of a changing climate on city living.
The guide provides step-by-step advice and examples on how to incorporate green roofs, walls and facades suited to Victorian conditions.
The guide is the result of three-year collaborative project between the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra and Stonnington, the University of Melbourne, the Victorian Government and industry experts.
‘We know that green roofs, walls and facades provide multiple benefits for the environment and community, but having local guidelines on how to achieve these outcomes is a first in Australia,’ said University of Melbourne researcher Mr John Rayner.
‘University research in green infrastructure over recent years helped to define, shape and develop the guide, ensuring that it is current, relevant and applicable for projects in Victoria.’
City of Melbourne Environment Councillor, Arron Wood, said, ‘Cities can be 4 to 7 degrees hotter than surrounding suburbs due to the urban heat island effect. Green walls and rooftops help cool our city and retain stormwater, which helps reduce flash flooding.
‘The guide will help transform existing buildings and create new ones which can use their roofs, walls and facades to work with the environment rather than against it.’
The Growing Green Guide has been funded through the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund under the Victorian Adaptation and Sustainability Partnership through the Inner Melbourne Action Plan councils.
The guide will be used in the creation of a repurposed shipping container covered with green roofs, walls and facades, to be installed at City Square in mid-March, in the lead up to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Source: University of Melbourne
