Green roofs and walls, which allow plants to grow on buildings, offer a number of benefits. They account for urban cooling, greater biodiversity and air quality, surface water management and the potential for carbon capture.
But Gary Grant, one of the report’s authors, says the advantages don’t stop there. These spaces are also beneficial to our mental health and physical well-being:
“Research has shown if you’re looking at a green wall instead of a brick wall, you have lower blood pressure.
“What’s happened in London has influenced cities like Portland, Oregan, and in Australia as well there’s been a lot of interchange.”
Green rooves have proven especially popular places among young people. Mr Grant says that older generations might find these spaces “weird”, but young people have flocked to the social areas.
Mr Grant says he hopes these garden roofs and walls are here to stay as we begin to feel the bite of extreme climate changes predicted in the future.
“Green roofs keep a building cool in the height of summer. And that’s a big deal because in social housing, for instance. It means the people in the top floor flats who maybe can’t afford expensive air conditioners may be saved from serious health conditions.”
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HeadlineLondon leads the way in green roofs, say infrastructure experts
Short HeadlineLondon a global example in green roofs
StandfirstThe City of London has the highest concentration of green roofs and walls per person across the city.
Green roofs and walls, which allow plants to grow on buildings, offer a number of benefits. They account for urban cooling, greater biodiversity and air quality, surface water management and the potential for carbon capture.
But Gary Grant, one of the report’s authors, says the advantages don’t stop there. These spaces are also beneficial to our mental health and physical well-being:
“Research has shown if you’re looking at a green wall instead of a brick wall, you have lower blood pressure.
“What’s happened in London has influenced cities like Portland, Oregan, and in Australia as well there’s been a lot of interchange.”
Green rooves have proven especially popular places among young people. Mr Grant says that older generations might find these spaces “weird”, but young people have flocked to the social areas.
Mr Grant says he hopes these garden roofs and walls are here to stay as we begin to feel the bite of extreme climate changes predicted in the future.
“Green roofs keep a building cool in the height of summer. And that’s a big deal because in social housing, for instance. It means the people in the top floor flats who maybe can’t afford expensive air conditioners may be saved from serious health conditions.”
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