Articles
How Innovative Mini Forests Bring Ecology to Urban Spaces
Learn about the unique approach to green infrastructure development through Mini Forests, also known as Miyawaki Forests, and the many social and ecological benefits they bring to urban areas.
Going Soilless and Low Maintenance in Singapore
This article explores the innovative use of soilless green roofs in urban development, focusing on Singapore's Bidadari Park Toilet Project by GWS Living Art. The GaiaMat™ system, incorporating soft weed vegetation, enhances biodiversity, reduces urban disturbances, and promotes sustainability in urban environments.
Pioneering Ecology Based Architecture with Ken Yeang
Ken Yeang talks about the power of natural systems, the growth of ecological design, and hear about many of the stunning and verdant projects Ken has had a hand in over the course of his illustrious career.
Incorporation of Green Infrastructure on Road Tunnel Ventilation Stacks: Potential Ambient Air Quality Improvement
This study aims to describe the integration of green wall technologies and a tunnel ventilation facility, and models the potential ambient air quality improvement the green wall plants have through PM2.5 dry deposition.
Cooling Effects of a Modular Living Wall System in a Humid Subtropical Climate
This study repurposes automotive sheet metal into 300 modular living wall system (MLWS) planters, observing the cooling effects of 25 plant species on southeast-facing MLWS during summer. Results show Coreopsis lanceolata 'Sterntaler' achieving a 3.4 °C cooler ambient air temperature, highlighting MLWS's notable cooling effects in humid subtropical climates.
Industry Update: Training, Winter Sale, Plans for 2024, And More
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities celebrates a successful 2023, promoting green roofs and inspiring community initiatives. As they enter 2024's Legacy year, the focus is on recognizing pioneering cities, fostering collaboration, and planning for a sustainable urban future.
Why An Integrated Approach to Urban Water Management is Key to the Future of Our Cities
The article delves into the evolving challenges of urban water management amid climate change and urban development, advocating for an integrated approach that treats stormwater as a valuable resource, emphasizing adaptation and integrated and holistic approaches to managing urban water.
The Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex – Embracing Climate Innovation
Discover the Harvard Science and Engineering Complex—a climate-resilient marvel. Unearth its journey from brownfield to innovation hub. Explore its groundbreaking eco-design, energy efficiency, integrated water management, and green infrastructure.
Four Barriers to Implementing Green Roofs – And How to Overcome Them
Civil Engineer Nicole Holmes reveals the unspoken challenges hindering the widespread adoption of green roofs. Dive into the secrets behind their underutilization and how to unlock their full potential in building resilient cities.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Water Podcast
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with artist, designer, and thought leader Herbert Dreiseitl to discuss the critical role of water in natural ecosystems, and what lessons can be learned and applied to our urban environments. To cope with climate change, cities need to better use their natural infrastructure assets to manage and treat water before it becomes a problem to the community.
A Terminal In a Garden: Exploring Bangalore’s New Airport
The new international airport terminal in Bangaluru is an outstanding example of how to combine multiple biophilic elements on a massive scale to create an entirely new airport experience. It raises the bar on designing healthier, more biodiverse, culturally relevant and relaxing airports for weary travellers and nature.
Planting Green Roofs For Extreme Heat and Drought
Identifying plants that naturally adapt to heat and drought stress in any biogeographic region may be as simple as visiting a nature preserve. In this article learn how plants, native to glades, barrens and alvars may harbor a variety of species that thrive on green roofs with only marginal use of water. These “habitat templates” can inform which plants might survive extreme climate events (like El Ninos), even on green roofs.
Building Resilient and Green Futures With the European Union’s New Climate-Resilient Construction Guidance Document
Learn more about the European Commissions’ new guidance document on climate-resilient building practices and the multiple roles of green roofs and walls.
New Stormwater Market In Grand Rapids Will Contribute to A Healthier Rivers and More Climate Resilient City
The establishment of a market that allows the trading of stormwater credits is an innovative approach to improving stormwater management. Learn about the work of American Rivers to implement this new approach launched in 2013 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Harvesting the Future: Stormwater-Powered Living Walls
In the world of sustainable architecture, stormwater driven living walls are a revolutionary green building practice. Discover Enni Headquarters in Moers, Germany, with its remarkable 650 sqm living wall, ingeniously irrigated by harvested stormwater. Learn about the smart systems, underground reservoirs, and interdisciplinary collaborations making this green oasis a symbol of urban sustainability.
Østerbro Klimakvarter – The First Climate Adaptation Neighborhood in Denmark
A decade ago, the City of Copenhagen began redesigning neighborhoods, transforming them into climate adaptation projects, using community lead, integrated stormwater management approaches to cool cities, reduce flooding and provide amenity spaces. Learn about the design and performance of one of the first climate adapted neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
Exploring Innovations and Insights: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' Upcoming Events
GRHC's upcoming events promise a thrilling journey towards sustainable urban living. From a cutting-edge Virtual Research Symposium to the bustling Grey to Green Conferences, discover the secrets to transforming concrete jungles into vibrant green oases.
Unlocking Stormwater Solutions: Case Study on Chicago Blue-Green Roofs
Discover how this Blue-Green Roof project combines detention and retention for superior results. Explore a real-world case study at Northwestern University, showcasing innovative solutions for water challenges while ensuring sustainability and building integrity. A must-read for urban planning enthusiasts and environmental advocates.
Water and the Systems that Drive Ecology
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with educator and research Dr. Olyssa Starry Ph.D. to discuss the part water plays in urban ecology and the physical chemistry of plants and how this can affect the achievement of sustainability goals.
Engineering Green Roofs to Manage Stormwater and Save Money: A Case Study
Learn about the green roofs in Toronto that manage stormwater and achieve multiple sustainability goals. By upgrading to biodiverse green roofs, the design team exceeded water balance targets, reducing storage needs and earning financial incentives, showcasing how green roofs can benefit both the environment and finances in urban development.