Will's Garden at Carle Foundation Hospital is a therapeutic rooftop garden, offering a tranquil space for healing. Utilizing innovative lightweight growth media, it supports native plants, stormwater management, and provides year-round beauty for patients and staff.

Join Sustainable Futures as we speak with Gail Vittori, Co-Director of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, about sustainable healthcare, resilient building, and the transformative role of the natural world in enhancing our well-being.

Plants have long supported human health, with modern medicine using them in over half of pharmaceuticals. Recently, their biophilic benefits, like reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, have gained recognition in hospitals. This article explores a case study of an outdated medical center transformed with plants, including rooftop greenery, for therapeutic effects.

Providing estimates of the monetary benefits of improved health outcomes contributes to better decision making on resource allocation using multiple examples from Ontario municipalities.

This article explores the important role of sound in our evolution and how incorporating soundscaping into our designs can result in healthier, more productive building occupants, taking biophilic design to another level. 

Discover how green roofs and vegetable gardens on Denver and Boulder medical campuses enhance sustainability, improve patient recovery, boost staff well-being, and foster community engagement, driving a healthier and more sustainable future in healthcare.

Learn about the innovative Framework Plan to redevelop a 370 acre site, formerly an airport in the northwest corner of Toronto, with green infrastructure and public open space at its heart and healthy car free mobility and complete communities.

Join us at CitiesAlive 2024 in Toronto from November 6-9 for keynotes, masterclasses, and networking. Explore green roof and solar integration through new courses. Register early, and check upcoming symposiums and events for further professional development.

We analyzed landcover change in Porto, Portugal, using satellite imagery from 2017 and 2022. K-Nearest Neighbor classification revealed increases in impervious surfaces and decreases in vegetation, highlighting opportunities for green roof interventions and the importance of climate justice considerations.

Climate change intensifies storms, overwhelming stormwater infrastructure, causing flooding, property damage, and loss of life. Solutions include green and blue roofs, and "sponge cities" to improve stormwater management.

As Toronto co-hosts the 20th Anniversary of CitiesAlive in November, this article chronicles the early policy steps taken by the City to mandate and incentivize green roofs, now covering more than 10 million sf of roof area. 

This article highlights the significance of water on biodiverse green roofs. Designing a green roof for Berry Architecture, Pohl emphasizes the transformative power of water features, contributing to urban biodiversity while requiring minimal maintenance.

Founded in 2005, Skyland USA pioneered green roof soil products, adapting to industry demands over 20 years. With innovative blends and strategic partnerships, they've installed 30 million square feet nationwide, catalyzing the growth of green infrastructure in the US.

An overview of the severity of the international water crisis and efforts to address it in Europe through green infrastructure policies and regulations, including the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law.

A unique application of green facade technology creates impressive structures which conserve water over parking structures at the Bluffs at Playa Vista in Los Angeles. 

Planning a green roof irrigation system requires careful design, collaboration, and maintenance. Key elements include selecting appropriate water sources, ensuring adequate water pressure, choosing efficient irrigation devices, and regular system maintenance for optimal performance.

Rain gardens offer multifunctional stormwater management, integrating native plants to mitigate urban runoff. By mimicking natural water cycles, they complement traditional infrastructure, fostering resilience and biodiversity in urban landscapes.

Discover Etera Sedum's strategic relocation from Mount Vernon to Forest Grove, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Their holistic approach sets a precedent for eco-conscious nursery transfers and harmonious growth.

"Sponge Cities" utilize green infrastructure to manage stormwater, combat flooding, and enhance urban resilience by naturally absorbing and repurposing rainwater. This sustainable approach addresses challenges from extreme weather and urban sprawl, transforming cities into greener, more sustainable environments.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens transformed water challenges into ecological opportunities, showcasing innovative water-sensitive design and native plant integration. This case study previews the World Green Infrastructure Congress in Auckland, promoting sustainable urban development.