BURWOOD COUNCIL TO MANDATE GREEN ROOFS ON ALL DEVELOPMENTS

 Urban population increases from an increase in medium density re-developments will require more green amenity spaces. Green roofs on apartment buildings are a form of decentralised mini parks. Small neighbourhood parks have traditionally provided the same services that green roofs will into the future, however local councils will need to mandate this requirement

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The Linz City administration in Austria provided financial incentives to developers in 1986 and now has 70% green roof coverage. The only successful uptake of green roof installations has been due to significant incentives, rebates, grants or a mandate as San Francisco has recently used.

 

Due to climate variability Australian suburbs will experience an increase in rainfall events and an increase in temperature ranges. Due to the current ageing storm water infrastructure there will be an increase in urban flooding. Green roofs are an important component to Integrated Water Management (IWM) as they retain water like sponges at the source point of capture. Also due to the existing hard surface roof areas which represent approx 28% of our total urban areas an increase in temperatures will increase this primary 'heat sink' urban area. Green roofs have a landscape profile of soil and vegetation which will keep the temperatures below 30degC.

The impact of widespread green roofing across our cities will reduce the impacts of UHI effects by 2.0+ degC; reduce GHG emissions; provide a roofscape green aesthetic; provide new habitats for flora & fauna; provide noise attenuation; provide opportunities for urban farming ; enhance air & water quality; provide new jobs; new skill training; improve realty value and provide greater biodiversity and sustainable, environmentally efficient urban planning. Green roofs are a total win win scenario for the economy, society and the environment and what governments need to do is provide the strong policy to make it happen sooner not later"

 

Like any landscape they are designed for a specific outcome. Each green roof is site specific due to climatic micro / macro conditions however in Australia there are significant cost considerations as there is currently minimal competition in the marketplace. A mandate on green roof installations would result in a massive decrease in installation and maintenance costs very quickly. Eco roofs are aesthetically less romantic than an intensive green roof with lush vegetation and trees. Eco roofs are specifically designed to reduce installation costs using a shallow profile, groundcover plant communities that also require less maintenance and water. The benefits are increase in biodiversity, roof insulation & cooling; storm water retention.They are not designed as a public amenity space.

 

Other Sydney councils need to join Burwood in order to form 'green precincts' which will create a green roofscape tapestry across the city providing cleaner air, cooler urban environments, greater biodiversity and greater wellbeing for humans in touch with nature not concrete.

 

Matthew Dillon is President of Green Roofs Australasia & Vice President of the World Green Infrastructure Network (comprising of 22 Nations)