by Briana Hilton
People who reside in neighbourhoods with greater amounts of green infrastructure tend to be happier, healthier, and live longer lives than those who don’t, says a Natural England article. “Nature needs to move to front and centre in how we plan for the future of our country at this pivotal moment,” stated Chair Tony Juniper. In 2024 and beyond, green roofs present innovative solutions that highlight interactive ways that local communities can get involved. From an exploration of the advantages that green roofs can bring to urban environments to how the community can benefit, there is no shortage of ways in which green roofs can strengthen London as a whole.
An abundance of advantages
It’s crucial to note that by 2050, up to three million more people are expected to live in London. As a growing city, a well planned and managed green infrastructure network “will be vital to help the city stay healthy and livable” as the population increases. More specifically, green spaces in urban environments play a significant role in mental health and wellness, community involvement, and can even help the city adapt as the climate continues to evolve. Initiatives such as the London Environment Strategy involves policies and proposals, which aim to make over half of London green by 2050 in addition to an increase by 10 per cent in regard to the city’s tree canopy.
Green roofs are a great consideration for communities that aim to become more green. Research published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews in 2023 highlights several key advantages of green roof systems. The research abstract points out that green roofs can reduce the cooling load by up to 70%, decrease indoor temperature (with a reduction of up to 15℃), and provide “a significant improvement of thermal comfort conditions.” Environmental benefits extend further, as the systems have the potential to reduce and filter stormwater runoff, absorb pollutants and carbon dioxide, provide natural habitats, and serve as recreational green space (when an intensive green roof is installed). Furthermore, it’s important to note that green roofs can help minimise the urban heat island effect — this is particularly important in regard to climate change, as cities are typically warmer than other areas. This results in the absorption of solar radiation by concrete and asphalt, which in turn leads to increased energy consumption in addition to heat-related illness and death and air pollution, highlights the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
The power of community involvement
Initiatives in New York City shed light on how a large city such as London can benefit from public green space. GreenThumb, the largest urban garden program in the United States, sustains over 550 community gardens and works to support thousands of volunteer gardeners throughout NYC, the Parks Department site notes. The article from the Columbia Climate School by Steven Cohen points out that about 70% of New Yorkers live in apartments, which means that community gardens serve as a backyard space for many. “Community gardens are also social gathering places, a way to cut through the anonymity of urban life where we can learn about and engage with our neighbors,” Cohen writes. Volunteers who work in such gardens also contribute positively to society, Cohen explains, as they are noted to be role models for young people and others in the community.
The discovery of a balance
Green roofs present a number of benefits to both the urban environment and communities. However, the successful execution and maintenance of a green roof can be a challenge. In regard to the installation of a green roof, several factors are at play in the creation of an aesthetically pleasing and effective outdoor space. The general upkeep of the area coupled with the vitality and neatness of plantlife present must be taken into consideration, alongside factors such as the design and placement of hardscaping. Simple hardscaping is a great place for communities with a low budget to start, while effective design choices that incorporate plantlife — such as the inclusion of perennial grasses and native plants — will work to retain water. Raised concrete flower and vegetable beds are just one great way that green roofs can utilise an effective hardscape design, while the incorporation of benches can contribute to and encourage community.
As urbanisation has reduced access to and engagement with green spaces, greenery must be abundant in the design of an effective green roof. This is especially important for large green roofs that serve as a community garden space. Research published by PJPsych International underlines the value that green space can have, as it’s noted that individuals have “less mental distress, less anxiety and depression, greater wellbeing and healthier cortisol profiles,” when living in urban areas that have more green space compared with those that have less green space. Interactive areas can further the benefits in regard to community — events that teach residents how to plant flowers or grow vegetables are just one way to help bring everyone together while the focus remains on plant life and the progression of the green roof.
Green space has great potential in urban environments, with environmentally friendly benefits that extend to those that benefit city residents in terms of health and wellness and the creation of a sense of community. Green roofs that feature a garden are an interactive and beneficial idea to achieve these advantages, especially when managed in an effective way.
Briana spent a decade working in landscape design before taking a step back to start a family. She has since returned to her first love of writing and enjoys contributing to a range of publications, both print and online, about eco and conservation topics.
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