Articles
Can green walls mitigate a shortage of urban green space?
Article number
1429_20
Pages
167 – 176
Language
English
Abstract
This discussion paper reviews scientific evidence on the potential benefits of vertical planting systems (green walls) for human and environmental health and adaptation to climate change in densely built areas.
Specifically, papers are selected to examine building thermal efficiency, urban air quality, acoustic noise reduction, urban biodiversity, wastewater management, and human well-being from aesthetic planting designs and proximity to nature.
Currently, green walls are limited to prestigious locations due to the cost of installation and maintenance and concerns about the reliability of immature technologies.
Investment in green walls for public goods is further inhibited by limited information from economic and social evaluations or experimental validation and demonstration.
Further research is proposed to optimise plant module design and planting configurations for specific benefits with modules that intrinsically manage irrigation according to the needs of individual plants.
There is scope for roadside barrier configurations that maximise acoustic attenuation, support biodiversity goals and provide multiple pathways for filtering air pollutants by deposition on plant roots.
A manufacture-by-volume method and re-assessment of urban green space requirements are also proposed.
Specifically, papers are selected to examine building thermal efficiency, urban air quality, acoustic noise reduction, urban biodiversity, wastewater management, and human well-being from aesthetic planting designs and proximity to nature.
Currently, green walls are limited to prestigious locations due to the cost of installation and maintenance and concerns about the reliability of immature technologies.
Investment in green walls for public goods is further inhibited by limited information from economic and social evaluations or experimental validation and demonstration.
Further research is proposed to optimise plant module design and planting configurations for specific benefits with modules that intrinsically manage irrigation according to the needs of individual plants.
There is scope for roadside barrier configurations that maximise acoustic attenuation, support biodiversity goals and provide multiple pathways for filtering air pollutants by deposition on plant roots.
A manufacture-by-volume method and re-assessment of urban green space requirements are also proposed.
Authors
T. McBurney
Keywords
urban well-being, climate adaptation, air quality, biodiversity, acoustic noise, irrigation efficiency
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