Green Roof News - 10.04.2008
Plaid Cymru Green Roof Election Pledge
Plaid Cymru has promised that green roofs will be an important element within their environmental policy if voted in to the Welsh Assembly. Full Story
Green Roof News - 31.03.2008
Awards for Best Designs
Wigantoday.net, England. "...The Grand Arcade shopping centre has been shortlisted under both the commercial and sustainability categories, in a year which the North West also received more entrants than ever before. The shopping venue, in the heart of Wigan's town centre, is a carbon-neutral building built with sustainability in mind. Developers Modus plan to introduce a wind turbine, solar panels and green roofing to the centre in..." Full article here.
Council's green advice to staff: Go vegetarian
"...Councillors will vote on the proposal at the end of May after examining a report setting out a raft of measures designed to reduce the borough's environmental impact." This is London Article
Cities Around The World Go Green
Radio podcast on how cities around the world are going green.
Green Roof News - 27.03.2008
"Firm’s design for wildlife puts green roof into medical practice"
Article at icWales.co.uk on new greenroof installation on building in Exeter. Full report here
Green Roof News - 23.03.2008
"Fight climate change by turning roof green"
International Herald Tribune news item on green roofs
Green Roof News - 23.03.2008
Justin Bere's new House in islington features on Countryfile
Available to watch again on BBC iplayer
Green Roof News - 07.03.2008
Renewable Energy in the Urban Environment, Berlin
This 5-day seminar in Berlin will explore the role of renewable energy in the urban and semi-urban environment. Germany is the world's renewable energy leader - 5% of its exports are in the field of energy technology. The seminar will include numerous visits to renewable energy installations in Berlin - PV systems, solar thermal systems, heat pumps, bioenergy plants, low-energy and passive solar buildings.
The seminar is designed for those in the business, non-profit, public and academic sectors who wish to get a comprehensive introduction to renewable energy technologies, especially those which can be used in urban and semi-urban environments.
The emphasis will be on how things work and what it is practicable to do. On completion of the seminar participants should be able to do initial designs for renewable energy systems.
This is an EU Sustainable Energy Europe event.
The seminar language is English.
Dates: 19-23 May 2008
Information on other courses can be found at
http://www.greendragonenergy.co.uk/courses.htm
Green Roof News - 01.03.2008
New Website for a Greener Brighton
Today sees the launch of Brighton & Hove Building Green’s new website at www.building-green.org.uk.
The site helps people find out about the use of green roofs and green walls in our city, and will be launched at Green Architecture Day by Dusty Gedge, star of Channel 4’s ‘Wild Thing I Love You’.
Green Architecture Day is organised by the Brighton Permaculture Trust, and runs all day at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton.
Green Roof News - 29.02.2008
Publication of Technical Report On Living Roofs And Walls
The Mayor of London and Design for London have published a technical report on Living Roofs and Walls, supporting the new London Plan policy. The report was launched 28th February 2008 at the Ecobuild conference by Design for London and Alumasc Exterior Building Products, sponsors of the research which led to the report. The report was written by Dusty Gedge, John Newton, Karl Craddick et al.
The report can be downloaded at the www.london.gov.uk website
Green Roof News - 20.02.2008
Today sees the launch of the new London Plan.
Livingroofs.org campaigned vigorously to ensure that there was a strong policy statement within the new plan.
http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/thelondonplan.jsp
and the relevant section states
Policy 4A.11 Living Roofs and Walls
The Mayor will, and boroughs should, expect major developments to incorporate living roofs and walls where feasible and reflect this principle in DPD policies. It is expected that this will include roof and wall planting that delivers as many of these objectives as possible:
• accessible roof space
• adapting to and mitigating climate change
• sustainable urban drainage
• enhancing biodiversity
• improved appearance.
Green Roof News - 07.02.2008
'Show preview: Innovations for the Built Environment'
Article in Contract Journal covering Green Roofs. Online version here.
Green Roof News - 04.02.2008
The co-founder of Livingroofs.org, Dusty Gedge, has just been elected as President of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations [EFB] for a three year term during which the Federation will support UNI [the Italian Standards Institute], as it develops a CEN, the European Standard for Green Roofs.
Green Roof News - 29.01.2008
Big green ideas for the workplace
"If you are an eco-warrior at heart and really want to make a difference, then in many ways the workplace is actually your best chance." Article on Guardian website includes section on green roofs.
- - Press Release 21.12.07 - -
Livingroofs.org Evolves Into Larger Green Roof Alliance
Over the past few years the green roofing industry in Great Britain has expanded rapidly, with huge interest in the benefits of green roofs from Government, clients, specifiers and suppliers alike. Throughout this period Livingroofs.org, an independent UK website and research centre set up to promote green roofs, has been the main focal point for the dissemination of information and advice.
At the forefront of green roofs promotion, Livingroofs.org is aware of major changes in legislation and planning requirements that will make 2008 a significant year for the green roof industry. It is for this reason that Livingroofs.org is evolving from an independent organisation into a formal green roof alliance, to be know as The National Livingroofs Association. To facilitate the next steps, Livingroofs.org is forming a partnership with The Green Roof Centre in Sheffield, where the country’s other leading green roof expert Dr Nigel Dunnett is based. By joining forces, these organisations will create a single powerhouse of green roof knowledge and advice.
Speaking of this exciting development Livingroofs.org founder Dusty Gedge said "For the past 8 months I have been working with a number of colleagues in the industry to take Livingroofs.org to the next stage. Key to this is the continuation of Livingroofs.org as a non-trade Association. The launch of the National Livingroofs Association will take place in 2008, with membership open to Government, universities, industry professionals, suppliers, specialist contractors, trade bodies and not for profit organisations. We hope all these stakeholders and more will affiliate themselves with the new Livingroofs.org green roof alliance."
The primary aim of the National Livingroofs Association is to promote the benefits of green roofs to the widest possible audience, disseminate best practice information and provide advice on how to plan, specify and execute good quality green roofs. Gedge added "we will also be working with the relevant parties and roofing trade associations to create a UK green roof Code of Practice that can be adopted by the whole industry. This will focus on the actual green roof elements as opposed to the waterproofing for which standards already exist."
A meeting to bring together key players will be called early in the New Year, when further details on membership categories and services will be made available.
Green Roof News - 07/12/2007
Liverpool's Paradise Project
"Liverpool's vast new shopping development, led by main contactor Laing O'Rourke, is one of the most ambitious and eco-friendly in Britain, part of a dramatic phased regeneration scheme in the city costing nearly £1bn. The roofs of all the retail units and car parks are being planted with turf, trees and flowers to create a finish that is both beautiful and sustainable. This will be one of the largest green roofing projects in the UK were you to fly over the development, it would look more like a park than a retail complex." - Full article here
Green Roof News - 19/11/2007
The Biotope City Foundation has become a fact!
You are cordially invited partake of the materials presented on the internet site and to submit contributions to the Biotope City journal. The Foundation has as it’s aim: To develop practical and aesthetic responses to the consequences of worldwide urbanization, such as its effects on climate, on nature, and on our living conditions.
The Foundation publishes the electronic journal Biotope City, and organizes conferences and exhibits. A brief introduction is given in Biotope City - the City as Nature. It is a non-profit organization.
Green Roof News - 17/10/2007
LDA / Design For London Press Release: Calls For Living Roofs Bear Fruit
LIvingroofs.org has long campaigned to get green roofs included robustly in policy in the Greater London Area. The attached LDA press release shows that The Mayor has endorsed green roofs as a means to contribute to climate change and increased biodiversity provision within the capital.
Green Roof News - 18/09/2007
Article in New Scientist magazine looking at green roofs and their possibilities. Read Here.
Green Roof News - 18/09/2007
Manchester Launches Its First Green Roof And Aims To Be The UK's Greenest City
Manchester City Council’s plans to become the ‘greenest city in Britain’ is looking skywards with the recent unveiling of the first ‘living roof' in Manchester city centre.
The sensitively constructed ‘brown’ roof of the 5 storey BDP Architects, Engineers and Designers new office, currently under construction at Piccadilly Basin, will be the landing pad for two of the city’s newest arrivals of black redstart birds. Download Press Release in pdf format.
See also Manchester Council Website
Green Roof News - 13/09/2007
Coventry Plans To Go Green
"Grass roofs could be laid on buildings across Coventry in a bid to help tackle climate change. The idea is part of a wide-ranging plan to turn the city into one of Britain's greenest places to live."
Full article online an NewBuilder website.
Green Roof News - 06/09/2007
Building Greener New Guidance published by CIRIA
Green roofs and walls are widely used in many countries to provide a range of benefits for the built environment. CIRIA's much awaited guidance Building Greener. Guidance on the use of green roofs, green walls and complementary features on buildings (C644) deals with biodiversity in buildings, green roofs and walls, bat boxes and stormwater management. http://www.ciria.org/acatalog/C644.html
Green Roof News - 02/08/2007
Green Roof fitted to 14th century building in York
"Blake Mews, a grade II listed property in Blake Street in the shadow of York Minster, has a green carpet crowning it, in the form of a sedum roof". Full Story at www.thisisyork.co.uk
Green Roof News - 18/07/2007
The manifesto was launched by the Minister for Biodiversity, Joan Ruddock MP, on 18 July, at Roots and Shoots in the London Borough of Lambeth.
The manifesto has several aims. It will:
- draw public attention to the importance of gardens for wildlife, for people and for the urban environment generally and to the threats that gardens currently face, from paving and development especially
- set out an agreed agenda for future action
- act as a rallying flag under which many different and disparate organisations can gather
Green Roof News - 13/06/2007
"NHBC Launches Standards on Green Roofs"
Article on www.politics.co.uk regarding newly developed set of NHBC’s Technical Standards incorporating guidance on green roofs. Full version available to read here.
Green Roof News - 13/06/2007
"Brighton & Hove Building Green are pleased to announce public tours of three of Brighton & Hove's green roofs on 18, 19 and 20 June."
This takes place as part of Architecture Week, 15-24 June 2007. Please find a Press Release attached.
Green roofs are planted to improve the city's views and wildlife, and help us adapt to climate change.
Places can be booked through Brighton & Hove Building Green by emailing Adam - adam@biggreen.eclipse.co.uk
Green Roof News - 25/05/2007
"BBC Springwatch: Concrete gardens"
Green roofs feature on BBC News 24 as a means to mitigate for loss of gardens at street level. Online article here.
"Climate Change Adaptation 'By Design Guide' for Sustainable Communities"
Published today by the Town and Country Planning Association, shows how adapting towns and cities to climate change offers enormous potential for creating high value, quality places where people and businesses will want to spend time.
Green Roof News - 21/05/2007
"Planning Blue Print for Climate Change Adaptation"
Includes information on TCPA Design Guide to be Launch 23/05/07 which includes the need for large canopy trees and green roofs. Article in The Observer online
Green Roof News - 15/05/2007
"Urban green spaces could offset global warming until 2080s"
Recently published paper on how increased urban green space [parks and trees] could help climate change... think what green roofs could contribute. Full article here
Further review of work by Manchester University on increase in green space here.
Green Roof News - 20/04/2007
"Green Roof Innovation Awards"
The Green Roof Innovation Awards are offering architects and planners the opportunity to design and build innovative green roofs that challenge the way we think about the environment and architecture.
The Awards are being run by The Green Roof Centre: - established by the University of Sheffield and Groundwork Sheffield, with part-finance from the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund. Full details at The Green Roof Centre website.
Green Roof News - 19/04/2007
"Eco City design to be reviewed in Birmingham"
Article on the New Builder website about the "world's first sustainable city'" - Dongtan in China - which will be discussed at the UK Recycling and Waste Forum, taking place near Birmingham. Full details online.
Green Roof News - 02/03/2007
"China’s ecocities an inspiration"
Article in Canberra City News online magazine.
"A Welcome Invasion"
Opinion piece on Philidelphia Citypaper.net contrasting local environmental security besides some recent European examples. Read article.
Green Roof News - 01/03/2007
Green roof Project of the Week at greenroofs.com
Arbroath Abbey, Scotland
Green Roof News - 22/02/2007
"Low-cost Homes: economical eco-options on the rise"
Article in the Independent
"Cutting-edge eco-features: a climate for change"
Article in the Independent
Green Roof News - 19/02/2007
'Kyoto anniversary: Miliband welcomes globe agreement'
"David Miliband has today, on the second anniversary of the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol, welcomed the agreement reached by global legislators at a key climate change conference in Washington." Read More.
Green Roof News - 04/02/2007
'Green roofs bud into stylish bloom'
New ethical lifestyle consumer magazine highlights the potential of green roofs.
Article at newconsumer.com
Green Roof News - 01/02/2007
Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens to get Green Roof
Manchester City Council will also create an environmentally-friendly ‘green’ roof, consisting of wildlife-attracting plants, on top of the pavilion building which contains Caffe Nero and Rice.
wildaboutmanchester adds Green Roof Page to Website
Outlines the role Green Roofs have to play in the Manchester Biodiversity Strategy. Visit wildaboutmanchester website.
Newzeye launch Sustainable Building Newsletter
Intended to keep its readers up to date with the latest developments including new products, tenders, competitions, contract awards and events in the area of energy efficiency and low carbon building. Subscription available from www.sustainable-build.com
Green Roof News - 27/01/2007
'U.K. developers must go green'
Article in Earthtimes.org on Government initiative to make all new housing to be zero carbon within a decade. Full details here.
Green Roof News - 14/01/2007
'Grass me up' article in the Timesonline property section.
"Forget traditional slates and tiles. Why not cover your roof with living, sprouting flowers instead? The idea may have been around since ancient times — think of the hanging gardens of Babylon — but green roofs are finally becoming mainstream in Britain..." more
Green Roof News - 06/01/2007
'Green Roofs and Façades' by Gary Grant now available from www.brepress.com
"This book provides an accessible overview of the development of green roofs and the contribution they can make to sustainable development. It explains the benefits of their use, and identifies the key aspects that must be considered in designing, building and maintaining them. It is fully illustrated with numerous examples of successful applications from around the world."
Green Roof News - 06/01/2007
Article published on www.thisismoney.co.uk entitled "Grow your roof and cut your tax" looking at possible future tax incentives for growing green roofs
Green Roof News - 29/12/2006
English Partnerships appoints First Base to develop ‘Heart of East Greenwich’
Developer First Base has been chosen to create a new "heart" for East Greenwich on the old Greenwich District Hospital site off Woolwich Road. Green roofs will be installed to provide additional insulation to the buildings. Full details on the English Partnerships website
Green Roof News - 07/11/2006
Green Roof Seminar at Birmingham University
Hosted by Land Care Associates and the University of Birmingham, this seminar entited 'Green Roofs and Biodiversity' is scheduled for the 15th November 2006. Full details available in a pdf flyer.
Green Roof News - 12/10/2006
Uk homes should beat Scandinavian eco-standards - Yvette Cooper
New UK homes should be built to Scandinavian standards and better them within ten years, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said today. Full article here
Green Roof News - 12/10/2006
Recycled materials could help pave the way to urban cooling
Speaking about plans to tackle London's urban heat island effect, the city's Mayor Ken Livingstone compared the capital to a storage heater that sucked up heat during the day and released it at night. Full article here
Green Roof News - 10/10/2006
List of vacancies at the Green Roof Infrastructure Development [GRID] Project
A partnership between the University of Sheffield and Groundwork Sheffield.
Current vacancy list available to down load in word document format or as pdf
Green Roof News - 19/5/2006
LIVINGROOFS IN THE GARDEN
A new leaflet on Living Roofs will be launched by English Nature at Gardeners' World Live, at the NEC from 14 - 18 June. The leaflet has been written by Dusty Gedge,with contributions from Nigel Dunnett, Gary Grant and Richard Jones.
Dusty Gedge will present a talk on Livingroofs.org at Gardeners' World Live at 1pm on Friday 16th June.
Green Roof News - 18/5/2006
KYOCERA GREEN LIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS: RESULTS ANNOUNCED
Winner - Private sector: Barclays Bank plc
Project: Green Sky Thinking
All too aware of the need to act (and be seen to be acting) responsibly, when Barclays Bank decided to relocate to a new worldwide headquarters in Canary Wharf, it realised it needed to factor in a lot more than considerations of the building's aesthetic appeal. The judges agreed that Barclays had shown that environmental factors were at the heart of the project from its inception. Of particular note was the bank's decision to use the building's roof space as a habitat for birds and insects - particularly the black redstart, one of the UK's most endangered bird species. [From Kyocera Release]
Green Roof News - 10/5/2006
Alumasc Exteriors - Award Winning Green Roof at Royal Arsenal
An award-winning, landscaped green roof has been built directly in front of the fine historic buildings at the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich in southeast London. Full Press Release here.
Green Roof News - 26/4/2006
USA Today Article
Green roofs swing temperatures in urban jungles
Green Roof News - 25/4/2006
BBC Gardening
Video Guide to how to green a shed roof.
Green Roof News - 25/4/2006
BBC Roof Gardens Series
Explore the hidden gardens coming to life this spring high above the London streets.
Green Roof News - 19/4/2006
Livingroofs.org's director is interviewed about green roofs in The Guardian
Green Roof News - 12/4/2006
Alumasc Green Roof Helps Gallie Craig Blend In
The new Gallie Craig coffee shop at Drummore in Stranraer has the most spectacular position, perched above cliffs overlooking the Mull of Galloway. In view of the outstanding natural beauty of the location it is not surprising that the project had to go through rigorous planning authorisation before construction could begin; with a green roof system the obvious choice to crown the building.
Full Alumasc Press Release [pdf 3.6MB]
Green Roof News - 31/3/2006
Arup with London Wildlife Trust/Design for Biodiversity have released proceedings of an event they hosted on 17 March 2006 entitled Biodiversity, Development and Design. Six presentations were given from: Peter Head (Arup), Vicky Smith (Arup), Adam Ingleby (Design for Biodiversity), Dusty Gedge (Livingroofs), Tom Duffy (KUD) and Nita Patel (Barclays).
To find out more, please read a summary of the event. [pdf 350KB]
For future events, check the events page.
Green Roof News - 15/3/2006
Green Roof Garden For Urban Jungle At Chelsea
A contemporary and ecologically ‘clever’ green roof, featuring solar panel walls, water butt benches and verdant pollution-tolerant planting, will be unveiled at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Full Press Release available to download [pdf 140KB]
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‘Up on the Roof’ is being showcased by designer Jennifer Hirsch, international environment charity the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and City-based Xchanging to highlight how positive horticultural steps can be taken, even in the smallest and most challenging of spaces, to reclaim green space in the urban jungle.
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Green Roof News - 3/3/2006
Bauder delivers roofing solution on key housing for key workers
Constructed on a 4.5 acre brownfield site, Well Farm Heights, Whyteleafe, Surrey is a block of designer flats that have been developed with Key-Workers such as those within the health and educational profession in mind. Constructed to provide decent homes for those on minimum wage, they offer a realistic first rung on the property ladder with flats in this green belt area starting from £90,000 as opposed to £150,000 - £165,000 for similar sized properties within Whyteleafe itself. The flats are small and intended for a single professional person without children. Each flat comes carpeted, has a simple white bathroom suite and all white goods such as fridge-freezers are included.
Built by Dominion Housing Group and managed by Acton Housing Association this £22m housing scheme is the largest dedicated Key-Worker development within the Southeast. Designed by Hawkins Brown Architects, who have recently completed the new Roald Dahl Museum and Storey Centre, Well Farm Heights is divided into 10 three and five storey blocks which have been carefully sited to gain optimum sunlight in each home.
With over quarter of a million spent on the roofing element alone, Hawkins Brown were able to seek an alternative to a traditional felt finish, and, as the flats are situated within a green belt area of Surrey, it seemed only logical that a green roof solution be specified.
To provide falls for the necessary water run-off, tapered timbers were installed on a completely flat concrete surface before the plywood deck was incorporated on top, constructing a secondary deck with falls.
The final system at Well Farm Heights comprised the Bauder single ply system that has been manufactured to be as environmentally friendly as possible, 100% recyclable with all production waste been returned to the manufacturing process.
On 9 of the blocks the Bauder sedum blanket was installed on top of the mechanically fixed single ply system and harnessed accordingly to protect against wind uplift. On 2 of the higher blocks the light grey single ply was the preferred finish.
The Housing Corporation has announced that by 2008 it is investing £3.9 billion to be spent on 70,000 “affordable homes.” Well Farm Heights is the flagship for other Key-Worker developments giving potential home owners the option of buying outright or to purchase on a shared ownership scheme. Being close to the countryside, transport and places of work it is the ideal base from which to provide good working and recreational facilities alike giving its tenants a quality of life that they quite likely would otherwise not have been able to afford.
Green Roof News - 1/2/2006
News Release - City Council committed to greening of Toronto's roofs
News Release
February 1, 2006
City Council committed to greening of Toronto's roofs
Toronto City Council today approved a Green Roofs strategy to promote the use of city rooftops to grow gardens and other vegetation. The City of Toronto has thoroughly researched the benefits, established demonstration Green Roofs projects on two municipal buildings, and conducted extensive consultation with the public, environmental groups and industry. Hundreds of people have encouraged the City to do more to encourage Green Roofs.
The recommendations that Council approved today include a commitment to install green roofs on new and existing buildings owned by the City, whenever practical to do so. For example, green roofs are to be considered for existing municipal buildings when roofs are due to be replaced. For new City-owned buildings, the Green Roofs strategy sets a target of green roofs covering 50 to 75 per cent of a building's footprint.
Council also recommended that a pilot program of financial incentives be initiated this year for the construction of green roofs. City officials will also work with Toronto Hydro and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund on the possibility of offering building owners additional financial incentives for retrofits. From a planning perspective, green roofs will be achieved through zoning bylaw amendments and site plan controls.
Mayor David Miller said, "This is a perfect example of how we expect the new City of Toronto Act will help us govern in the best interests of Torontonians. Given the power to regulate green roofs in our city, we can work with residents to implement major initiatives that will make our city cleaner, healthier and more beautiful."
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone chairs the City's Roundtable on the Environment, which recommended the "Making Green Roofs Happen" policy. He said, "Torontonians have told us that they want the city to do more to promote Green Roofs. In response, City Council has approved a comprehensive approach - from establishing standards and building our capacity to support Green Roofs at the City level, to offering education, funding, expert advice and promotion."
Green roofs mitigate the effects of stormwater in the city, improve buildings' energy efficiency, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, beautify the city, provide locations for gardening and food production, and provide passive recreational space in densely populated neighbourhoods. If eight per cent of Toronto's area were converted to Green Roofs, summer temperatures could be reduced by as much as 2 degrees Celsius. More information is available on the Green Roofs website at www.toronto.ca/greenroofs.
Media contacts: Jane Welsh, Project Manager, City Planning, 416-392-9709 Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Chair, Roundtable on the Environment, 416-392-4009
Green Roof News - 18/1/2006
Article on green roofs in the January 2006 Edition of the Riba Journal
PLEASE NOTE IF ANYONE WISHES TO POST INFORMATION ABOUT GREEN ROOFS ON LIVINGROOFS.ORG PLEASE SEND DETAILS TO THE NEWSEDITOR
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