Researching the benefits of demonstration green roofs across Australia
In this project we are investigating and developing solutions to cultural, community and horticultural barriers to green roof construction.
Hort Innovation Project GC16002
With expertise in green infrastructure, psychology and business, our interdisciplinary research team is investigating:
- the effectiveness of demonstration green roofs in overcoming barriers to uptake
- proven plant palettes for different green roof build-ups
- maintenance needs of different green roof build-ups for new implementation guidelines
- which green roof plants are aesthetically attractive to a wide range of people
- vegetation characteristics that increase emotional wellbeing.
Researchers: A/Prof Nick Williams, A/Prof John Rayner, Dr Claire Farrell, A/Prof Kath Williams, Dr Rebecca Miller, Dr Kate Lee and A/Prof Katherine Johnson (The University of Melbourne) Prof Leisa Sargent (The University of NSW).
See full list of researchers here.
Students: Rose Macaulay (PhD), Zahra Saraeian (PhD), masters and honours students.
Partners: Hort Innovation, The University of Melbourne, The University of NSW, the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Industry reference panel: Providing review and expert opinion on the research program and outputs. See here for reference panel members.
Funding: Funded by the Hort Frontiers Green Cities, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with additional support from City of Melbourne and DELWP.
Year: 2018-2021
Publications and Outreach
Contact
For more information please contact Nick Williams from the Green Infrastructure Research Group at nsw@unimelb.edu.au
News
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Online workshop: Green Roof Maintenance
Find link to recording here In this free online1.5-hour workshop, research experts and practitioners in green roof design and maintenance outlined the key maintenance requirements for a range of Australian green roofs. Maintenance is critical for functional, flourishing green roofs - ensuring they deliver the long-term benefits for which they were designed - including rainwater capture, biodiversity enhancement and cool, green spaces …
25 November, 2020 HIA -
Roadmap for Greener Cities
GIRG researchers Nicholas Williams, Kate Lee, John Rayner and Rachael Bathgate have worked with our industry, government and research partners to develop the Roadmap for Green Roofs, Walls and Facades in Australia’s Urban Landscapes 2020-2030. The roadmap sets out the actions for achieving a flourishing green infrastructure industry and more liveable future green cities, and has been produced as part …
9 June, 2020 HIA -
Your Perceptions of Green Roofs
We invite you to participate in 10 min online survey about what people think about different types of green roofs....
13 December, 2019 HIA -
Green Roof, Walls and Facades Summits
Our green infrastructure researchers recently ran two highly successful industry summits in Sydney and Melbourne to create a vision, and identify pathways, for greater greening in cities throughout Australia. The Green Roof, Walls and Facades Summits brought together researchers and over 60 practitioners from green infrastructure industries....
2 August, 2019 HIA

Latest Research & Events
Green Roof Maintenance Matters
An online workshop focused on maintenance of green roofs for Australian conditions.
Video recording here
Experts in green roof maintenance discussed the critical elements needed to maintain functional, sustainable green roofs in this online webinar. Industry professionals Michael Casey – Evergreen Infrastructure, Scott Sherwood – Fytogreen and Sarah Hardgrove – Wildgrove Horticulture, joined the University of Melbourne’s John Rayner to discuss why good green roof maintenance is essential for better greening outcomes in Australian cities.
Roadmap for Australian Green Roofs, Walls and Facades
We’ve been working with our industry, government and research partners on the Roadmap for Green Roofs, Walls and Facades in Australia’s Urban Landscapes 2020-2030. The roadmap sets out the actions for achieving a flourishing green infrastructure industry and more liveable future green cities.
Read the full report here or download the summary.