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 WilliamsA/Prof John RaynerDr Claire FarrellA/Prof Kath WilliamsDr Rebecca MillerDr 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

Latest Research & Events

Maintenance Guidelines for Australian Green Roofs
New guidelines from green roof researchers and industry experts on maintenance requirements for sustainable green roofs. Download the guidelines here

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.

 

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