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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New Maintenance Guidelines for Australian Green Roofs
Assoc/Prof John Rayner has brought together researchers and green roof industry experts to develop maintenance guidelines for more sustainable, flourishing green roofs. Tailored specifically for Australian conditions, the Maintenance Guidelines for Australian Green Roofs detail the tasks required to maintain green roof elements including plants, hard landscaping, drainage and fall protection. Case studies and sample maintenance plans are provided for …
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Burnley Plant Guide Online!
The Burnley Plant Guide Online (BPG) is an indexed and searchable database of landscape plants grown in south-eastern Australia. It is based on decades of teaching and research of plants at Burnley campus (University of Melbourne) and has been a key resource for students since 2012. With over 2,700 native and exotic plant species or cultivars, and complemented with more …
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Greening Cities event
Bringing together urban greening professionals and researchers to transform urban landscapes Wed 20th & Thu 21st April 2022, Burnley Campus, University of Melbourne Register The Green Infrastructure Research Group and Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria are bringing Greening Cities to the beautiful Burnley campus this month. This is a great opportunity for industry professionals in horticulture, design, planning and policy to join with …
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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 …
