Vertical Greening Systems: A Perspective on Existing Technologies and New Design Recommendation

Abstract

Vertical greening systems (VGSs) represent an emerging technology within the field of building-integrated horticulture that have been used to help counteract the global issues of urbanisation and climate change. Research and development within the field of building-integrated horticulture, despite being in the infancy stage, is steadily progressing, highlighting a broad range of achievable social, environmental, and economic benefits this sustainable development technology could provide. However, as VGS technology is relatively new, an array of different designs and technologies have been categorized collectively as VGSs, each having various performances towards the proposed and desired benefits. The purpose of this paper is to review existing VGS technologies and analyse the impact of implementation on sustainable development, and subsequently to propose a new VGS design that theoretically achieves the best possible outcomes when aiming to obtain the maximum benefits of installing a VGS. The resultant design creates new opportunities for VGS environmental amenities and maintenance, increases the scope of applications, and improves the environmental performance of the host building. The proposed design has the potential to transform VGSs beyond conventional functions of aesthetic greening to create novel ecosystems, which enhances the formation of habitats for a more diverse range of flora and fauna.

When Trees Are Not an Option: Perennial Vines as a Complementary Strategy for Mitigating the Summer Warming of an Urban Microclimate

“…There is a notable absence of published research on green façades in North America and their potential role in mitigating the rise in summer urban temperatures [27,29,34]. At the same time, North American scholars are leaders in research on urban forestry and the temperature-moderating benefits of city trees [60,61], thus suggesting a greater societal interest in trees.…”

“…Their maintenance is often more straightforward and less costly than that of trees, and their rapid growth provides quick canopy cover, delivering faster shading and cooling effects. Vines can also enhance urban aesthetics, contribute to building insulation, and support biodiversity by attracting pollinators [29]. Moreover, vines often face fewer regulatory hurdles and may garner more public favor as they avoid common tree-related concerns like obstructed views or sidewalk damage.…”

Active Learning, Living Laboratories, Student Empowerment, and Urban Sustainability

“…(6) Renewable materials, like cork, can be used to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, and can be used in the production of electric vehicles and in many other innovative and sustainable applications [25]. (7) The development and testing of different approaches to "green walls" and living buildings [24,26,27] could be promoted. (8) Development of urban architecture in which conservation and biodiversity are incorpo-rated into the very fabric of household structures [24].…”

“…A recent article provides compelling insight into multi-species architecture (focus on establishment of more than just humans) through the integration of plants and animals [24]. Irga, Torpy, Griffin and Wilkinson [27] provided an inspiring review and discussion of vertical green structures. Furthermore, the authors reviewed existing types of structures and highlighted their limitations.…”

Physiological Investigations of the Plants Involved in Air Biofiltration: Study Case

“…Green infrastructure (and other related nature-based strategies) involves plant-based architectures with a role in botanical air biofiltration, climate control, wellbeing, and health, being an important contributor to urban sustainability [38][39][40][41][42]. Overall, carbon-neutrality is considered as the long-term goal of this urban sustainability concept [43].…”