green roofs for a wide brown land - the university of melbourne
DESCRIPTION
Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of MelbourneTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Green roofs for a wide brown land?-Research required to develop a successful Australian industry
Nicholas S.G. Williams, John P Rayner and Kirsten J Raynor
Department of Resource Management and GeographyGraduate School of Land and Environment
The University of Melbourne
![Page 2: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Green Roofs are SexyIn recent months there have been media stories in:• The Age• Sydney Morning Herald• Daily Telegraph• Horticulture Australia• Gardening Australia• Radio 2SER• Radio National: By Design• Moreland Leader• Queensland Property and Lifestyle magazine • Business Week
Highrise horticulture ... the rooftop garden at M Central in Pyrmont.Photo: Lee Besford SMH
![Page 3: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Most Australian examples are intensive green roofs
Private home Sydney. Photo: Gardening Australia
Converted car park, Sydney. Photo: Gardening Australia
30 cm + substrate depth
![Page 4: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Marine Discovery Centre, Queenscliff,
Most Australian examples are intensive green roofs
Crown CasinoMelbourne
![Page 5: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• relatively nutrient rich, deep substrate (> 30 cm)
• allows for establishment of greater range of plants: trees, shrubs and conventional lawns.
• require high level of maintenance, regular irrigation and applications of fertiliser
• weight can be considerable requiring substantial reinforcement of an existing roof or extra building structural support
• Therefore $$$$ and difficult to retrofit
Intensive Green Roofs
Freshwater Place, Melbourne (Photo: Fytogreen)
![Page 6: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• Shallow, low-nutrient light substrates 2-15 cm deep
• low maintenance, usually no irrigation or fertilisation (may be required initially)
• Potentially provide greater biodiversity benefits than intensive roofs, - ‘Ecoroofs’
• planted with, or colonised by, mosses, succulents, some wild flowers and grasses
• Few (None?) in Australia
Very Few Extensive Green Roofs
Semi-extensive green roof on CH2 building, Melbourne
Substrate 20-29 cm deep
![Page 7: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Extensive vs Intensive
In North America, most of industry growth is for extensive or semi intensive green roofs
• Overall 30 % industry growth in 2007 • Number of extensive green roofs
increased by 40% in 2007• Number of intensive green roofs
decreased by 247% in 2007
Green Roof Industry Survey 2007
![Page 8: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Why are there no extensive green roofs in Australia?
![Page 9: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• A major barrier is the lack scientific data available to evaluate their applicability to Australian conditions.
Why are there no extensive green roofs in Australia?
![Page 10: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• A major barrier is the lack scientific data available to evaluate their applicability to Australian conditions.
• Relying on northern hemisphere experience and technology is problematic due to significant differences in rainfall, temperature, available substrates and vegetation.
Why are there no extensive green roofs in Australia?
![Page 11: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• A major barrier is the lack scientific data available to evaluate their applicability to Australian conditions.
• Relying on northern hemisphere experience and technology is problematic due to significant differences in rainfall, temperature, available substrates and vegetation.
• This may introduce unacceptable levels of risk and unnecessary expense to projects
Why are there no extensive green roofs in Australia?
![Page 12: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• A major barrier is the lack scientific data available to evaluate their applicability to Australian conditions.
• Relying on northern hemisphere experience and technology is problematic due to significant differences in rainfall, temperature, available substrates and vegetation.
• This may introduce unacceptable levels of risk and unnecessary expense to projects
• Basic research is needed to objectively evaluate the performance, cost and environmental benefits of green roofs in Australia
Why are there no extensive green roofs in Australia?
![Page 13: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008 http://www.greenroofmaps.com/
Indicative World distribution of Green roofs
![Page 14: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
http://ag.arizona.edu/~lmilich/pe.html
The Australian Climate is different
![Page 15: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
International Green Roof Research
• Europe: 30-40 years• Nth America: 15-20 years• United Kingdom: 10-12 years• New Zealand: 3-4 yearsMany universities have independent green roof
research and testing facilities– University of Sheffield http://www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/index.html
– Michigan State http://www.hrt.msu.edu/greenroof/
– BCIT http://commons.bcit.ca/greenroof/
– North Carolina State http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/greenroofs/– Penn State http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/greenroofcenter/
![Page 16: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• Europe: 30-40 years• Nth America: 15-20 years• United Kingdom: 10-12 years• New Zealand: 3-4 yearsMany universities have independent green roof
research and testing facilities– University of Sheffield http://www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/index.html
– Michigan State http://www.hrt.msu.edu/greenroof/
– BCIT http://commons.bcit.ca/greenroof/
– North Carolina State http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/greenroofs/– Penn State http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/greenroofcenter/
International Green Roof Research
![Page 17: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
University Research Facilities
• Replicated green roof modules or experimental plots
• Monitored for runoff quantity and quality, plant performance, energy use
• Funded by green roof component suppliers, government or companies wanting to build a green roof
• Establishing facilities at University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus
Penn State University
Oregon State University
University of Sheffield
![Page 18: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Key Questions – Substrates
• Northern hemisphere substrates are well established but transport costs and materials differences necessitate that local substrates be developed.
• Unlike the green roof industry in North America and Europe, the few Australian proprietary products available have not been independently tested.
• May need to develop different mixes for different locations based on availability and cost
![Page 19: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Key Questions – Substrates
• What substrates are available?• How do various substrate materials and
mixes perform under Australian roof conditions?– Temperatures can be as high as 90 C
• What depth of substrates are required for plants in the Australian climate?
• What are the lifecycle costs (sustainability) of substrate components
![Page 20: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Key Questions - Plants• In temperate Northern hemisphere sedum
species are typically planted on extensive green roofs. – Collapse and die in extended periods of hot
weather– may not be suitable for Mediterranean or sub-
tropical climates in Australia’s major cities• Very little is known about the suitability of
Australian plants for green roofs. • Overseas interest in potential of drought
adapted Australian species.
![Page 21: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Key Questions - Plants• Are there native plants that will survive on
extensive green roofs in Australian climates• Or do they require supplementary irrigation? • What is the minimum depth of substrate
required for survival?• What is the performance of Australian plants
relative to species used in the Northern Hemisphere?
![Page 22: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140Days since Nov 1st 2007
Ava
ilabl
e w
ater
(mm
)
rain
evaporation
reservoir0.2E
Nov Dec Jan Feb
![Page 23: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Days since Nov 1st
Ava
ilabl
e w
ater
(mm
)
rain
evaporation
reservoir 0.4E
Nov Dec Jan Feb
![Page 24: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
More likely to be a Brown Roof?
Brenneisen S. 2006. Space for Urban Wildlife: Designing Green Roofs as Habitats in Switzerland. Urban Habitats 4: 27-36.
Kangaroo and Wallaby grasses with everlastings
![Page 25: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• What are the stormwater volume and peak flow reductions in Australian climate conditions?
• How does this vary with substrate depth and planting palette?
• How do various substrates affect water runoff quality– Some mixes / components may leach N
• Can we use grey water on green roofs?
Key Questions - Water
![Page 26: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• What is the potential impact on building energy performance
• Can green roofs cool the urban landscape?– providing 50 % green roof cover in New York
would lead to an average 0.1-0.8°C reduction in surface temperatures.
– for every 1°C reduction 495 million kWh saved– Will only work if irrigated- can’t use potable H2O
• What are the full environmental costs and benefits of different types of green roofs over their lifecycle?
Key Questions – Energy and lifecycle
![Page 27: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Green Roof Research @The University of Melbourne
• Established a 20m2 experimental extensive green roof at the Burnley Campus
Using it to:1. Select plants that will survive and look good
in Australian climatic conditions2. Develop a locally produced light weight
substrate3. Investigate the effect of the green roof on
building energy budgets
![Page 28: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• Investigating the drought tolerance of selected succulents, grasses and herbs
• Evaluating the properties of substrate components and mixes
• Determining the effect of recycled water on green roof substrates
Green Roof Research @The University of Melbourne
![Page 29: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008 Source:Zinco Planning Guide, 6th edition
• Green Roof system donated by ZinCo
• Used the FloraDrain40 system
• 125 mm of substrate
Green Roof Research @The University of Melbourne
![Page 30: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
125 mm
• Green Roof system was donated by ZinCo
• Used the FloraDrain40 system
• 125 mm of substrate 40 mm
Source:Zinco Planning Guide, 6th edition
Green Roof Research @The University of Melbourne
![Page 31: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Root resistant water proofing
![Page 32: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Fitting eaves to frame
![Page 33: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Rolling out protection layer
![Page 34: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Adding drainage layer
![Page 35: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
![Page 36: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• Adding substrate and initial planting mid July
• Need to finalise plant selection• 10 individuals of 32 species• 20 cm plant spacing• Upright succulents, herbs
spreading succulents and grasses in separate quadrants
• Irrigation to establish only
Green Roof Research @The University of Melbourne
![Page 37: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
• Attractive• High tolerance to light• High ‘drought’ tolerance• Robust and moderate to high vigour• Easily maintained• Tolerate seasonal water logging?• Possum proof? • Available
Plant Selection Criteria
![Page 38: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Habitat Templates
Gibber Chenopod ShrublandsImage: Rob Jung
Alpine rocky slopes
Native grasslands. Photo Georgia Garrard
![Page 39: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Potential Plant Species
Lomandra multiflora subsp. dura
Wallaby Grasses(Austrodanthonia sp)
Rounded Noon Flower(Disphyma crassifolium)
![Page 40: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Enchylaenatomentosa
Potential Plant Species
Sedum mexicanumRhodanthe floribunda
![Page 41: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Pigface (Carpobrotusrossii)
Blue Chalk Sticks(Kleinia mandraliscae)
Dianellarevoluta Phormium
‘Thumbelina’
Potential Plant Species
![Page 42: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Pigface (Carpobrotusrossii)
Blue Chalk Sticks(Kleinia mandraliscae)
Dianellarevoluta Phormium
‘Thumbelina’
Potential Plant Species
XX
? √
![Page 43: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008 Semi-intensive green roof @ CH2. Media 20-29 cm deep
![Page 44: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
CH2 East Core Roof – February 2008
![Page 45: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Conclusions
• Extensive green roofs have great potential as a climate change adaptation strategy– Less expensive– More easily retrofitted
• Few extensive green roofs in Australia• Many candidate native plant species• Need research for Australian conditions
![Page 46: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Conclusions
• Extensive green roofs have great potential as a climate change adaptation strategy– Less expensive– More easily retrofitted
• Few extensive green roofs in Australia• Many candidate native plant species• Need research for Australian conditions• Hopefully our work we can help fill this
information gap
![Page 47: Green Roofs for A Wide Brown Land - the University of Melbourne](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022070301/544e4639af79595b278b479a/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Dr Nick Williams, Melbourne School of Land & Environment Green Roofs Australia Brisbane June 2008
Acknowledgements
• John and Kirsten• Funding provided by The University of
Melbourne-CSIRO Collaborative grant scheme
• Materials provided by ZinCO• Peter May• Ross Payne