What Is Earth Day?
The first Earth Day was observed in 1970 in the USA. It was a reaction to the 1969 oil well spillage that killed over 10,000 creatures off the coast of California. In the 50+ years that have followed, this annual event has increased in magnitude and importance. It is now observed across 192 countries and marked by an estimated 1 billion people each year.
Earth Day aims to raise awareness of the precarious state of our planet’s ecosystems and to encourage activities which protect and nurture our environment. Activities such as reducing the use of plastics, and adopting living green infrastructures to cool cities, clean air and support a myriad of species.
Here at Pritchard and Pritchard, we like to think that every day is an Earth day. Our Company ethos and actions focus on making the planet a better and more sustainable place for all species and we relish every opportunity to be involved with urban greening initiatives.
How Do Green Roofs And Living Walls Help Our Planet?
- Filter pollutants from the air
- Convert greenhouse gasses to breathable oxygen
- Cool the environment
- Insulate buildings thus reducing the need for energy-burning heating and cooling systems
- Green and Blue roofs offer sustainable flood prevention solutions
- Supply food and shelter for wildlife
- Support Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives
- Create a sense of place and foster a deeper connection with nature
Learn more about the benefits of Green Roofs and Living Walls here.
It’s no secret that living plants are the beating heart of our planet. The more plants we surround ourselves with, the more comfortable we feel. Whether that be due to the cooling effects of evapotranspiration, the cleaner air or that intangible concept known as biophilia, every species on this earth needs plants.
However, plants need room to grow and in busy communities it’s not unusual for ground-level surfaces to be built upon. Roads, pavements, car parks, homes, offices, shops are all crucial amenities for humans but tend to be poor at supporting vegetation.
Green Walls and Living Walls afford valuable opportunities to grow plants without encroaching on space needed for human activity. They take up minimal space at ground level and yet allow greenery to flourish.
The Role Of Green Roofs and Living Walls In Biodiversity Net Gain
The first Earth Day in 1970 was marked by US President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon planting a tree in the grounds of the White House. A small, but significant nod to the importance of trees and plants for the protection of our planet.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of many, human activity continues to outcompete the survival of a great many species of insects, fungi, plants and mammals that contribute greatly to the health of our planet.
In February 2024, the UK Government passed a law to ensure that going forward, the built environment would be less of a threat to plants and wildlife. The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations ensure that commercial and domestic developments must contribute a minimum 10% increase in species to their local area. The regulations also state that the BNG must be sustained for at least thirty years. Which means that ‘box ticking’ exercises will no longer be enough to satisfy planning conditions. Since 2nd April the guidance also applies to smaller property developments of 9 houses or less.
It seems logical that green roofs and living walls will become tools for meeting and exceeding planning requirements on future developments, and here’s why…..
- Green roofs and living walls take up minimal space at ground level. Thus leaving plenty of space for roads, paths, bicycle routes, living space, meeting places and leisure gardens.
- Living roofs can either be used for community spaces or rooftop farming, or they can be left largely undisturbed so that wildlife can thrive in peace.
- Provided that a green roof is carefully specified, expertly installed and sensitively maintained, it will support a wide range of plant, insect and avian activity. The same applies to living walls.
- Whilst green roofs may not be visible at ground level, living walls are attractive aesthetic features that can contribute to wellbeing in the community. A community that is engaged with nature is more likely to respect and nurture their environment, thus encouraging wildlife to thrive.
Discover more about biodiversity net gain regulations here https://green-roofs.co.uk/biodiversity-net-gain-bng-living-roofs-walls/
Green Roofs, Living Walls and Energy Usage
Earth Day seeks to raise awareness of the ways in which human activity is damaging our planet. And also to educate people in how to do better.
By using fuel of any type to heat and/or cool our buildings, humans are contributing to an increase in the greenhouse gasses that threaten environments all around the world. Not to mention the pollution generated from particle emissions.
However, the green roofs and living walls that Prichard and Prichard install and maintain are designed to help insulate buildings and reduce the amount of fuel needed for temperature control. In winter, heating requirements are minimised by the thermal mass of a green roof buildup. Whilst in summer, the action of evapotranspiration from plants helps to cool the air around the building so that internal air conditioning is less necessary.
Another advantage of vegetated areas is that PV panels tend to work more efficiently. It seems that green areas keep the panels closer to their optimum operating temperature.
Have You Been Inspired?
If you are intrigued by the planetary benefits of green roofs and living walls and would like to know how they could fit into your life, take a look at our portfolio of work to discover how other people have harnessed the power of nature to embrace the principals and ethos of Earth Day.
