Every roof in the city district of Utrecht is to be “greened” with plants and mosses or have solar panels installed under plans driven by the success of a similar scheme for the municipality’s bus stops.
The “no roofs unused” policy is part of an attempt to reinvigorate biodiversity in the city and create a less stressful and happier environment, of which the construction of a so-called “vertical forest tower with 10,000 plants on its facade is set to become a leading example.
It looks amazing, like one of those sci-fi book covers about life in the future. And what a wonderful idea to make our concrete jungles less, well, concrete...
Utrecht, the fastest growing city in the Netherlands, was rated in a 2019 study by Natuur & Milieu as the most “sustainable” in the country in terms of buying green electricity, its use of environmental zones, exploitation of solar power and encouragement of cycling.
The municipality completed the installation of green roofs on its 316 bus stops last year, capturing fine particles of air pollution, storing rainwater, and providing cooling during the summer months.
The bus stops roofs are planted with sedum, a plant with small yellow flowers in the summer months, draws birds, bees and butterflies. The bus stops, fitted with bamboo benches, feature energy-efficient LED lighting and 96 of them have been outfitted with solar panels.
Bring it on, I say!
Haven't visited for decades but I fondly remember the Netherlands providing warm welcomes and excellent cycling holidays for my generation. It's rare to encounter such a bold and refreshing proposal from planners. However it will remain to be seen how much of a success can be made of the project without spoiling Utrecht's rich culture and architecture.
ReplyDeleteLet's wish the Dutch pioneers well.
I don't know how much a mossy roof will weigh after a month's rain and whether or not the building will be able to take the weight, but the railway museum in Utrecht is wonderful! You don't have to be a railway fan to be able to spend a whole day there.
ReplyDeletePeeWee
Utrecht, quite tree-ty since 1714
ReplyDeleteAnd it is a good thing Will is not going back to his old job. This month he has to take care of himself, Kate and George. Isolation is the best way for them. The other 2 nippers will be fine. In fact the whole family will be fine but there should be no risks this month. Just saying.
ReplyDelete"It's rare to encounter such a bold and refreshing proposal from planners."
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Which makes it all the more exciting.
"I don't know how much a mossy roof will weigh after a month's rain and whether or not the building will be able to take the weight..."
I'd hope they've taken it into account!