G. Tiziana Gallo’s Post

30% of urban areas protected for nature/green space is BOLD…. Yet with urban land at a price premium it requires strong governance to legislate for this. ….see Hamburg’s citizen led agreement below…. Re-imagining what an ‘urban’ environment should include is essential to our experience as humans as we move towards 68% urbanisation globally by 2050… What else can you imagine for our cities of the future? …

#Wetland restoration projects, ecological #conservation programs, and #sustainable development planning have allowed this city to balance economic growth and #environmentalprotection. https://ow.ly/Fy8M50QA2Tg

June 3rd marks #EarthOvershootDay for the UK for 2024. Could high-density, mixed-use developments be a part of the solution?     For comparison, Earth Overshoot Day was March 14th for the USA,  May 20th for Spain, June 1st for China and it will be July 20th for Romania and November 24th for Ecuador.     As our society is using resources faster than they can be replenished, systemic turnarounds are needed to manage our need and use of these resources.  Yet, as individuals and companies, we can help become part of the solution to reduce our ecological footprints through our actions.  One of the most impactful practices in the built environment sector is for landscape architects and developers to work together to promote #efficient land use. Having landscape input at an early stage to inform landscape capacity and guide a sensitive approach to development is fundamental.  But there is also more to it.  As a society, we need to embrace the design of more compact and higher-density living, which will reduce sprawl and preserve more of our natural landscape and leave more space to nature enhancement. Preserving these areas enhances #biodiversity and promotes a higher quality of life for residents by providing access to nature. Compact, well-planned developments help protect natural landscapes by concentrating growth in designated areas, preserving valuable ecosystems, agricultural land, and wildlife habitats on the periphery. Other sustainable design practices that landscape architects use to address ecological footprint include: - Reducing urban heat islands through well-designed streetscapes incorporating trees and planting and paving design,   - Designing systems to capture and reuse rainwater and manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks through well-designed SUDs proposals, - Thoughtful green infrastructure design, connecting habitats, using planting design strategies that require less water and maintenance creating movement corridors and food for wildlife. #SustainableLiving #EfficientLandUse #MixedUseDevelopment #UKREiiF #Biodiversity #NatureConservation #SustainableDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #ClimateAction #ResourceManagement

Wienerberger Eco Habitats......."a Swifts tail" The migration, Swifts can travel up to 6,000 miles from Mozambique to their summer breeding grounds in Brighton every year. This remarkable journey is a testament to the resilience of nature. Yet, upon arrival, these avian adventurers often face a new challenge: habitat loss. In Brighton, Swift colonies have historically thrived, a site faithful bird, they will attempt to return to the same nest each year. Urban development has led to a decrease in suitable nesting sites.  At Wienerberger we create a vast range of Eco Habitat homes for a wide range of species. In this instance, they aren't just birdhouses; they're lifelines for Swifts, designed to mimic their natural nesting preferences. Analysing the impact, it's clear that these Eco habitats do more than provide a home for Swifts. They support biodiversity, enriching our urban environments with the irreplaceable chorus of nature. And for residents, they offer a unique opportunity to witness the marvel of migration and conservation in action. But why should we, as professionals, care about Swift migration and Eco habitats? Because it's a powerful example of sustainable innovation. It shows how we can balance development with ecological preservation, a lesson that should transcend through our industry. Wienerberger’s "Brighton Hospital Eco-Habitat case study" is a fantastic example of how we can contribute. Link in comments below. We have some great examples of Eco habitat solutions at our London showroom which we would love to talk to you about. Wienerberger, showroom Number 125, Business Design Centre, Islington. #sustainability #nature #architects #innovation #wienerberger

What if rooftops could make cities greener and more resilient? 👇 Well, green roofs are doing just that—transforming urban landscapes by integrating nature into our built environment. They enhance energy efficiency, manage stormwater, and promote biodiversity, creating more sustainable and resilient urban spaces. Green roofs also bring economic benefits. They provide natural insulation, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of roofing materials by shielding them from the elements. Investing in green roofs is a step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future. 🌿 Green up the roofs, the cities, the world! 💚🌍 __ Athens College HAEF, Greece Supply & technical support provided by Prasini Stegi Green Roof Systems __ #greenroofs #sustainability #urbanarchitecture #landscape #rooftops #benefits

🌳 In our commitment to sustainability, we're not only building structures; we're enhancing ecosystems. This week's BREEAM category spotlight is LAND USE & ECOLOGY. 🌿 This category assesses the impact of a building on the surrounding environment. At Group Sigma, we believe that it is important to design buildings in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. We selected a site for the Cercle du Lac building that had low ecological value, but we preserved the surrounding environment and retained the site's advantages, including the preservation of all trees except one. We also enhanced ecological features with extensive plantings, promoting biodiversity.🌱🌍 You want to know more? Read our article: “Group Sigma's Commitment to Sustainable Design: https://lnkd.in/emMXZ6e7 BREEAM Official #EcoFriendly #BuildingDesign #SustainableLandUse #SustainableArchitecture #BelgianArchitecture #BREEAM #LandUse

With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) set to go live on Monday, View Point is targeted to achieve an impressive 14.34% BNG. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is at the core of our vision, aligning with the government's strategy to enhance wildlife habitat by a minimum of 10% during development. Set to redefine commercial office space in Exeter. Our best-in-class sustainable workspace at Pynes Hill will span 25,000 sq feet, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint and operational costs in remarkable surroundings. For additional project details, follow this link 👇 https://bit.ly/420Ixfv In collaboration with Wesleyan Assurance Society and Summerfield Developments - Commercial, our landscape-led design aims to elevate the standards for sustainable development. Our proposal focuses on preserving existing trees, including a majestic oak that anchors the building design into the landscape. Native planting around the plot will promote biodiversity, create a vibrant and healthy environment for staff and visitors and provide for wildlife. Diverse planting typologies, from wildflower meadows to shrubs and ornamental grasses, will define the landscape character across the site. Green corridors connect with the wider landscape, maximising its potential. Building with Nature principles are applied, with views of water through a wildlife pond to enhance well-being. The drainage system prioritises sustainability with underground cells and permeable parking. Preserving significant trees along the site edge provides visual screening and an acoustic buffer and the continuous canopy creates a dedicated wildlife corridor for bats, birds and other creatures. An external terrace provides captivating views while mounding creates interest, utilising on-site fill and minimising off-site impact. The landscape design integrates natural levels for seating areas and congregation spaces. A dedicated cycle route leads you directly to the front entrance, providing a scenic commute and walking links to the local park, creating a welcome arrival. View Point is not just a workspace; it's a commitment to sustainability, aiming not only to meet but on track to exceed national BNG standards. For further details contact Hugo Tillotson at Maze or Andrew Pearce at Pearce Property Consultants #WeAreLHC #BiodiversityNetGain #Visulisations #SustainableWorkspace #BiodiversityNetGain #BuildingWithNature

Sustainable Practices for Heritage Facade Restoration in Sydney Heritage buildings hold immense cultural and historical significance, therefore ensuring their preservation is crucial. However, conventional restoration practices often involve the use of harmful chemicals and materials that can have adverse effects on the environment. To address this issue, sustainable restoration practices have emerged as a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to preserving and restoring heritage buildings. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gKa5s3eC

SoGreen Alliance: adoption EU Nature Restoration Law historic moment for urban green areas The SoGreen Alliance, a cooperation of eight European associations of urban green professionals (www.onthegreenmove.com), considers the adoption of the EU Nature Restoration Law as a historic moment for greening urban areas. On June 17th 2024, the Environment Council of the Council of the EU adopted the law as final step in the legislative process. The SoGreen Alliance has been lobbying in favour of the law specifically for the aims for the urban area and is relieved that the law has now come true. According to planning, the European Commission will adopt in 2028 a framework for composing, monitoring and reporting of the urban restoration plans. The SoGreen Alliance is committed to cooperate with the European institutions in the preparational work and to align the urban green professionals as specialist stakeholder of green and nature-based solutions in making urban plans on national and local level. Till 2030 The Nature Restoration Law aims at a no net loss of green spaces and tree canopy in the urban area till 2030. This means that there must be attention for compensation of green spaces and tree canopy when this will be removed for for example construction works.  At the same time, this development enhances possibilities of integrating green and nature-based solutions in new projects. Think about green roofs, green facades and gardens. These green solutions offer multiple benefits in public health, biodiversity, storing rainwater, urban cooling, carbon dioxide storage and improving air quality. Good growing conditions and knowledge of maintenance of greenery are vital to create effective and sustainable green solutions. Between 2030 and 2050 Starting from 2030 the national and local urban restoration plans will be put into place. The Nature Restoration Law determines that in the period between 2030 and 2050, there will be a raising trend in the growth of green spaces and tree canopy in the urban area till a satisfactory level is reached. It is up to the national and local governments to define their own ambition, which gives room to adjust to specific local conditions. In the end, efforts are directed to climate resilience, enhanced biodiversity and public health. The urban area will remain a good and attractive place to live, even with the challenge that in future more and more people live in cities. The SoGreen Alliance concludes that this is the first time in history that greening the urban area has been put into law. Looking at the great challenges on climate, biodiversity and public health this is a logical step to create more urgency in tackling these challenges. However, our urban green professionals do have already have the knowledge and experience to start up decisive actions. The SoGreen Alliance takes on behalf of them the lead in making this green transition blossom.        

🌿✨ Transformation at Battersea Power Station: A Green Revival 🌱 The iconic Battersea Power Station has undergone a remarkable transformation, not just in its architecture but in its surrounding landscapes! What was once an industrial landmark has been revitalised with soft landscaping that brings nature back to the heart of the city. From lush green spaces to vibrant gardens, the new landscaping enhances biodiversity and creates inviting, sustainable environments for everyone to enjoy. As part of this transformation, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements have played a crucial role. Under new legislation, both major and minor developments in London and surrounding areas must now leave biodiversity in a better state than before, ensuring a positive impact on local ecosystems. 🌳🐝 At Battersea, this means more trees, pollinator-friendly plants, and water features that support urban wildlife while providing cleaner air and a tranquil space for visitors. With urban greening at the forefront, Battersea Power Station is setting the standard for a sustainable future. 🌷🌍 Get in touch with us to see how we can help you with your project :) #BatterseaPowerStation #Transformation #Sustainability #BiodiversityNetGain #UrbanGreening #LondonLandmarks #EcoFriendly #GreenSpaces