EPSRC iCASE 2016 Green biofilters: testing multifunctional urban greening solutions that improve asset resilience and air and water quality
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Geographical & Earth Sciences
Abstract
Green Screens
Green screens are comprised of a planter and a mesh upon which climber vegetation grows, thus forming a screen which can be attached to buildings or used in the place of traditional fencing. The structure of green screens makes them easier to install and maintain than other vertical greening systems (VGS), meaning they are relatively inexpensive. This is their main advantage over other vertical greening systems such as living walls, as well as more traditional tree planting. Along with policy, local-scale interventions such as this could be an effective tool in future climate change mitigation
UoG Green Screen Trial
This green screen trial forms the first experimental section of the project and is part of a wider University initiative called the 'Smart Campus'. Air pollution and flooding are major global urban challenges. This trial, which is the first of it's kind in Scotland, is designed to evaluate how well green screens compare to traditional construction hoarding to trap air pollutants and slow down rainfall runoff. It is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council with support from Arup, Mobilane and Multiplex.
Additionally, undergraduate research will assess public perception of the screens. This links to the potential mental health benefits.
Green screens are comprised of a planter and a mesh upon which climber vegetation grows, thus forming a screen which can be attached to buildings or used in the place of traditional fencing. The structure of green screens makes them easier to install and maintain than other vertical greening systems (VGS), meaning they are relatively inexpensive. This is their main advantage over other vertical greening systems such as living walls, as well as more traditional tree planting. Along with policy, local-scale interventions such as this could be an effective tool in future climate change mitigation
UoG Green Screen Trial
This green screen trial forms the first experimental section of the project and is part of a wider University initiative called the 'Smart Campus'. Air pollution and flooding are major global urban challenges. This trial, which is the first of it's kind in Scotland, is designed to evaluate how well green screens compare to traditional construction hoarding to trap air pollutants and slow down rainfall runoff. It is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council with support from Arup, Mobilane and Multiplex.
Additionally, undergraduate research will assess public perception of the screens. This links to the potential mental health benefits.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R511936/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 2181741 | Studentship | EP/R511936/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/06/2022 | Neil Jackson |
| Description | Initial findings have shown the following: - Potential for vertical greening systems (VGS), in this case green screens, to buffer against fine particulate pollution, reducing particulate matter (PM) counts by up to 50% when compared to ordinary wooden construction hoarding. - Potential for VGS to attenuate rainfall, with rainfall volumes reduced by up to 40% when compared to ordinary construction hoarding. - Increased levels of ions in runoff from green screens compared to ordinary construction hoarding. This includes metal ions such as iron, likely vehicular in origin, as well as nitrate and phosphorous which are key water pollutants. - Higher particulate counts on the leaf surface of Dart's Blanket and Hornbeam compared to more-traditionally used Ivy, suggested other species may be more effective buffers. |
| Exploitation Route | More empirical studies need to be completed to assess the impact vertical greening systems, particularly green screens, may have in the environment. Once this is completed, councils can begin to use them alongside other green infrastructure and legislative measures to help buffer vulnerable citizens against particulate matter and reduce pluvial flood risk. |
| Sectors | Construction,Environment,Transport |
| Description | SAGES Small Grant |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2019 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | Green Screen Projects |
| Organisation | BAM Nuttall |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Running the projects. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing space to use, contributing to costs. |
| Impact | Still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Green Screen Projects |
| Organisation | Mobilane |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Running the projects. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing space to use, contributing to costs. |
| Impact | Still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Green Screen Projects |
| Organisation | Multiplex Construction |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Running the projects. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing space to use, contributing to costs. |
| Impact | Still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2017 |