Australia: Burnley Green Roof Plant Guide
Plant-based research for future green cities
Rayner J, Bathgate R, Williams N and Farrell C (2023)
Green Infrastructure Research Group in the Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne (Burnley Campus).
The new Burnley Green Roof Plant Guide has just been published and provides proven plant palettes for flourishing Australian green roofs. Based on over 15-years’ of research and plant trials at the University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus, the guide outlines plant combinations that can be used on a range of different green roof types to maximise the benefits of urban greening.
Our green infrastructure research is key to liveable cities for people and biodiversity
Our changing climate, booming city populations, soaring energy costs and building works are ideal conditions to maximise the vast benefits of nature in built environments. Green infrastructure can help people in cities and towns live happier, healthier lives.
People move and exercise more, enjoy improved emotional health, breath cleaner air and, through cooler microclimates, experience less heat-related stress. People also enjoy the aesthetics, living art, culture and heritage that green infrastructure brings to life in cities.
Industry, government and the community can benefit through increased productivity and property values, while costs of flooding, stormwater management and energy decrease.
Fusing the natural world with our city life also creates and preserves valuable habitats and ecological biodiversity, conserves water and improves waterway health. Crucially for climate change adaptation and resilience, green infrastructure absorbs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
