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Livingroofs.org Ltd |  |
| www.livingroofs.org |
An independent UK resource for green roof information
Livingroofs.org was established in response to a growing interest in green roofs in the UK, and the recognition to provide detailed and independent information to a wide audience in order to facilitate their installation.
It serves to:
- provide a forum for green roof interests
- provide advice
- advocate their benefits
- identify constraints and solutions
- promote and disseminate research
- develop policy and standards
- promote the industry
Green roofs can provide a wide range of benefits, to buildings, their owners and users, and the immediate environment. However, these are not well known in the UK, which has meant that this country trails behind others in installing green roofs. Since 2000, over 30 million m2 of green roofs have been erected in Germany. Switzerland, Sweden, the USA and other countries are now following suit.
The UK Government's focus on urban regeneration necessitates innovative approaches to the design of new buildings, especially to accord with the principles of sustainable development. Nevertheless, the increased pressures on urban land and increased density levels are likely to have adverse impacts on drainage, water abstraction, biodiversity, accessible green space, and local climate conditions. Green roofs can play a positive role in helping to mitigate these impacts and contribute towards a better quality urban environment.
Although green roofs in the UK date from the 1930s, a conservative building and planning culture has served to constrain their installation. No fiscal incentives are available to assist developers, no specific policies are in place to guide planners, and no standards exist to aid clients in determining their needs and assessing the quality of finished roofs. However, in the past 5 years we have been witnessing a renewed interest in green roofs, and growing confluence of growers, suppliers, ecologists, architects, designers, and others with an interest in green roofs to bring about the necessary changes in order for green roofs to play an important and rightful role in the design and life of our towns, cities and villages.
Livingroofs.org has been specifically established to assist in this green roof renaissance; an independent site that aims to provide a contemporary and comprehensive resource for planners, developers, architects, clients, and others wishing to design, install or promote green roofs. It aims to identify pit-falls and problems, as well as highlight the many benefits of green roofs and case studies of good practice. But it will also serve to campaign for policy changes at a Governmental level, to develop industry standards, and highlight areas for specific research.