GREEN GAMECHANGER: HOW PLANTS
ARE TRANSFORMING BUILDINGS
INTO THRIVING VERTICAL FORESTS
ANS GLOBAL
As the UK’s population continues to climb, expanding cities are
eating away at the country’s already limited green space, with over
half of all forests, gardens and farmland lost to new development
every year. With urbanisation showing no signs of slowing, and
with public demand for greener, healthier public spaces increasing,
planners, designers and architects are looking to urban regeneration
to transform cities into vibrant, sustainable destinations.
Green space is now considered to be an essential element of future
city living, and with benefits ranging from improving physical and
mental health to supporting biodiversity, plants have a crucial role
to play in enhancing the long-term wellbeing of city dwellers. While
foliage is becoming a common sight on new developments, Steve
McIntyre, Urban Environment Consultant, ANS Global outlines why
it’s the UK’s existing buildings which are the key to a greener future.
Creating a positive difference within inner city environments, living
walls and green roofs have become a prominent visual stamp of
ethical design, commended for their ability to transform an urban
eyesore in a sustainable design statement. While cities such as
London are championing their application within new developments
as part of new urban greening policies, retrofits and regeneration
projects can be a quicker and more efficient option to reintroduce
green space back into existing communities.