Weekly Blogs

Just a quick note to flag the dates 9th November - 12th November which is when Greening Cities conference comes to town.

With an impressive line up of key note speakers (Patric Blanc, Dusty Gedge) this conference a MUST ATTEND one for those interested in developments in the Green Roofs industry.

This year's conference will be building on the growth and momentum that we have developed over the past five years with the primary objectives of this year's conference being:

1. - Focus on driving green roof and green wall implementation in Sydney & throughout NSW.

2. - Supporting different sectors and disciplines to share an appreciation of their benefits to urban development and application for our climate

2. - Demonstrating the technological and environmental benefits, sharing and disseminating good practice and promoting the implementation of green infrastructure into our cities

2. - Providing an educational Training Workshop for the general public, with accredited CPD & GBCA points for professionals.

2. - Promoting the City of Sydney 2030 Vision, to transform Sydney into one of the worlds' greenest cities

Junglefy is very exicited to witness the role City of Sydney is taking in leading the greening our urban environment.

City of Sydney has recently released information on its plan to inspire, drive and support greener, more cost effective and efficient buildings through it 'Smart Green Apartments' programme.

Working with a range of buildings in the City of Sydney area, this program will identify how much energy and water a building is consuming, and show how and when to make changes to reduce consumption, improve efficiency and save money. Smart Green Apartments will also look at waste management within participating buildings.

Find out more about the program by contacting Melinda Cook, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator for the City of Sydney, on 02 9265 9333 or smartapartments@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

 

 

Today, together with Cfree, Junglefy hosted a Green Roof Tour which was an organised tour visiting a number or existing green roofs in Sydney. We visited one of the Sydney’s oldest green roofs, located at NSW Parliament House, 30 years old and counting. Great leadership by example, now we need your help with better policy that advances green urbanism as well!

After seeing the history, we then traveled to see Central Park development, which will feature worlds largest and tallest green wall. Below is the sample of what is coming to Broadway in Sydney.

 

A $2bn district development, that will contribute to sustainability of south Sydney through increased green amenity space, sewage treatment and a number of other sustainability measures. 

 

We then saw the latest in extensive green roof technology at RT Health Building, with medium depth <200mm. Very cost effective option for increasing eco-system services within urban environment.

 

As part of the tour a guest speaker Shahryar Ahrestani gave a talk in “A Multi-Criteria Site Selection Model for Green Roofs in the Sydney CBD-A GIS Approach” which was very interesting a really well received. Cutting edge research and excellent modelling tool for larger scale informed decision-making that will maximise benefits of green roof infrastructure. This type of approach to decision-making is what we are advocating for, to ensure best practice environment for all of us to enjoy.

If you didn’t make the tour this time, don’t worry, we will have next event on the 21st of October! And as always, please get in touch should you have any questions and comments!

 

Central Park is the visionary redevelopment of the old Carlton & United Brewery site, bordered by Broadway and Abercrombie Streets in Chippendale.

The modified concept masterplan for this rare site was approved by the NSW Minister for Planning in February 2009, and includes the protection of heritage buildings, new parklands and community facilities and substantial upgrades to urban infrastruture. The project is underpinned by exemplary social and environmental sustainability initiatives– creating a new, people-centred gateway to Sydney’s CBD.

Central Park is the largest urban development in Australia to introduce on-site tri-generation (known as ‘green transformers’) for power, heating and cooling.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the positive environmental impact of greenroofing in sustainable architecture

2. Understand the long term economic benefits of a greenroof

3. Understand how to write a clear greenroof and or greenwall specification


1. Greenwalls and Greenroofs potentially contribute to 5 Green Star points in which categories?

Ecological Value of Site (1 Point)Stormwater Reduction (1 Point)Efficient use of potable water (1 point)Inclusion of Indoor plants (2 points)

2. Extensive Greenroofs help to reduce both pollution and the surface run off entering the drainage system by retaining, on average, what percentage of average rainfall?

A greenroof will typically intercept between 60-100% of average rainfall.

3. A Greenroof system protects the root resistant waterproof membrane from climatic extremes, UV light and mechanical damage, in so doing it extends the life of the waterproof membrane by how long?

Greenroofs can double the membrane life expectancy.

4. We recommend a minimum acceptable depth of 120mm of mineral based growing media for Extensive roofs. Why?

To mitigate against the drying effects of the sun and maximise

To allow room for planting mature enough to cope with the climate.

To facilitate long term function of the mandatory sub- surface irrigation system.5. For over 15 years, a German guide to the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites has been the only internationally recognised set of standards, what is it known as
Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau .... !

or FLL Guidelines to non German speakers

Junglefy is proud to announce having been ranked no.33 on the TOP 50 list of Australian Start up companies on the StartupSmart Awards at Crown in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

The awards recognise the most innovative and fastest-growing new businesses in Australia. Featuring exciting start-ups from an array of industries, drawn from across the country, the winners represent the emerging generation of business leaders in Australia.

The recognition for Junglefy confirms our beliefs of the potential for our fantastic future business and adds more fuel to our already hot engines! Our team is always looking for a challenge and to improve our ranking on this list and one day to be on top of it is a challenge we will look forward to tackling!

http://www.startupsmart.com.au/startupsmart-awards-2011/33.-junglefy.html

 

After a busy few months in the world of green roofs and green walls Junglefy has expanded its team with two new arrivals.

Louise is our brand new CAD Design Specialist who has for 5 years been developing her keen eye for detail and understanding of sustainable landscape design by working with several landscape architects both large and small. Junglefy is very excited to have her on board as we believe she will be in a unique  position to support our green roof  and green wall clients with her strong design skills and a thorough understanding of these technologies.

Our second new recruit is no rookie when it comes to green roofs and green walls. With over 5 years of experience from  the UK green roof industry Natasha has taken on the role of a Technical Consultant and liaises and guides our green roof and green wall clients through the process from start to finish. With her insight, knowledge and passion for all things associated with living roofs and living walls she is undoubtedly a key member of our team. 

Junglefy warmly welcomes both Louise and Natasha and is proud to have these skilled and experienced people in its team!

We have recently finished these beautiful green walls for a private client in Tasmania. What a fabulous way to add vibrance to your home.

There was an interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald Commercial Real Estate section on the weekend that highlighted the fact that companies now see sustainability as a key factor in the decision making process when choosing office space.  It also stated that half of Corporate Realestate Executives are willing to pay more for space in a green building. 

A survey conducted by Jones Lang LaSalle found that sustainability is a critical issue today for 64% of respondents and 92% consider sustainability criteria in their location decisions.

The survey also found that 31% of corporate executives ranked employee productivity and health as their top sustainability concern.  Green roofs and green walls are able to provide an effective means to meet these sustainability concerns.

It is hoped this survey will encourage developers and asset managers to incorporate more green roofs and walls into their developments to attract higher callibre tenants.  It was recently stated by a leading development executive that they will build green roofs and walls if the tenants demand it.  Well it appears that the tenants aredemanding it so we look forward to seeing green roofs and vertical gardens on every street corner and roof top soon.

Source: SMH, Feb 19-20, 2011 - Carolyn Cummins