Green infrastructure involves a network of green spaces and features, both in the urban and the rural settings, which improve the quality of life and environmental benefits for our communities.
Discussions triggered through the Intelligent Planning Consultative Forum (IPCF) led to the preparation of a study paper on Green Walls and Green Roofs for Residential, Commercial and Industrial Buildings.
This paper concluded that it is essential for the Government to continue to take the lead on such investments through the promotion of green infrastructure. Seen as crucial to bring about the much-needed shift in our society’s behavioural patterns, this is what continued to follow.
There are several drivers which push green initiatives. From a policy perspective, our main driver and top priority lies in delivering climate action towards the vision of a carbon neutral economy by 2050. In addition, to name a few, other policy areas including the Biodiversity Strategy, the improvement of air quality, the wellbeing of our citizens, and a resilient post-Covid pandemic recovery are of great importance.
In the context of a turbulent year for all of us, it has been evident that citizens have sought after the natural world to support their mental and physical health through the promotion of healthier behaviours, increasing their physical activity and outdoor recreation. Backed by tangible existing research, the IPCF paper outlined and described a number of benefits which are associated with green infrastructure. Further described as sustainable development enhancers, green roofs and green walls bring about economic, environmental, and social benefits.
These green infrastructures facilitate bringing communities together through a sense of inclusion and natural connection. Aesthetically pleasing to those who experience them, these infrastructures tend to also be good for one’s health and increase a positive feeling of wellbeing. This also tends to increase the value of a property due to the resulting aesthetic improvements. Furthermore, they have the potential to increase the lifespan of a building given that as a result it is shielded from direct solar radiation exposure. Increasing the lifecycle of a product is the essence of a Circular Economy. Contributing further to this principle, through these projects, could be the increased uptake of recyclable materials in the construction of the said infrastructures.
Green walls and green roofs are also important in the context of climate-proof buildings. Firstly, due to thermal insulation, the energy consumption of a building is reduced. In addition, a reduction of carbon emissions is observed due to the plants which function as carbon sinks and hence absorb these emissions. A co-benefit of GHG emission reduction is the improvement of air quality. These structures are also a means to improve noise pollution and provide flood mitigation. The improvement of the urban ecosystem attracts various fauna providing a habitat for enhanced biodiversity. Needless to say, green infrastructure implementation also contributes to the creation of more green jobs providing a dual benefit for both the environment and the economy.
Having spent the better part of the duration planning and developing a delivery and implementation plan for these green infrastructures around our Maltese Islands, our initiatives are starting to report positive results. Most notably by bringing the longest vertical garden in Malta on the Marsa-Hamrun Bypass, with a total of 27,600 plants, to life.
Turning words to action, we have also seen green walls being installed within the industrial estates with an installation in Kordin, Paola and with two other installations of green walls at the Mosta Technopark and the Marsa industrial estate.
The concept of these projects was inspired to deliver further actions in a more widespread approach. Through the Government’s 100% financed scheme, private property owners were encouraged and supported to green their buildings. With over €1 million earmarked for 141 projects under the ‘Green Your Building’ scheme, these property owners as well as the general public at large will enjoy the introduction of green facades, walls and the green retrofitting of front gardens in various residential areas. The remaining budget stemming from this scheme will be utilised for other green infrastructure projects delivering on the same objectives.
The concept of Green Infrastructure is not new. The ‘going green’ concept involves a mentality which contributes towards the protection, restoration, and preservation of our natural resources. Now that Malta has started to embrace the idea of greening its buildings, we need to collectively ensure the continuation of this new trend and the creation of new ways for all of us to lead happier, healthier lives in our rapidly-evolving urban environment.
Aaron Farrugia is the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning