Singapore Green Roofs and Green Walls: Singapore Green Roofs and Green Walls

The October 2010 Singapore Greenroof conference was inspiring as is the city of Singapore. Although the heat would take some getting use to. In Singapore a government minister attended the conference to discuss opportunities to green the city. They take to “City in a Garden” concept very serious here. It seems that this country is far ahead of Australia in the appreciation of benefits of ecological services provided by flora and fauna. They are well aware of the cooling effect of plants, the improved management of water, the increased biodiversity and the human health benefits offered by green roofs and walls. Of course in Australia we have wide open spaces and must, we think have less reason to modify our built environment. A range of speakers gave presentations from world cities on greening buildings and bringing nature back to our work and home environments. The audience of 500 or so people were represented by most countries, particularly China. The displays of completed green roof and wall buildings and new designs about to be built showed a staggering advance on improving the ecology of our cities. It was a pleasure to be part of a what is new advance in modern civilisation, the greening and sustainability of high density living.

Contact Robert Griffith at rgriffi8@gmail.com for urban ecology.