Australia’s construction industry must understand the realities of climate change and rapid urbanisation as critical challenges continue to threaten the country.
From the urban heat islands of Sydney to the water scarcity in Perth, green infrastructure can be a pivotal solution to creating a more resilient and liveable future. Discover how green, biophilic design is vital for the country’s sustainability, as well as practical strategies that construction professionals can implement.
Why nature is the future of Australian urban development
Urbanisation exacerbates the urban heat island effect, in which cities are hotter than surrounding rural areas. On average, Adelaide research found a difference of 5.9 degrees Celsius between urban and rural areas. Warmer temperatures can severely impact liveability, especially given that 88 per cent of Australia’s population resides in urban areas as of 2024.
Green infrastructure directly combats the major issues of urbanisation. Integrating nature is a critical necessity for urban development, offering the following benefits:
- Mitigating urban heat islands: A report from Macquarie University found that green infrastructure can reduce surface temperatures by up to six degrees Celsius, providing essential shade and improving air quality in populous areas.
- Enhancing biodiversity: Increasing native flora and fauna in the area is critical for restoring ecological balance and benefiting wildlife.
- Improving stormwater management: Using natural systems for stormwater management, including permeable pavements and rain gardens, can help minimise water waste, cool the area, reduce pollutants and improve wildlife habitats.
- Boosting public health: Natural infrastructure can improve air quality, filter pollutants, and improve mental health for the population. It can also help maintain healthy temperatures and reduce the risk of heat-related health issues.
Practical strategies for integrating green infrastructure
Construction professionals can integrate the following strategies into urban designs to improve sustainability and experience the overall benefits of green infrastructure.
Green roofs and walls
A green roof is partially or entirely covered in plants and vegetation. Similarly, green walls, including vertical gardens, are walls covered in vegetation such as moss or ivy, or equipped with hydroponic growing systems. The structures typically include a waterproof membrane to aid insulation and protect the building, as well as root barriers and irrigation systems for drainage.
A unique benefit of these green roofs and walls is that they lower the building’s temperature and can reduce the energy consumption of heating and cooling systems. This supports sustainability goals while reducing maintenance and energy costs. Green roofs and walls also protect the building from the elements, increase biodiversity and can filter out stormwater and pollutants from the air.
Water-sensitive urban design
Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) integrates the water cycle into urban planning. Specifically, designs aim to catch stormwater runoff to minimise pollutants, prevent flooding and avoid stagnant water, and increase water reuse through harvested and cleaned wastewater. Ultimately, WSUD methods facilitate more efficient water use to minimise waste.
One example of successful WSUD is in Brisbane, Queensland, where the South Bank Rain Bank has retrofitted stormwater management and treatment to reduce water usage. As a solution to the impacts of a drought, the Rain Bank has since maintained a 60 per cent to 80 per cent reliability from the alternative water supply.
Sustainable building materials
Using green alternatives to traditional materials can help offset the significant damage the construction industry already causes. Carbon-intensive materials, including cement and bricks, are responsible for 40 per cent of embodied emissions in construction.
Sustainable materials may be naturally occurring and renewable, synthetic or recycled, and they should be circular. For example, bamboo is a natural building material that grows and regrows quickly, making it highly sustainable. Another key advantage of the material is that bamboo forests sequester a yearly average of 15.42 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare.
Building a greener future
Sustainable infrastructure, such as green roofs and vertical gardens, is a significant stepping stone toward reducing the harmful effects of climate change and urbanisation. Reintegrating nature into cities and urban planning can massively improve the quality of life for citizens and wildlife, leading to a more hopeful future.