Arup Calls For 'Green Building Envelopes' In Cities

Industry consultancy Arup is encouraging developers, planners and building authorities to implement 'green building envelopes' to reduce air pollution in cities.

The 'Cities Alive: Green Building Envelope' report states that the technique, which is often dismissed as 'architectural window dressing', could reduce localised air pollution by up to 20% in some locations.

In addition, 'living walls' can reduce sound levels by up to 10 decibels in certain situations, as well as reducing urban up-heating (heat island effects) and filter fine dust on the streets.


Arup said the methods contribution has been "underestimated" and the report shows how green buildings can play a "significant part in reducing urban stress and keeping people connected with nature".

Tom Armour, Global Landscape Architecture Leader, said: "Tackling rising air pollution is a priority to help improve people's health. As our cities continue to become built up, ‘grey' structures, such as walls and roofs, are a source of untapped potential for adapting into green spaces.

"When well-designed, green envelopes can have a positive impact on tackling air pollution, but can also deliver a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits to make cities more attractive and healthier places to be."

(LM/CD)