Comprehensive Testing of RootSpace, Enhancing our Urban Infrastructure
As part of GreenBlue Urban’s commitment to continually improve products and solutions, we recently commissioned Lucideon, an independent materials testing and analysis laboratory, to investigate the structural properties of the RootSpace soil cell system. Highways engineers are particularly concerned about the ability to withstand vertical, lateral, and dynamic loading. For testing, Lucideon was supplied with RootSpace […]
Proud Sponsors of the SuDS in New Developments Conference
GreenBlue Urban was thrilled to have sponsored the Collaborative Conversations East Midlands 2024 event in partnership with RIBA, CIOB, ICE, RICS, RTPI, and the Landscape Institute. This engaging conference, “Sustainable Water Management in New Developments,” was an unparalleled success, fostering insightful dialogue on innovative practices and sustainable solutions for the built environment. A Day of […]
RootSpace®: Revolutionising Urban Tree Planting – The Superior Soil Cell
At GreenBlue Urban, we pride ourselves on pioneering the best tree pit systems worldwide. Our RootSpace pavement support system stands out in the market with unparalleled advantages designed to foster healthier, longer-living urban trees. Here’s a detailed look at what makes our soil cells exceptional. Unmatched Soil Volume Soil volume is our primary differentiator and […]
Who Will Maintain Green Infrastructure, and at What Cost?
When planning Green Infrastructure (GI) in urban areas, a common concern is who will maintain it and how much it will cost. While no planting scheme is maintenance-free, careful planning can significantly reduce upkeep. Past issues, such as tree failures and damage to infrastructure, have led some authorities to see trees as liabilities and avoid […]
Building a Resilient Transport Network with Nature-Based Solutions
As climate change intensifies, the urgency to develop resilient transport networks has never been more apparent. The recent CIHT report highlights critical strategies that engineers must adopt, focusing on decarbonisation, adaptation, and resilience. Integrating nature-based solutions, like those from GreenBlue Urban, can significantly bolster our infrastructure against extreme weather while enhancing community well-being. The CIHT […]
Celebrating A Double Win with Pro Landscaper!
GreenBlue Urban is thrilled to announce its success at the recent Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards, where the company was honoured with the Best Product for Hard Landscaping award for its innovative RootSpace system. This recognition highlights the excellence of GreenBlue’s BBA-approved UK-manufactured products and underscores the company’s commitment to creating sustainable and biodiverse […]
Myth busting Trees & Utilities
At GreenBlue, we have explored strategies to navigate the challenges faced in urban tree planting, highlighting the innovative solutions GreenBlue Urban offers to address above- and below-ground issues. A common question arises: Can utilities be integrated within a GreenBlue Urban RootSpace soil cell system? There’s a prevalent misconception that utilities and tree roots cannot coexist, […]
GreenBlue Urban Supports Rainwater Management Initiatives at Staveley C of E Primary School
GreenBlue Urban is proud to announce its recent contribution to Staveley C of E Primary School. We supplied nine SuDSPods as part of an innovative effort to mitigate rainwater runoff from the school’s roof. This initiative aligns with United Utilities’ commitment to sustainable water management and climate change education. Last week, the United Utilities rainwater […]
Sustainable Manufacturing: GreenBlue’s Commitment to Quality and the Environment
In today’s world, sustainable landscape design is more than a trend—it’s necessary. Developers and specifiers increasingly turn to eco-friendly solutions that enhance the environment and deliver long-term economic and social benefits. GreenBlue Urban, a leader in sustainable urban landscape solutions, provides a path to achieving these goals through innovative, UK-manufactured products and a deep commitment […]
Maintaining the integrity of Landscape Design
It is crucial to deliver a project that stands out for its quality. Often, there’s a temptation to make last-minute substitutions to reduce costs or speed up the timeline. However, cutting corners—especially when it comes to landscape elements—can result in a lower-quality outcome, which could tarnish the reputation of all involved. High-quality landscape designs are […]
Quality over Compromise
One of the primary risks of applying value engineering to landscape elements is that it overlooks the long-term implications. Not all landscape products are created equal. Cheaper materials may initially save on budget, but they often come with hidden costs in maintenance, durability, and user satisfaction. Inferior plant choices, low-quality paving, and insufficient drainage solutions […]
Greener Towns and Cities: Highlights from Natural England
Natural England’s recent webinar focused on the growing importance of green infrastructure (GI) in urban areas, highlighting new tools and policies to integrate nature into urban planning. Here’s a summary of the insights shared by leading experts. Alan Law, Chief Officer for Strategy, Natural England Alan Law discussed the government’s focus on balancing economic growth, […]
Is SuDS now becoming mainstream?
Over recent years, the scandal of our sewage-polluted watercourses and seas in the UK has received widespread publicity. The public is rightly horrified that most of our British watercourses are not fit for swimming in and that untreated sewage spills have occurred so often—but not all of us are aware that we can be contributing […]
Unlocking the Full Potential of SUDS
As the demand for sustainable urban development grows, innovative solutions like Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) become increasingly critical. GreenBlue Urban is at the forefront of this movement, offering a comprehensive suite of tools, resources, and expertise to support the design and implementation of effective SuDS. Whether you’re an engineer, developer, landscape architect, or local authority, […]
Simplifying SuDS for All!
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a set of design principles and practices that aim to manage and control surface water runoff in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. SuDS are designed to mimic natural drainage processes and reduce the impact of urbanisation on the water cycle. They provide an alternative to traditional drainage systems that […]
Event: Our Future Landscapes: Integrating BNG & SuDS
As Climate Change accelerates and industry standards advance, our event at Barcham Nursery on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, brought together professionals from various fields to explore the integration of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into future landscapes. Attendees gained valuable insights from experts, shared best practices, and participated in collaborative discussions […]
Using Sustainable Drainage Systems to add Value to Development Projects
Using Sustainable Drainage features requires developers, designers, and planners to adopt a new way of thinking, which can cause some resistance. However, Sustainable Drainage is not very far removed from existing civil engineering principles when you seriously consider it. What does civil engineering do? It provides answers to problems. In this case, the problem is […]
The Implications of Value Engineering in Tree Pit Installation
The balance between cost-efficiency and sustainability is often precarious in urban development. One area where this tension is acutely felt is the installation of tree pits. Value engineering, reducing costs without compromising functionality, can have significant implications for urban trees’ establishment and long-term health. The Importance of Proper Tree Planting Ideally, trees should be planted […]
The Vital Role of Perennial in the Horticultural Community
On 17 January 1839, The Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution was founded at an annual dinner held for ‘nurserymen, florists and amateurs’ at the Crown and Anchor Tavern off the Strand in London. Today, known as Perennial, this charity has provided unwavering support to those working in horticulture for 185 years. As we mark this significant milestone, […]
Where does our run-off pollution end up?
The final destination of the contaminants from our runoff from rain events is getting more and more attention as the public becomes more aware of the value of clean watercourses. Road runoff, in particular, is causing concern, as the potentially toxic “soup” can pollute rivers and streams, damaging wildlife and aquatic biodiversity. All runoff contains […]
Comparing Tree Planting Media: A Comprehensive Overview
Tree planting is a crucial aspect of urban development, offering numerous environmental, aesthetic, and health benefits. However, the success of tree-planting initiatives heavily depends on the choice of planting media. In this blog, we will delve into various tree planting systems, including soil cells, Stockholm tree pits, tree sand, and raft systems, comparing their features, […]
How Urban Tree Planting with Recycled Materials Benefits Communities
In the quest for sustainable urban development, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle environmental challenges while enhancing community well-being. One such solution is urban tree planting initiatives that utilise recycled materials, offering a multitude of social and ecological benefits. GreenBlue Urban are proud to champion these efforts, recognising their transformative impact on communities worldwide. London’s […]
Redefining Plastic into Sustainable Urban Developments
In the ongoing conversation surrounding sustainability, plastic often finds itself cast as the villain. Yet, what if we challenged this perception? What if we explored the untapped potential of recycled plastic as a valuable resource in shaping the cities of tomorrow? Join us as we delve into the case for recycled materials in sustainable urban […]
Plastic – What’s the problem?
Unveiling the True Causes of Plastic Pollution As industrial activities increase, so does the demand for plastic and in particular packaging materials. To address plastic pollution, we must confront the underlying drivers of industrial growth and consumption patterns.Plastic serves as a crucial material due to its versatility and durability, making it a popular choice despite […]
Making SuDS Fun in Schools
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) offer a remarkable opportunity not only to manage surface water but also to educate and engage students in the importance of environmental stewardship. By integrating SuDS into school environments, we not only mitigate flooding risks but also create dynamic learning spaces that promote health, well-being, and environmental consciousness. In this blog, […]
