We recently asked – What is resilience and how can we ensure our existing infrastructure can be made more resilient for the future with as little disruption as possible.
It is, without a doubt, that our towns and cities are seeing the impacts of climate change with a greater need to develop greater resilience. It has never been so important that our communities need and want quality of life, wellbeing, and financial security, as well as to be protected from the physical resilience of critical infrastructure irregularities.
Cities are at the heart of responding to climate change – action taken at a city scale to build greater resilience to decarbonise has the power to create healthier, more inclusive places at the same time.
It is simply not enough to mitigate against the future climate we also need to adapt to the inevitable impacts as highlighted in our recent #Adapttochange campaign and the current IPCC Climate Change 2022 Report.
The challenge
How can existing infrastructure be made more resilient to climate change, with as little disturbance to users as possible, by 2030?
Thankfully there is widespread recognition that demolishing existing properties and replacing them with more sustainable alternatives is rarely cost-effective nor beneficial to the environment
For example, introducing new heating systems or insulation materials to improve energy performance – is viewed as a better way to help meet the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
The solutions
Together, we can transform and reuse existing buildings wherever possible, to shape a better future for generations to come. Along with environmental benefits, the commercial and social returns of transforming and reusing existing buildings are also clear.
“Greater investment in adaption measures and solutions are needed, nature offers the greatest potential to reduce climate risks”
Retrofitting green and blue infrastructure into the existing is all too often overlooked. Deemed impossible or expensive. Retrofitting, however, is possible and has the potential to deliver excellent results across the sustainability agenda.
How we work with you
We work with a wide range of clients from the project conception and design stages, through to planning and installation and advise on maintenance thereafter. Whatever the building or infrastructure site, we can successfully enable multi-purpose sustainable schemes to include:-
- Green Walls
- Green Roofs
- Rain Gardens
- Tree Pits
- Shared space, including furniture
- Off-Grid Lighting
- EV Charging
With over 30 years of experience, a full suite of innovative products relating to Green, Blue, Smart Space and Air are at the forefront of developing schemes to tackle climate change.
During this time, we have worked with incredible clients to deliver 100’s global projects and award-winning schemes, including Greener Grangetown and Sauchiehall Street recognised for their remarkable sustainable credentials.
Many schemes have often completely changed the way in which we travel making our daily commute safer and more enjoyable such as Archway Gyratory in Islington includes dedicated bus and cycle lanes softened by the 19 trees installed. Leonard Circus in Hackney is a renowned shared space development, home to street stalls and cyclists encouraging social cohesion that is the sustainable way to meet new needs and purposes for the community to enjoy.
Changes in planning policies, the adoption of the London Plan and new National Design Codes recognises the need for change now!
GreenBlue is pleased to support many advisory associations that have plenty of advice on mitigation and adaption measures on Climate Resilience – Discover more on the latest campaign from the UK Green Building Council.
