Towards promoting sustainability in the learning environment – a focus on green walls and green roofs

Abstract

Environmental concerns have gained international attention as a result of rising urbanisation and population expansion. One of the main sectors responsible for the devastation of the environment is the construction industry. It is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and nearly 30% of greenhouse gasses. Aside from the energy crisis, climate change, global warming, declining biodiversity, and health issues are some of the challenges facing current society. Those have led to the amalgamation of natural vegetation into the built environment. Amongst several forms of natural vegetation such as rain gardens, street trees, urban drainage systems, green roofs, and green walls, etc., Due to the limited availability of land and the multiple advantages that it offers in terms of three sustainability pillars, green walls and roofs represent the most technologically sound solutions.