The roof of One Treasury Place will soon be filled with greenery to demonstrate the environmental benefits of establishing green roofs across Melbourne.
Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said green infrastructure such as green roofs and vertical greening help with cooling, reduce energy costs and capture stormwater run-off.
To help lead the way and encourage more green roofs across the city the Andrews Labor Government is partnering with the City of Melbourne to jointly fund a green roof project at One Treasury Place, each contributing $1.25 million.
The 1500m2 green roof will act as a demonstration and research project, with Melbourne University receiving grant funding to conduct research about different materials, plants and moisture regimes.
The findings of the research will help other councils, governments and industry when planning for green infrastructure on both new and existing buildings.
Green roofs act like insulation, so there is expected to be some reduction in air conditioning costs and energy use at One Treasury Place – providing long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Work is underway to explore options and develop a concept plan for the One Treasury Place roof with construction expected to begin in early next year and finish by June 2020.
A request for tender process, run by City of Melbourne, selected Aspect Studios as the design consultant.
City of Melbourne were successful in winning a Melbourne Water Living Rivers Grant, which will provide additional funding of $170,550 to support the Research and Engagement streams.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Establishing more green roofs across Melbourne is a great way to help the environment and reduce building operating costs, while also improving the health and wellbeing of those living and working in the city.”
“We want to lead by example, turning the roof of One Treasury Place into an urban green space, which will act as a prototype for owners, developers and industry when it comes to establishing a green roof.”
As stated by City of Melbourne Planning Portfolio Chair Cr Nicholas Reece
“Rooftops across our city make up 880 hectares of space – more than five times the size of Melbourne’s largest park, Royal Park. Many of these rooftops retain heat across the city, thus exacerbating the urban heat island effect.”
“As our climate warms and our weather becomes more extreme, green roofs can help us both mitigate and adapt to climate change.”
