MK has 30 green roofs on bus shelters that create valuable wildlife habitat. Each 1m2 can absorb around 5kg of CO2 and 0.2kg of airborne particles each year.
Milton Keynes has always strived to be a green city. The declaration of a climate emergency and CO2 reduction commitments means we need to reduce carbon emissions and provide wildlife habitat to maintain biodiverse ecosystems.
Green Roofs release O2, absorb CO2 and particles, reduce surface temperatures and provide ecosystems for insects and birds.
In addition to the bus shelters, a green roof has been created on an office building in central Milton Keynes. Saxon Court was used by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation and Milton Keynes Council until a recent change of management. It now houses several green organisations including Bridgman and Bridgman who have created a green roof on the office building.
These gardens in the sky can be created on 1 square metre up to 16,000 square metres on flat, pitched and dome roofs.
The Saxon Court green roof provides an inner-city wildlife habitat and demonstration project. As well as carbon capture and biodiversity advantages, the Saxon Court green roof has provided training for green job creation and community engagement opportunities. During the warmer months there are free rooftop tours and space for music, dance and art and craft workshops.
Containers of all shapes and sizes have been re-purposed on the roof. 200 pumpkins were grown in 2021 and donated to MK Community Fridges. The hive of 300,000 bees produce honey and lip balm with zero road miles.
Resources needed
-Accessible roofs strong enough to support the required substrate.
-Cost varies between 90 and 160 Euro/m2.
-Human resources are dependent on type of green roof, the roof may require watering, weeding and regular checks of the drainage system.
Evidence of success
• Around 450kg CO2 a year is absorbed by the 30 green roofs on bus shelters. More are planned.
• Researchers estimate each 1m2 can absorb 0.2kg of airborne particles, the 90m2 of bus shelter roofs will absorb 18kg each year.
• Green roofs reduce the ambient summer air temperature by 3 degrees C in cities and provide insulation in winter.
• Green roofs have provided safe, secure wildlife habitat
• 2 green jobs created, more to follow
Potential for learning or transfer
-Most North European roofs are built to withstand heavy snowfall so would support a green roof.
-Substrates can be designed to suit weight bearing, local climate and requirements for use and maintenance.
-Size can be from 1m2 to 3 football pitches.
-Living roofs are popular with citizens and create new community green spaces in cities.
-Crowdfunding for large projects (like the YMCA building in MK).
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Tags: Biodiversity, Citizen engagement, Climate change, Ecosystem, Environment, Green infrastructure
