In Australia, there is an increasing interest in using extensive green roofs to make buildings more sustainable and provide a number of social, ecological, aesthetic and thermal benefits to cities. The potential of green roofs to reduce building energy consumption has been extensively studied overseas in a variety of different climates. However, in Australia the...

This brief is presented as a synopsis of key policy issues that may either support or hinder efforts to reduce urban heat through increased green infrastructure. It highlights the need for co-ordinated efforts and identifies specific portfolio barriers and opportunities.

This paper investigates the potential to produce vegetables in raingardens through a 5-month greenhouse (pot) experiment and a 1.5-year field trial. The results indicate that it is possible to produce adequate yield in raingardens and the function of raingardens in reducing urban runoff (in terms of discharge to waterways) can be retained.

This guide focuses on the use of green infrastructure (GI) to mitigate urban heat. GI is an effective means to minimise heat accumulation in the urban environment as it shades hot surfaces, increases evapotranspirative cooling and modifies wind patterns The guide provides advice on spatially strategic ways to reduce urban surface temperatures across Greater Melbourne...

This report reviews the Australian and international scientific and technical literature quantifying the cooling and energy-saving benefits of three types of green infrastructure: shade trees; green roofs; and vertical greening systems (VGS) (green walls and facades).