Shrewsbury Town Council staff have installed a sedum roof on one of its bus shelters on Radbrook Road as part of a trial to assess their effectiveness at reducing carbon in an urban setting in the town.
The Town Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and is actively looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Mark Harris, asset maintenance officer for the Town Council, said: “As part of the Council’s commitment to declaring a Climate Emergency, we are looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint. The trial of the sedum roof will enable us to gauge their effectiveness, especially in an area along a main road where levels of pollution are higher.
“Our sedum roof is a low-growing feature with a shallow root system, which won’t become overgrown once it is established. The long-term maintenance of this green roof means that our staff won’t have to water, deadhead or mow the plants on a regular basis – all they have to do is a yearly feed, some weeding and a check to see if the roof is draining well.”
A living roof, planted over a waterproof membrane, will help to provide a habitat for wildlife as part of an urban wilderness, which will attract beneficial insects, birds, bees and butterflies.
Mark Harris added that the plants will also help to filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air. “We are looking forward to seeing the results of this trial, and whilst this may be one small step towards helping to reduce harmful emissions, we need to consider the long-term effects on the climate and biodiversity as well as the health of our residents and visitors.”
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