Purpose:
Green roofs and walls offer significant social, environmental, and cultural benefits, contributing to Sydney’s resilience to climate change and enhancing its beauty and liveability. The objective of this policy is to increase the installation of green roofs and walls within the City of Sydney’s local government area.
Benefits of Green Roofs and Walls Include:
- Slowing and cleaning stormwater.
- Mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect.
- Providing additional space for urban greening, food production, and private open areas.
- Improving air quality.
- Enhancing the city’s liveability and aesthetics.
- Absorbing more carbon dioxide.
- Supporting biodiversity by creating habitats.
- Improving building efficiency in heating, cooling, and sound insulation.
- Boosting solar panel efficiency.
- Extending the lifespan of roofs.
Definitions:
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Green Roof:
A roof with at least 30% of its available space covered by vegetation. This space excludes areas used for equipment, stairway access, or similar structures. Green roofs must provide measurable environmental benefits and may include renewable energy facilities, water collection systems, walkways, and furnishings. -
Green Wall:
A wall that is partially or entirely covered with vegetation. These walls may feature soil or inorganic materials as a growing medium and can take the form of:- Green façades: Climbing plants grown directly on a wall or supporting structures.
- Living walls: Modular panels attached to walls, using geotextiles, irrigation systems, and a growing medium to support dense vegetation.
Policy Statement:
The City of Sydney actively promotes the installation of high-quality green roofs and walls through:
- Raising awareness of their benefits both locally and nationally.
- Addressing barriers by developing technical and general resources.
- Supporting sustainable designs via research, education, and guidelines.
- Collaborating with stakeholders, including advisory panels, service providers, and the broader community.
- Organizing training sessions, business presentations, and educational programs.
- Encouraging recognition of green roofs and walls in development applications, planning controls, and sustainability rating systems.
- Leading by example with green infrastructure on Council-owned buildings.
- Monitoring the quality and quantity of green roof and wall installations.
Relevant Strategies and Plans:
This policy aligns with:
- Sustainable Sydney 2030.
- Green Roofs and Walls Strategy.
- Greening Sydney Plan.
- Decentralised Water Master Plan.
- Urban Forest Strategy.
- Urban Ecology Strategy.
Approval and Updates:
The Green Roofs and Walls Policy was approved by the City of Sydney Council on April 7, 2014, and reviewed in 2017.
