Sustainability is something that’s on most people’s minds lately. So, how can you make your strata building more sustainable for the future? While there are many ways to achieve this, one popular method is using green vertical walls. It’s something that everybody can enjoy, and there are plenty of benefits aside from just being environmentally friendly.
What are green vertical walls?
Green vertical walls are vertical gardens that serve many purposes. They can provide privacy for your strata building, or they can be used as a way to add some colour and life to the building. They are also a visually pleasing and easy-to-maintain way to add an extra environmentally-friendly touch to your sustainable strata building.
Naturally, you need approval from the Owners Corporation before starting to build a green vertical wall. But everybody can get involved, and it can transform your building into a luscious and beautiful place to live.
Benefits of green vertical walls
Green vertical walls are an eco-friendly way to reduce rain and stormwater runoff because the plants on the side of your building can use the water immediately. This is especially true if you have a quality system in place for directing water run-off to your gardening endeavours.
They also help to minimise the heat island effect, which describes a situation where urban areas get hotter than others because of all the surrounding roads and buildings. Green wall gardens also increase biodiversity and make your property more attractive. In addition to these benefits for the environment and its inhabitants, green vertical walls can add value to your property.
How to create green vertical walls in your strata building?
There are a number of ways to create green vertical walls in your strata building. One of the most common is painting the wall with eco-friendly paint and adding plants or flowers to it. You can also install a vertical garden, which is basically a frame that holds soil and plants in place on your wall. If you don’t have much space in your home, this is a great way to make use of all the available outdoor areas.
You obviously need to plan your growth carefully because you don’t want plants to interfere with people’s windows or balconies. But with other residents on board, you can create an amazing effect all over your building.
What to consider when creating green vertical walls in your strata building
Before you start buying frames and hanging plants from the external walls, you need to consider a few things:
- The impact on the building
- The impact on your neighbours
- The impact on the environment
- Maintenance costs
- Does it breach any by-laws?
Taking these into consideration will help to ensure your wall provides long-term benefits for you and all other owners.
You must get approval from the Owners Corporation
If you want to install a green wall in your strata building, first talk to the Owners Corporation and find out if they have any rules preventing such a thing. If they are on board, your green wall must still be installed in accordance with the strata plan and all relevant regulations. Unfortunately, if the Owners Corporation doesn’t allow a green vertical wall, it may be a process of trying to gain support for your idea over time.
Need help with strata management?
If you’re looking to install green vertical walls or undertake any other sustainability projects, planning is crucial. If you need assistance with this or any other aspects of strata management, More Than Strata is available to help. Contact us today to find out more.
