1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Birmingham (FUA) Region Europe Short description of the intervention Birmingham faces several immediate risks due to climate change, including heatwaves, water shortages from droughts, floods, and extreme weather (Ref 11). To address these challenges, Birmingham City Council has set a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2027. As part of this effort, the new Birmingham Library project, initiated by the council, includes a rooftop garden designed to contribute to this target (Ref 3). The library was designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten, with a design process spanning from 2008 to 2012 (Ref 5). The two outdoor rooftop gardens, located on levels 3 and 7, were completed in 2013 (Ref 1). These gardens provide green spaces in the city center, enhance water management through rainwater harvesting, serve as educational facilities for sustainable food innovation, and create natural habitats for wildlife (Ref 1, 3, 4, 6). Their contributions helped the library achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and have garnered various awards (Ref 1, 10). The new library aligns with Birmingham City Council's Big City Plan to regenerate the city center, with the green roof gardens playing a key role (Ref 4). Website of the intervention https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50132/visiting_the_library_of_birmingham/141… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Urban flooding (stormwater) Drought Heat stress & Extreme temperatures Extreme weather events (e.g. storms, hurricanes) Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Urban or built environment Address Centenary Sq Birmingham B1 2ND United Kingdom Location The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by). Area boundary (map-based) NBS area image Source of NBS area image Source image: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Birmingham+Library+Rooftop+Garden/@52.4797102,-1.9089008,70m/data=!3m2!1e3!5s0x4870bcf378c85371:0x85d5772c2d89a935!4m6!3m5!1s0x4870bdb4d291434b:0xfe3cc70ead75f51a!8m2!3d52.4796642!4d-1.9086837!16s%2Fg%2F11jt0gt6hz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Total area 35000.00m² NBS area 35000.00m² Area description Urban (main city) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Central Business District / City Centre Building Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2008 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2012 End date of the intervention 2013 Present stage of the intervention Completed 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention 1. To help achieve Birmingham’s target to cut carbon emissions by 60% before 2027 and to respond to the impacts of climate change such as extreme weather and fluctuating rainfall (Ref 3, 4, 5) 2. To erect a green roof garden that helps managing storm water by harvesting rainwater, harvests grey-water and attenuates rainwater (Ref 4, 5, 8). 3. To provide access to green spaces in the heart of the city(Ref 3, 4) 4. To enhance biodiversity by providing a natural center habitat for wildlife and incorporating species intended to attract local wildlife (Ref 1, 3, 4) 5. To provide an educational facility where schools and local groups can gather to learn what can be grown successfully on a roof terrace as the intervention included a small edible garden as well as part of the green roof created (1) Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Climate change mitigation Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Green space creation and/or management Habitat and biodiversity restoration Water management (SDG 6) Flood protection Stormwater and rainfall management and storage Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12) Sustainable consumption Sustainable production Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Implement green walls or roofs to lower indoor temperature and provide insulation Implement sustainable urban drainage schemes to manage stormwater Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Raise public awareness of behaviours, lifestyle and cultural changes with mitigation potential What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities 1. The intervention included the building of two roof terraces with 9000 plants and recreation facilities, both accessible by the public. 2. The granite paved terrace boasts a performance space, a children’s playspace, a bar area and other seating areas on level 3. 3. The intervention also has an allotment style edible planting area with over 3500 edible plants planted on level 3, the products grown here being harvested and used within the library kitchens. It also provides an educational facility for schools and local groups. 4. The natural garden on one of the levels of the terrace has paths surrounded by a carpet of ground cover plants in coping with more extreme weather and to attract birds, bees and insects. 5. The project also included three bird boxes positioned across both terraces within the shrub areas out of disturbance hoping to attract Starlings, Robins and Blackbirds; Three insect boxes across each terrace to increase biodiversity and aid natural pollination of the plants. (Ref 1) Type of NBS project Creation of new green areas Creation of green roofs and walls Creation of areas for food production (community gardens, allotments) Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Community gardens and allotments Community gardens Nature on buildings (external) Green roofs Amenities offered by the NBS Benches and drinking water stations Educational or biodiversity trails Viewing and outlook points Other Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS insect boxes Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves) Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells) Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Provisioning services Food for human consumption (crops, vegetables) Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes) Regulating services Local climate regulation (temperature reduction) Flood regulation Pollination Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Social and community interactions Scale Spatial scale Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings) Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area The Library of Birmingham is located in postcode are B1 2ND in UK. In 2021, the total usual residents in the area is 214, of which 56.1% are male (Ref 11). -Age groups: The biggest age groups in the area are 25-34(24.5%), 35-49(19.8%), and 50-64(13.7%). The age distribution is similar to the average level in Birmingham, with more residents aged 25 to 34 years(24.5%/14.6%). -Income levels: In terms of economic activity, the majority of the population are in employment(48.0%). Among the 38.7% Economically Inactive group, 13.3% of them are retired. Only 11.5% of them are students. -Ethnicity: The population in the area features a 42.9% of White ethnic group, with even portions of Asian, Black and Others around 17% , and 5.2% of Mixed groups. -Household sized: Over half of the households(54.4%) are one-person household, followed by 31.6% of single family household. Socio-economic profile of the area Low-income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Unknown Primary Beneficiaries Local government/Municipality Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital) Private sector/Corporate/Company Citizens or community groups Young people and children Marginalized groups Specify primary beneficiaries -Local government/Municipality: The roof garden creates green spaces in the heart of the city and serves as a viewing point for relaxation, recreation, communication and education, and the municipality benefits from the increased city image and green infrastructure (Ref 3). -Public sector institution: The Library of Birmingham benefits from the project because the gardens attracts tourists and promotes sustainable tourism. The edible plants grown in the garden provide ingredients for the library restaurant, and the harvested rainwater can provide 65% of water consumption along with grey-water (Ref 1, 4). -Private sector/Corporate/Company: The private companies involved in the project, such as Frosts Landscapes, boosted their images by this well reviewed project (Ref 1, 3, 4, 5, 9). -Citizens or community groups: Citizens have more access to green spaces in city, and enjoy the recreation facilities and beautiful view with nature components surrounded (Ref 2, 8, 9). - Young people and children: The granite paved terrace on Floor 3 garden boasts a performance space, a children’s playspace, and other seating areas, taking into account the demand of children (Ref 1). - Marginalized groups: see evidence for 'Young people and children'. Marginalized groups Children, young people or youth groups Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups The granite paved terrace on Floor 3 garden boasts a performance space, a children’s playspace, and other seating areas, taking into account the demand of children (Ref 1). Specify measures taken for vulnerable or marginalized communities Other Please specify other measure Providing recreational facilities targeting at the demand of certain marginalized communities.(1) Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Ecosystem services (e.g. improved air quality, water purification) City infrastructure (e.g., reduced flooding, improved water quality) Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Government-led Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative The roof gardens at the Library of Birmingham was initiated and commissioned by Birmingham City Council, designed by the Dutch architects Mecanoo Architecten and installed by a private constructions company and a landscaping company responsible for the landscaping work of the terraces. A series of workshops were undertaken during the concept and scheme design process to enable the briefing and whole building design approach to be developed. These workshops were attended by several experts representing landscaping, architectural companies and the city council (Ref 1, 4). The Library was funded mainly through a Government loan scheme, which gave local authorities preferential rates (Ref 6). Public private partnerships exist throughout the project between Birmingham City Council and private companies such as Mecanno (Ref 1, 3, 4). The project is part of the Birmingham City Council’s Big City Plan and Birmingham Development Plan 2031. (3,4,5) Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Public sector institution Private sector/corporate actor/company Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping) Taskforce groups Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls) Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Infrastructure & Management Maintenance companies and workers Private Sector Local businesses (e.g. stores, restaurants) Land owners Public space owned by the city Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" Birmingham Development Plan 2031 and the Big City Plan (Ref 3, 4, 5). Relevant strategy or plan General municipal plan Urban redevelopment plan Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Spatial planning guidance Spatial planning law Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Technological innovations Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. - Governance innovations: Public private partnerships exist throughout the project between Birmingham City Council and private companies such as Mecanno (Ref 1, 3, 4). - Technical innovations: Distinctive design innovation technologies and design features have been selected and implemented throughout the project to achieve a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing result by companies such as Frosts Landscapes(Ref 4). Governace and decison-making instruments Standards, certifications or guidelines (e.g. standards for accessible green space; biodiversity standards) Public - private business agreement (e.g. public private collaborations, public-private-partnerships (PPP)) Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs) Arrangements for governance cooperation Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups) Task forces or commissions (e.g. group of multi-disciplinary experts) Barriers Several implementation barriers were mentioned by Frosts Landscapes during the landscaping of the green terraces as follows (Ref 1). - Simplify the design to reduce the number of GRP moulds (the moulding of parts made from glass-reinforced plastic) - Drainage issues lead to the paving floating - Maintaining the site when busy with public visitors - Installing all the electrics and lighting - Getting the materials loaded out prior to cranes leaving - A lot of curved cutting on the paving Financing Total cost More than €4,000,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) The total budgeted cost of the Library of Birmingham project is £188.8m (€220.9m) (Ref 3, 4). This investment covers the 35,000 sq m of the Library of Birmingham including the green roof gardens and the building of new up-dated back of house facilities. The Library was funded mainly through a Government loan scheme, which gave local authorities preferential rates (Ref 3). - The total Cost of the roof gardens at the Library of Birmingham is €1.2m (£1.04m) (Ref 1). What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? €1,216,641 (£1.04m) Source(s) of funding Public national budget Type of fund(s) used Loan Non-financial contribution Unknown Co-finance for NBS No Entrepreneurship opportunities No Business models Business models Green densification model Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water) Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Climate change Reduced emissions Achieved reduced emissions Environmental quality Improved waste management Achieved improved waste management Water management and blue areas Improved stormwater management Achieved improved stormwater management Green space and habitat Increased green space area Achieved increased green space area Description of environmental benefits - Reduced emissions: “The carbon dioxide emissions as a result of the building’s operation have been reduced through the use of a Combined Heat & Power (CCHP) engine unit which simultaneously generates usable heat” (Ref 7). “The total reduction of carbon dioxide emission fro the development is a significant saving of approximately 40%” (ibid.). - Improved waste management: ”95% of waste material from the construction site was recycled, keeping it out of landfill” (Ref 3). - Improved stormwater management: "Estimated Water Consumption: 0.006 m3/person/year; %Water Consumption to be Provided by Rainwater and/or Grey-water: 65% (Predicted)” (ibid.). - Increased green space area: “The two elevated garden terraces – the Discovery Terrace on level 3 and The Secret Garden on level 7 – provide green spaces in the heart of the city” (Ref 3); "400 m2 is the implemented soil and polystyrene fill provided by landscaping company and 35000 m2 is the total area that the whole project covers, including the Library of Birmingham and the building of new up-dated back of house facilities for Birmingham Repertory Theatre" (Ref 4) Environmental impact indicators Total number of vascular plant species protected or introduced 9000 plants planted Green space area created (in ha) 0.04 ha of soil and polystyrene fill Water supplied or available from nature restoration (in m³ or L) 78,000 Economic impacts Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Description of economic benefits -Increase of green jobs: "The project offers sustainability oriented job opportunities throughout the project, from the design phase to the maintenance phase. For instance the selection of soft landscaping stands for support for urban greenery companies (Ref 5), and maintenance and monitoring of the roof terraces creates job opportunities for sustainable horticulture workers." Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Improved liveability Expected improved liveability Increased access to healthy/affordable food Expected increased access to healthy/affordable food Health and wellbeing Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief Expected enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief Cultural heritage and sense of place Improvement in people’s connection to nature Achieved improvement in people’s connection to nature Increased appreciation for natural spaces Expected increased appreciation for natural spaces Social and cultural impact indicators Number of species of locally produced food harvested (in urban gardens, community orchards, or agroforestry plots) 3500 edible plants planted Description of social and cultural benefits -Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: “Next time you’re rushing around Birmingham City Centre looking for peace and quiet, pop into The Library of Birmingham” (Ref 9). -Improvement in people’s connection to nature: “Finding green space in the city centre ain’t easy, so this Secret Garden is a godsend” (Ref 9). -Increased appreciation for natural spaces: “It’s not all about the sights from the roof either, but on the roof too. Beautiful bushes, flowers and grasses live and thrive up here. While surrounding modern architecture and winding pathways are also easy on the eye” (Ref 9). ; “I didn’t pay much attention to the view, I was too busy looking at the plants” (Ref 2). Improved livability: “A library may not be the most obvious place to head in search of green spaces in the city, but Birmingham is full of surprises. You’ll find a secret garden (pictured in our header image above) on the seventh floor of the library with views over the city” (Ref 8). Access to healthy affordable food: "The intervention also has an allotment style edible planting area with over 3500 edible plants planted on level 3, the products grown here being harvested and used within the library kitchens. It also provides an educational facility for schools and local groups." (Ref 1) Mental health benefits Reduced stress Improved mood Restoration and relaxation Increased feelings of nature connection Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Yes Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts Local government/municipality Public sector institution Private sector/corporate actor/company Presence of indicators used in reporting Yes Type of indicators Input indicators Output indicators Process indicators Progress indicators Outcome indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/8518/breeam_case_study_2013?_gl=1*… Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No evidence in public records Name of any specific impact assessment tools 1. BREEAM rating: BREEAM is the national standard in UK against which the environmental sustainability of new buildings is measured. Both of the two terraces are rated 'Excellent' status (Ref 10). 2. EPC(Energy Performance Certificate) Rating: EPC shows the energy efficiency of a building in a clear, transparent and universal way. Link to the output of assessments https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/8518/breeam_case_study_2013?_gl=1*… Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.) Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets Online disclosure of technical reports (e.g. project documents, reports, or data) Justice Community satisfaction Positive: The majority of feedback and reports indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation for the NBS project within the community. Description of locals satisfaction with the project - Increased access to urban green spaces: “A library may not be the most obvious place to head in search of green spaces in the city, but Birmingham is full of surprises. You’ll find a secret garden (pictured in our header image above) on the seventh floor of the library with views over the city” (Ref 8). - Stress relief and relaxation: “Next time you’re rushing around Birmingham City Centre looking for peace and quiet, pop into The Library of Birmingham” (Ref 9). - Access to green spaces in city centre: “Finding green space in the city centre ain’t easy, so this Secret Garden is a godsend” (Ref 9). ; “It has been very well designed. Filled with tough plants like Verbena bonariensis, Sedum, Calamagrostis, Gaura, Hellebores and a lot more.” (Ref 2). Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement No initiatives or policies were implemented High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) Yes Goal setting and impacts delivery Yes, from the planning phase the project aimed to address issues in these three key priority areas and it also delivered benefits across these three areas. Reaching original project goals Most of the project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Climate action goals: - Reduced emissions: “The carbon dioxide emissions as a result of the building’s operation have been reduced through the use of a Combined Heat & Power (CCHP) engine unit which simultaneously generates usable heat” (Ref 7). “The total reduction of carbon dioxide emission fro the development is a significant saving of approximately 40%” (ibid.). - Improved waste management: ”95% of waste material from the construction site was recycled, keeping it out of landfill” (Ref 3). - Improved stormwater management: "Estimated Water Consumption: 0.006 m3/person/year; %Water Consumption to be Provided by Rainwater and/or Grey-water: 65% (Predicted)” (ibid.). - Increased green space area: “The two elevated garden terraces – the Discovery Terrace on level 3 and The Secret Garden on level 7 – provide green spaces in the heart of the city” (Ref 3); "400 m2 is the implemented soil and polystyrene fill provided by landscaping company and 35000 m2 is the total area that the whole project covers, including the Library of Birmingham and the building of new up-dated back of house facilities for Birmingham Repertory Theatre" (Ref 4) Social Justice and Community: -Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: “Next time you’re rushing around Birmingham City Centre looking for peace and quiet, pop into The Library of Birmingham” (Ref 9). -Improvement in people’s connection to nature: “Finding green space in the city centre ain’t easy, so this Secret Garden is a godsend” (Ref 9). -Increased appreciation for natural spaces: “It’s not all about the sights from the roof either, but on the roof too. Beautiful bushes, flowers and grasses live and thrive up here. While surrounding modern architecture and winding pathways are also easy on the eye” (Ref 9). ; “I didn’t pay much attention to the view, I was too busy looking at the plants” (Ref 2). Improved livability: “A library may not be the most obvious place to head in search of green spaces in the city, but Birmingham is full of surprises. You’ll find a secret garden (pictured in our header image above) on the seventh floor of the library with views over the city” (Ref 8). Access to healthy affordable food: "The intervention also has an allotment style edible planting area with over 3500 edible plants planted on level 3, the products grown here being harvested and used within the library kitchens. It also provides an educational facility for schools and local groups." (Ref 1) Long-term perspective Yes Cost-effective solutions Yes Equitable impacts C. Unknown Transformative capacity Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Technical change (e.g. built infrastructure of cities and their parts, roads, buildings and so on) Magnitude of change Reformist: by focusing on addressing underlying drivers of change but failing to address the problem structurally or systemically Application of lessons learned The NBS has been shared or used as a good practice to trigger transformative change Perception of Environmental Change No 6. Sources References 1. Frost Landscapes (n.d.). Birmingham Library. Frost Landscapes, Accessed on August 7, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Wallington, J. (2016). From the streets: Library of Birmingham’s rooftop secret garden and futuristic municipal design. Jack Wallington, Accessed on August 7, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Birmingham City Council (n.d.). Birmingham Library. Birmingham City Council, p. Chap. 8 [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Hornshaw M. (2013). BREEAM Case Study: The Library of Birmingham Carillion Construction Services. Carillion, Accessed on August 8, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Mecanoo (n.d.). Library of Birmingham Facts and Figures. Mecanoo, Accessed on August 12, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. Birmingham City Council (2017). Birmingham Development Plan 2031. Birmingham: Birmingham City Council, p. 67-81 Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Buro Happold (n.d.). Engineering the Library of Birmingham. Buro Happold, p. 28-30 Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Staying Cool (n.d.). Green spaces in Birmingham. Staying Cool, Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Case C. (2023). The Secret Rooftop Garden On The Library Of Birmingham Offers The Best Views Of The City. Secret Birmingham, Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 10. Radmat (n.d.). Library of Birmingham. Radmat, Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 11. Office for National Statistics (2023). 2021 Census Area Profile for Birmingham Local Authority, England Country and E00046370 Output Area. 2021 Census, Accessed on August 13, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Additional insights The construction phase of the building minimised energy consumption and waste, achieving 95% of waste recycling, thus mitigating carbon emission (Ref3, 4). Public Images Image The green roof garden at the Library of Birmingham Frosts Landscapes Construction Ltd. Image The green roof garden at the Library of Birmingham Frosts Landscapes Construction Ltd. Image The green roof garden at the Library of Birmingham Frosts Landscapes Construction Ltd. Image The green roof garden at the Library of Birmingham Frosts Landscapes Construction Ltd. Image The green roof garden at the Library of Birmingham Frosts Landscapes Construction Ltd.
