1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The aim of the green roofs was to provide added value by assisting the control of stormwater, humidity, noise, heat and pollution. It is also used as a learning resource with curriculum-friendly uses for all the children.[1][3]
Quantitative targets
Restricted ground space opened up the opportunity to create green roofs at three levels: for play space, outdoor classrooms (44 square meters), and a sort of rooftop nature preserve (2000 square meters). [1][3]
Monitoring indicators defined
Unknown
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Please specify "other Type of NBS project"
Green Roof Project [1]
Implementation activities
The key design goal for the roof was to create plantings with dramatic visual impact for much of the year, high biodiversity value, and minimal resource and maintenance requirements. Almost 700 plants were planted by volunteers from within the community. The green roof was designed with different vegetation types to provide a range of habitats for invertebrate and bird species. This was achieved in a number of ways, including the use of a variety of substrates to create varied soil conditions that promote the establishment of different plant communities. Plants were largely allowed to colonize naturally, and some seed mixes were specifically introduced to benefit pollinators in particular. Green Estate has been undertaking regular ongoing maintenance at Sharrow School for the last six years. Maintenance tasks are carried out with the aim of optimizing the health of the vegetation and maintain the individual habitats. [1][4]
Type of NBS project
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
Sharrow School is a primary education school located in the Sharrow area of Sheffield. The green roof was factored into the construction of the new school in 2006 as a way of providing space for nature, managing storm water, and offering a learning resource for the children of the school. The green roof was designed with different vegetation types to provide a range of habitats for invertebrate and bird species. The roof also acts as a haven for birds and other kinds of wildlife, with rotting tree stumps provided for many kinds of insects. All of the roofs are used as a learning resource with curriculum-friendly uses for all the children. [4][6]
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The green roof on the Sharrow School is the First Green Roof in the UK to Achieve Nature Reserve Status. It has been declared as a Local Nature Reserve by Sheffield City Council with the support of Natural England, in recognition of the importance of the roof to wildlife and educating the school's pupils about nature and the environment. [2][3]
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
The Sharrow School is a real testament to what can be achieved and is a landmark construction that raises the benchmark.[2]
