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Plants, Green Roofs, and Green Walls: Navigating Maintenance Challenges

Plants, Green Roofs, and Green Walls: Navigating Maintenance Challenges

The trend of incorporating vegetation into urban spaces has gained momentum over the past decade. There are stunning examples like the Menhara Hap Seng 3, containing a 91-meter-tall green wall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or in Europe the works by Vincent Callebaut or Stefano Boeri, with whom Fallprotec is working like for instance on the Trudo Toren in Eindhoven.
These installations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings but also create refreshing environments for occupants. Green roofs, adorned with plants, offer natural cooling during summer months and mitigate floods, acting like natural sponges and contributing to urban sustainability.

However, maintaining these green features requires careful gardening practices to keep them thriving. Effective maintenance strategies vary based on the specific layout and design of the vegetated areas.

One innovative solution is the Securope Green Post, a specialized fixing interface designed for green roofs. This system utilizes a fastening technique that leverages the weight of the plants to securely anchor elements without the need for drilling. This approach preserves the roof's waterproofing, insulation, and structural integrity.

For plants located near windows or growing inside buildings, implementing overhead protection is advisable to reduce the risk of accidents. Fallprotec offers various fall protection rails, including the lightweight Securail Pro rail and the SafeAccess C rail. The SafeAccess C rail is designed for suspended access with an aesthetic finish thought for associations with green areas. Its unique C-shaped design allows it to be concealed within a false ceiling, remaining invisible to the public when not in use.

For larger, taller green facades, overhead solutions alone may not suffice to reach the entire area. Moreover, most frequent tasks include plants caring, checking of the water supply system and earth quality. Additionally, many innovative designs now bring tress inside the buildings. These are taken care of by arborists that might not have a rope access certification. To address this, Fallprotec has developed the RopeClimber, a person hoist designed for safe vertical access usable by anyone with a half-day training. This battery-powered hoist operates via a lifting rope and is secured with a safety rope equipped with an ASAP fall arrester. It features a modular design with options like StandSit, BackPack, or cradle-mounted configurations. The RopeClimber can be paired with roof anchor points, SafeAccess suspension rails and davit arms. It can also be suspended from temporary roof anchor points for added versatility.

By employing these innovative solutions, urban greenery can thrive while ensuring the safety and efficiency of maintenance activities.

Discover more Fallprotec products used in green buildings on our webpage.