Could ‘living roofs’ on bus stops boost Bristol’s biodiversity?

An ambitious pilot project could see city bus stops transformed with living roofs installed on them.

Bristol’s Labour group is working to cover shelters on Redcliffe Way with vegetation to help support biodiversity.

It could pave the way for more foliage to be added to urban infrastructure across the city as part of a bid to combat climate change.

What are living roofs?

Also known as green roofs, living roofs are an extension of an existing roof involving layers of plants sitting in waterproof surfaces.

According to Mobilane, a UK company specialised in sustainable development, green roofs can deliver a set of benefits to cities.

Scientists have long researched the urban heat island effect (UHI), which is one of the main challenges for urban construction in the face of climate change. UHI happens due to the concentration of buildings and concrete – and lack of green spaces – which heat up cities.

Living roofs might be able to store rainwater, filter fine dust and improve the volume of air supply.

However, some people have raised concern over the potential efficiency of the measure, with some branding it greenwashing.

A report shared by the Architects’ Journal studied whether the claims of greenwashing on living roofs were true, suggesting that “the carbon footprint of installing them, does not outweigh the carbon benefit provided”.

The report also presented a critical point on the need to do more in terms of comprehensive urban planning: stakeholders and authorities should include more green spaces, especially populated with native species.

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Read more: ‘An important first step in creating a new heart for our neighbourhood’

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Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We’re reaching the final stages of our internal approvals process for the new bus shelter structure, which if approved will be followed by upgrading of the bus stop with a new raised platform and installation of living roof shelter.”

The Labour councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston added: “The living roof shelters are designed and engineered to incorporate the extra weight of the living roof into the roof structure. This means they can only be installed at new bus shelter sites or as part of bus stop upgrade projects.

“Clear Channel is giving us the living roof shelter for free as part of this trial and we are covering the costs of installing the new raised platform.

“The benefits of living roofs include storing CO₂ and particulate pollution to help decarbonise the city and improve air quality. They also soak up excess rainwater and attract pollinators when the plants’ flower.”

The scale of the rollout of this initiative and how cost effective it will be remains unknown. For now, the pilot is  expected to start later this year.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by NatWest, and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership  

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

• ‘We strongly believe in using the power of art as a force for good’ 
• Creating space for nature in urban neighbourhoods of Bristol
• £95,000 awarded to Bristol organisations taking climate and nature action
• Sustainable Fashion Week returns to Bristol

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