Summer '21

GREEN TALK KEITH HILLS
>>> Continued from page 19
Installation wise, it is not necessarily
a mistake, but often logistical
challenges are faced when it
comes to installing green roofs,
in particular when materials need
to be lifted to roof level. It is of
paramount importance that teams
are sequencing with other trades
to ensure use of cranes and other
machinery to safely deliver the
green roof system components on
to the roof, whilst meeting strict
programme deadlines.
If there was one roof that you
could green anywhere in the UK,
which one would it be?
Emirates Stadium – Being an
Arsenal fan I really wanted them to
take this on. I visited the stadium,
provided a quotation but they said
they didn’t have the budget and
ended up buying Granit Xhaka a
week later…!
Tell us about a project you’re
proud to have been involved with…
Tough one; from a prestige project
point of view, Battersea Power
Station. That being said, from an
environmentally friendly feat,
Chimes in Westminster was a
fantastic project; not only did we
install sedum roofs offering air
purification, water attenuation
(sedums have high water capacity)
and natural habitats, these roofs
could be overlooked by residents
from the landscaped podium
area with planters and evergreen
shrubbery, supporting health and
wellbeing. The project also included
a blue roof system, to further
support the mitigation of urbanised
flooding by attenuating water,
reducing the impact on the old
London drainage system. Further
greenery was incorporated
within the communal courtyard,
again giving residents an access
to nature. This project should
be considered a benchmark in
which other projects in our inner
cities should look to as a hybrid
solution.
What’s the biggest issue affecting
the supply chain currently?
The main issue affecting the
supply chain is the lack of trained
operatives to install the green roofs
and other sustainable roof level
system components, therefore
impacting all those involved within
the supply chain. It is not only the
green roof industry, the roofing
sector as a whole faces challenges
with an ever-growing skills gap
and shortage. An NFRC survey has
shown that labour shortages was
the second highest area of concern
for roofing and cladding contractors
in 2021.
After what’s been a particularly
challenging year, are there
reasons to be positive within the
green roof sector and the wider
construction industry?
Lockdown, for many of us, has
facilitated a stronger connection
with nature, due to not working
in offices, venturing outside on
work breaks and more time
in evenings through the
removal of commuting.
In May 2020, 36% of
people responding
to the People and
Nature Survey by Natural England
said they were spending more time
outside during the pandemic than
before. This rose to 46% in July
2020.
Research carried out by Naturescot
demonstrated the increase of those
reacquainting themselves with
nature, with many reporting that
after spending time outdoors they
felt that they had gained health and
wellbeing benefits. It’s never been
more important for not only the
environment but also us as people
to ensure there is no devastating
loss to biodiversity, to ensure our
natural world thrives alongside us,
for us to enjoy.
Green and biodiverse roofs
will continue to thrive through
the reconnection to nature,
Government mandates for
biodiversity, net zero carbon targets
and reducing the impact of climate
change.
Contact
Eco Green Roofs:
Tel: 01277 355705
www.ecogreenroofs.co.uk
Tweet: @EcoGreenRoofs
With regard to the construction
industry, many companies
have thrived in the pandemic
due to funding placed via
the Government to support
stability in the UK’s economy.
The construction industry has
demonstrated resilience alongside
being compliant to safe practices.
It will continue to grow and
shape, though with a heavier
focus on sustainability as part of
a green recovery from the
pandemic.
The full version of our
interview with Keith
is available at www.
greenscapemag.co.uk
20 GREENSCAPE SUMMER 2021 • www.greenscapemag.co.uk