Last February, the implementation works of the Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) of the Horta das Figueiras school, a pilot building of the LIFE-myBUILDINGisGREEN project located in Évora (Portugal), were completed.

In this educational centre, where several NBS have been implemented on roofs, façades and playgrounds, the first signs of good health of the vegetation used are beginning to be seen. One example is the rapid growth of the vegetation corresponding to the green roof used in this school. This is the mBiGTray prototype, which consists of a vegetation cover encapsulated in trays that prevent the loss of water from the system, allowing this NBS to be maintained with very low levels of irrigation.

Close-up of vegetation used in the mBiGTray prototype © CIMAC

Another prototype that has been carefully worked on to allow the favourable establishment of vegetation is the mBiGToldo prototype, which consists of a green façade that covers part of the east-facing façade of the school. This green façade requires hydroponic irrigation, incorporating nutrients through this irrigation system. In the case of this NBS, the results of proper establishment of the vegetation will need a longer period of time to begin to show. For the planting of the vegetation used in this NBS, a mixture of water, wood fibres, fertiliser and seeds of the intended species was used.

Planting process of the vegetation foreseen in the mBiGToldo prototype in Évora © CIMAC

The LIFE-myBUILDIGisGREEN project is currently in the 5-year After-LIFE period following the end of the project. During this period, the project team continues to evaluate the impact indicators of the implemented NBS, as well as to organise numerous dissemination and transferability events of the actions of this project co-funded by the EU LIFE programme. For more information on the work to be carried out during this period, please check the complete After-LIFE Plan.

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