Energy

Solar panels

Energy strategies that include solar panels generate sustainable energy and strive for the most efficient use of energy. Greenery and solar panels can be perfectly combined for this purpose. The cooling effect of greenery has a beneficial effect on the operation of the solar panels and can result in 6% more energy yield.

Combining greenery and solar panels also has the advantage that the aging process of the silicon of the solar panels is slower. Loss of capital does not occur until ten years later. In addition, wind-sheltered areas with shade are created, which contribute to more biodiversity. This is further enhanced if the solar panels are placed ‘on legs’ – i.e. a little higher. Solar panels can even be placed so high that extra living space for humans and animals can be created underneath. Limit visual landscape pollution as much as possible by combining it with greenery. An innovative approach in Oslo, Norway, combines the benefits of solar panels and a green roof, with vertical solar panels. Find out more.

Biomass

Valuable components can be extracted from biomass for new, biobased products, as an alternative to products that are currently produced from fossil sources (e.g. plastics). It is best to use biomass for the highest possible quality new product. Use wood from trees for furniture or wood construction in buildings. Yew trimmings contain the active substance taxol for an anti-cancer medicine. And the wood substance lignin can be used in asphalt, where lignin replaces part of the tar (bitumen).

Only when a product cannot be recycled or reused can it be used for a low-value application: combustion to generate energy. In the long term, burning wood and pruning waste for bioenergy will become less and less of an issue.

For more information and example projects of climate-smart forest, nature and landscape management, visit www.vbne.nl

Electricity from plants

Bacteria that live around the roots of the plant break down organic matter (sugars).

In this degradation process, electrons are released. Plants produce electricity day and night as long as they have sufficiently ‘wet feet’. Plants consume more CO2 than they emit, and electricity generated by living plants is therefore CO2 negative!

In this way, a number of climate functions – such as water storage, greening, lowering the ambient temperature – can be linked to lighting and social safety. All of a sudden, energy comes alive and brings people and nature closer together.

Roof and façade greenery

Green roofs/rooftop parks and façades contribute to cooling of buildings in summer, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning. In winter, greenery has an insulating effect and heat is retained in the building.

Plants provide natural cooling and can partially replace the need for air conditioning. Air conditioners contribute to an urban heat island with their heat emissions. Greenery can be integrated into new and existing buildings. In both cases, the energy requirements of buildings are reduced.

Electrical and emission-free mechanisation

Many outdoor equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, leaf blowers and mowers can be bought or leased with an electric motor. These are low-noise alternatives that do not cause direct CO2 emissions and odours. Power tools can be supplied with green and sustainable energy via solar panels in the field or on the business premises.

Electrical power tools are highly suitable for places where noise pollution can be problematic, such as in hospitals and nursing homes, schools, etc. Do not use ‘noisy devices’ such as leaf blowers if it is not necessary. Where possible, leave leaves to create a mulch layer. In this way, the soil receives nutrition and it saves work. Alternatively use a broom or rake to clear leaves.

Usefulness and necessity

When planning, designing, and implementing projects, think carefully about the management and maintenance of the greenery. What is taken care of and how? For some work, an electrical appliance is not always sufficient. For example, for pruning yew, electric machines are often too light and do not give enough pressure to be able to cut straight. Choose electrical equipment where possible, and machines running on (new, sustainable) petrol if electrical power is insufficient.

Smart technology

Smart technology uses sensors to adapt home automation: smart devices and systems to their actual energy need. This means more efficient and sustainable use. Sensors on a device indicate emissions, how much the device has been used, and when it needs to be serviced or replaced.

Lighting

Our living environment and buildings are often overly lit. This disrupts the biorhythm and behaviour patterns of humans, animals and plants. There are many ways to reduce nightime light pollution. Some animal species, such as pipistrelle bats and bridge spiders, seem to be adapting to the city. They catch insects that are attracted to the lamps that shine at night.

Cities are lit almost everywhere by lampposts along roads. Warm white light and red light are the least disruptive for most nocturnal animals. In addition to the colour, the light intensity also plays a role.

Trees and lighting

Many lighting problems can be avoided in the design phase by taking into account the mature dimensions of trees (above and below ground) and by looking for alternatives to an arrangement. Calculating the distance from the light poles to the trees should take into account the light point height, the mature crown width and the branch-free length of the trunk. With this data, the optimal distance between the light pole and the tree is easy to estimate.

Depending on the street profile, there are many design options for alternative arrangements in which the trees and public lighting do not interfere with each other at all. The possibilities depend on the width of the profile and the desired light level. These include:

• Façade lighting to illuminate the sidewalks
• Line lighting at ground level along the roadway
• Light poles on one side of the road, the trees on the other side
• Trees in the central reservation, light poles along the two sides or vice versa
• Span between façades or masts with suspended luminaires above the road

Glow in the dark

Toxin-free natural pigment can be applied to the bark of trees. This pigment needs to be charged for about fifteen minutes per hour (with a neutral LED daylight lamp or coloured light). After that, this pigment continues to glow (and therefore emit light) for three quarters of an hour without electricity.