What makes the coal loader so special?
Rapid urbanisation is a leading cause of habitat loss, worldwide. Green infrastructure, the integration of artificial and natural landscapes, provides both public amenity and opportunities for habitat creation. Green roofs are a particular type of green infrastructure which makes use of wasted space on top of buildings and carparks, areas previously thought to be of no real economic value!
Using the living lab concept, researchers at Macquarie University have partnered together with local stakeholders and industry to transform the coal loader site into a green roof with high social capital and added environmental benefits. It will be an opportunity for increasing urban harvest, as well as a showcase of energy efficient site management and various habitat creation techniques.
The coal loader is unique among developments of this kind for its position relative to existing areas of high biodiversity value and public amenity. Due to activities managed by the Coal Loader Sustainability Centre within and around the site, there is already data on biodiversity and public utility of the site pre-development. This means that when the green roof is built, it will be the first ever green infrastructure installation to have a before and after comparison to evaluate its success!
How do we evaluate success at attracting animals to the site? That is where you come in. Simply upload any pictures or audio-files you can of species in and around the coal loader site anytime from now and, most importantly, after the green roof is finished. Together we can track the use of the site by various animals including birds, insects and lizards (and even us funny monkeys!) and watch the biodiversity grow.
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