Urban infrastructure greening
Over the years, LE PRIEURE has developed a unique expertise in urban planting. A number of “new” developments have been added to our toolbox in response to urban issues such as limiting heat islands and managing rainwater.
R&D is one of PRIEURE’s key areas of development, with the aim of constantly bringing new solutions to urban renaturation.
Greening of tramway tracks and medians
Tramway tracks represent vast surfaces in the urban environment, and can generate a “heat island” effect. By planting them, we can create genuine green corridors that contribute to the return of biodiversity, absorb heat and help manage rainwater.
Vegetation can be planted between the streetcar rails or along the tracks. Hedges can also be planted along the tracks.
Greening bus shelters in urban environments
As part of the process of urban renaturation, and in order to reinforce green webs and help the return of biodiversity to the city, many urban operators have chosen to green their furniture. Bus shelters, kiosks, bicycle shelters and other surfaces can be greened, creating small, yet numerous additional areas of vegetation.
Find out more about greening urban infrastructures
Why green bus shelters?
Vegetated bus shelters are numerous green spaces scattered around cities. These zones, however small, help to colonize urban spaces, contributing in their own way to rainwater management.
What is the advantage of sedum over other plants?
Sedum is a hardy variety that adapts very easily to urban constraints. A rock garden plant, it generates few roots and multiplies on its own. Well adapted, sedum will quickly colonize the surface on which it is planted. It is a water-efficient plant, highly resilient to cold and drought, and therefore requires little maintenance.
Why plant tramway tracks?
In addition to its aesthetic role, platform vegetation is a major asset in the fight against global warming, offering several advantages such as air cooling, CO2 absorption and environmental depollution. It also helps to dampen much of the vibration generated by the tramway. What’s more, it allows rainwater to be treated by temporarily storing it, thus reducing the flow to the sewage system during periods of heavy precipitation.
Why are we so keen on greening our cities?
Greening cities is essential for a number of reasons that affect the environment, quality of life and even the health of residents. Here are some of the main reasons:
1. Combating global warming
Cities are often “heat islands” due to the concentration of buildings and impermeable surfaces (asphalt, concrete). Vegetation helps reduce this effect by providing shade and promoting evapotranspiration, a process that releases moisture into the air, thus cooling the atmosphere.
2. Improving air quality
Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and other atmospheric pollutants, helping to clean up the air. They also help produce oxygen, a vital element for human respiration.
3. Promoting biodiversity
Urban green spaces provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. This helps preserve biodiversity in the city, allowing insects, birds and other animals to settle and feed.
4. Reduce the risk of flooding
Vegetated areas, in particular gardens, green roofs and permeable parking lots, absorb rainwater and limit runoff. This reduces pressure on urban drainage systems and helps prevent flooding.
5. Improving the health and well-being of local residents
The presence of greenery has a positive effect on mental and physical health. It provides spaces for relaxation and recreation, reduces stress, improves sleep quality and promotes physical exercise by encouraging people to get out and about in pleasant environments.
6. Reduce noise
Plants, especially hedges and trees, act as natural acoustic barriers, reducing urban noise. They absorb and deflect sound waves, contributing to a calmer, more pleasant atmosphere in the city.
7. Improve urban aesthetics
Vegetation makes cities more attractive, adding color and diversity to the urban environment. It also fosters a sense of belonging and well-being among residents, by making public spaces more welcoming.
8. Building resilience to climate-related hazards
Cities are increasingly faced with extreme climatic events such as heat waves, droughts or heavy rainfall. Revegetation helps to make cities more resilient by absorbing CO2, reducing temperatures and filtering rainwater.
9. Optimize use of urban space
Greening can also mean rethinking the use of public spaces. Rooftops, walls and vacant lots can be transformed into green zones, offering new spaces for citizens while optimizing available space.
In short, urban greening is a multifunctional solution that combines well-being, ecology and efficiency in the face of today’s environmental challenges. It’s a concrete way of adapting our cities to the challenges of the future, while improving quality of life for present and future generations.
