Discover the Old Treasury Building Green Our Rooftop Project

The Green Our Rooftop project at Melbourne’s historic Old Treasury Building is a landmark initiative in urban sustainability, transforming an under-utilised rooftop space into a thriving green environment. By integrating green infrastructure, the project enhances biodiversity, mitigates urban heat island effects, improves stormwater management, and creates a visually striking addition to Melbourne’s skyline. This project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, reinforcing the value of nature-based solutions in urban planning.

ecoDynamics’ role

ecoDynamics was engaged by Evergreen Infrastructure to facilitate the installation of 100m³ of lightweight Roof Lite media – an essential component for supporting rooftop vegetation. Our role involved delivering and precisely placing the growing medium using our specialised blower truck service, ensuring an efficient and seamless application across the rooftop.

Project challenges and solutions

• Restricted site access: Given the location in Melbourne’s CBD and the height of the Old Treasury Building, traditional delivery methods were not feasible. Our team coordinated the use of a crane to lift our blower truck hose onto the rooftop, ensuring safe and effective media placement.
• Precision application: The delicate rooftop structure required careful media distribution to avoid overloading any section. Our experienced Services team managed the process with precision, ensuring even coverage across the designated areas.
• Urban considerations: Operating in a busy metropolitan environment required meticulous planning to minimise disruption to surrounding businesses and pedestrians. Our logistics team coordinated with stakeholders closely to execute the work efficiently within permitted timeframes.

Outcome

The successful installation of the Roof Lite media provided the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable green rooftop. This green space now offers multiple environmental benefits, including:

• Improved air quality by filtering pollutants and carbon dioxide.
• Enhanced stormwater management, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on drainage systems.
• Increased biodiversity by providing habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
• Mitigation of urban heat island effects, helping to cool the surrounding environment.
• Improved aesthetics and mental wellbeing for those who interact with the new green space.

This project serves as a testament to the power of green infrastructure in reshaping urban environments, demonstrating how innovative solutions can be seamlessly integrated into historic and modern landscapes alike.

This project has been completed by the Victorian Government as a joint initiative between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Department of Transport and Planning and the City of Melbourne.

All aerial pictures: David Hannah 2024