VERTICAL ECOSYSTEM
Basic information
Project Title
VERTICAL ECOSYSTEM
Full project title
DEVELOPMENT OF A HYDROPONIC VERTICAL GARDEN THAT REUSES WASTE WATER FOR IR-RIGATION
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
This innovation project consists of the construction of a 100m2 hydroponic vertical garden on the façade of a 4* hotel in Malaga connected to a greywater regeneration station. The system recovers and treats the wastewater from the rooms and reuses it to irrigate over 2.500 plants. This solution allows to bring greenery into dense urban areas without consuming freshwater.
This project is the kickstart of a movement "Renaturalizar Malaga" to boost the implementation of NBS in the city.
This project is the kickstart of a movement "Renaturalizar Malaga" to boost the implementation of NBS in the city.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Malaga, Spain
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Horizon2020 / Horizon Europe
Description of the project
Summary
Malaga is making efforts to increase green areas in the city. However, water scarcity and lack of space pose a challenge to maintaining and expanding existing green spaces. Andalusia is among the European regions facing more intensively challenges related to climate change.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have been identified by the EU as one of the essential tools for building more sustainable and resilient societies. But how can we integrate nature into dense urban areas, where space is so limited, and do so without putting additional pressure on scarce water resources?
Vertical Ecosystem is an innovation project that consists of the construction of a 100 m2 hydroponic verti-cal garden on the façade of the Mariposa Hotel (Soho, Malaga) connected to a greywater regeneration station. The system recovers and treats the wastewater that the hotel discharges daily to the municipal sewage system and reuses it to irrigate more than 2500 plants of 18 different species carefully selected to thrive in this environment. The project was carried out by two SMEs, Biotonomy and Bioazul, and financed by the European Commission through the Metabuilding platform.
This vertical ecosystem brings unquestionable improvements to the urban environment; not only at the landscape level, but also produces enough oxygen for 100 people, acts as thermal insulation for the build-ing, helps regulate temperature and attenuate noise pollution from the street, increases urban biodiversity, captures 230 kg of CO2, 13 kg of dust and filters 65 tons of harmful gases per year, among other benefits.
Since the construction of its hydroponic vertical garden, the Mariposa Hotel has become a role model for integrating nature into the urban environment. Today, this project serves as a model for the movement “Renaturalizar Malaga”, a collaborative project led by Biotonomy, the University of Malaga, and Impact Hub to regenerate the city’s traditional neighborhoods with NBS.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have been identified by the EU as one of the essential tools for building more sustainable and resilient societies. But how can we integrate nature into dense urban areas, where space is so limited, and do so without putting additional pressure on scarce water resources?
Vertical Ecosystem is an innovation project that consists of the construction of a 100 m2 hydroponic verti-cal garden on the façade of the Mariposa Hotel (Soho, Malaga) connected to a greywater regeneration station. The system recovers and treats the wastewater that the hotel discharges daily to the municipal sewage system and reuses it to irrigate more than 2500 plants of 18 different species carefully selected to thrive in this environment. The project was carried out by two SMEs, Biotonomy and Bioazul, and financed by the European Commission through the Metabuilding platform.
This vertical ecosystem brings unquestionable improvements to the urban environment; not only at the landscape level, but also produces enough oxygen for 100 people, acts as thermal insulation for the build-ing, helps regulate temperature and attenuate noise pollution from the street, increases urban biodiversity, captures 230 kg of CO2, 13 kg of dust and filters 65 tons of harmful gases per year, among other benefits.
Since the construction of its hydroponic vertical garden, the Mariposa Hotel has become a role model for integrating nature into the urban environment. Today, this project serves as a model for the movement “Renaturalizar Malaga”, a collaborative project led by Biotonomy, the University of Malaga, and Impact Hub to regenerate the city’s traditional neighborhoods with NBS.
Key objectives for sustainability
1. Environmental Sustainability: The project addresses the challenge of water scarcity and limited urban space by implementing a hydroponic vertical garden that reduces water consumption significantly. By recycling and treating greywater, it promotes responsible water management. Additionally, the garden's ability to capture CO2, filter harmful gases, and support urban biodiversity directly contributes to improving air quality and environmental health.
2. Resource Efficiency: The reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation demonstrates resource efficiency and minimizes the environmental impact of wastewater disposal. This showcases a sustainable approach to water resource management.
3. Climate Resilience: The project aligns with the EU's recognition of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as a tool for building resilient societies in the face of climate change. The vertical garden helps regulate temperature, reduces heat in the urban environment, and attenuates noise pollution, which is crucial for climate adaptation in a densely populated area.
4. Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect: The vertical garden, by acting as thermal insulation for the building, helps counteract the urban heat island effect, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable urban environment.
5. Carbon Sequestration: The garden's capacity to capture 230 kg of CO2 annually plays a role in mitigating climate change, which is a critical element of sustainability.
The project has met these sustainability objectives by implementing a holistic approach to urban greening and resource management, providing a model that addresses pressing environmental challenges while demonstrating innovative, sustainable solutions.
2. Resource Efficiency: The reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation demonstrates resource efficiency and minimizes the environmental impact of wastewater disposal. This showcases a sustainable approach to water resource management.
3. Climate Resilience: The project aligns with the EU's recognition of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as a tool for building resilient societies in the face of climate change. The vertical garden helps regulate temperature, reduces heat in the urban environment, and attenuates noise pollution, which is crucial for climate adaptation in a densely populated area.
4. Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect: The vertical garden, by acting as thermal insulation for the building, helps counteract the urban heat island effect, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable urban environment.
5. Carbon Sequestration: The garden's capacity to capture 230 kg of CO2 annually plays a role in mitigating climate change, which is a critical element of sustainability.
The project has met these sustainability objectives by implementing a holistic approach to urban greening and resource management, providing a model that addresses pressing environmental challenges while demonstrating innovative, sustainable solutions.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The Vertical Ecosystem project prioritizes aesthetics and quality of experience for urban residents:
1. Architectural Integration: The vertical garden's design is carefully integrated into the Mariposa Hotel's façade, enhancing the building's visual appeal and creating an iconic landmark in the city. It showcases how architectural and natural elements can coexist harmoniously in dense urban areas.
2. Cultural Benefits: The project promotes cultural appreciation of nature within the urban landscape. It encourages a deeper connection with the environment and serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about the importance of green spaces in cities.
3. Green Spaces for Well-being: By introducing greenery into the urban fabric, the project enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. It offers a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment for relaxation, reflection, and recreation.
4. Biophilic Design: The incorporation of nature into the cityscape align with biophilic design principles, which are known to improve mental well-being and overall urban living experience.
The project has successfully created an aesthetically pleasing, culturally significant, and people-centric urban space, setting a standard for how urban areas can be transformed into more pleasant and enjoyable environments.
1. Architectural Integration: The vertical garden's design is carefully integrated into the Mariposa Hotel's façade, enhancing the building's visual appeal and creating an iconic landmark in the city. It showcases how architectural and natural elements can coexist harmoniously in dense urban areas.
2. Cultural Benefits: The project promotes cultural appreciation of nature within the urban landscape. It encourages a deeper connection with the environment and serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about the importance of green spaces in cities.
3. Green Spaces for Well-being: By introducing greenery into the urban fabric, the project enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. It offers a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment for relaxation, reflection, and recreation.
4. Biophilic Design: The incorporation of nature into the cityscape align with biophilic design principles, which are known to improve mental well-being and overall urban living experience.
The project has successfully created an aesthetically pleasing, culturally significant, and people-centric urban space, setting a standard for how urban areas can be transformed into more pleasant and enjoyable environments.
Key objectives for inclusion
1. Accessibility: The urban vertical garden is planned to be accessible to all citizens. It is placed in an exterior façade of a pedestrian street of an iconic neighborhood, promoting inclusivity.
2. Affordability: By demonstrating a sustainable approach that optimizes resources, the project indirectly contributes to affordability. Reduced water consumption and improved building insulation can lead to cost savings for the building owner. The integration of smart systems also allow to reduce maintenance costs.
c. Inclusive Governance: The collaborative initiative "Renaturalizar Malaga" led by Biotonomy, the University of Malaga, and Impact Hub, underscores an inclusive governance model where multiple stakeholders work together to regenerate the city's neighborhoods using Nature-Based Solutions. This approach ensures that diverse voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
d. New Societal Models: The project challenges traditional urban design by incorporating nature into the urban environment, promoting a model of coexistence between urban development and natural ecosystems. This new model encourages a shift towards more inclusive, nature-integrated cities.
The Vertical Ecosystem project exemplifies inclusive design principles and can serve as a model for how cities can create spaces that are accessible, affordable, and welcoming to all while fostering a sense of belonging and shared stewardship of the urban environment.
2. Affordability: By demonstrating a sustainable approach that optimizes resources, the project indirectly contributes to affordability. Reduced water consumption and improved building insulation can lead to cost savings for the building owner. The integration of smart systems also allow to reduce maintenance costs.
c. Inclusive Governance: The collaborative initiative "Renaturalizar Malaga" led by Biotonomy, the University of Malaga, and Impact Hub, underscores an inclusive governance model where multiple stakeholders work together to regenerate the city's neighborhoods using Nature-Based Solutions. This approach ensures that diverse voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
d. New Societal Models: The project challenges traditional urban design by incorporating nature into the urban environment, promoting a model of coexistence between urban development and natural ecosystems. This new model encourages a shift towards more inclusive, nature-integrated cities.
The Vertical Ecosystem project exemplifies inclusive design principles and can serve as a model for how cities can create spaces that are accessible, affordable, and welcoming to all while fostering a sense of belonging and shared stewardship of the urban environment.
Results in relation to category
The facade of the Mariposa Hotel in Soho has become a true urban oasis. The Hotel is now a role model for integrating nature into the urban environment and has set the path towards a greener, more environmentally friendly future. The benefits are manifold, both for the building and its surroundings.
Environmental benefits: Its more than 2,500 plants capture 230 kg of CO2 per year, reduce the temperature of the facade by 10ºC, produce enough oxygen for 100 people and annually capture 13 kg of dust, filter 65 tons of harmful gases and 38 kg of heavy metals.
Social benefits: vertical ecosystems also offer numerous advantages for human health and well-being. Studies have shown that being in contact with nature and plants can reduce stress and improve mood, which is especially important in an environment where life can be stressful and hectic.
Economic benefits: implementing vertical ecosystems generates a great economic impact, especially when integrated into the tourism sector. Vertical ecosystems can increase the value of properties by up to 20% and make urban areas more attractive to visitors and tourists, who are increasingly aware of environmental care, making decisions that are aligned with their interests.
Environmental benefits: Its more than 2,500 plants capture 230 kg of CO2 per year, reduce the temperature of the facade by 10ºC, produce enough oxygen for 100 people and annually capture 13 kg of dust, filter 65 tons of harmful gases and 38 kg of heavy metals.
Social benefits: vertical ecosystems also offer numerous advantages for human health and well-being. Studies have shown that being in contact with nature and plants can reduce stress and improve mood, which is especially important in an environment where life can be stressful and hectic.
Economic benefits: implementing vertical ecosystems generates a great economic impact, especially when integrated into the tourism sector. Vertical ecosystems can increase the value of properties by up to 20% and make urban areas more attractive to visitors and tourists, who are increasingly aware of environmental care, making decisions that are aligned with their interests.
How Citizens benefit
The Mariposa Hotel project actively engaged citizens and civil society, significantly influencing its success and acceptance:
Neighbor Survey: A survey of 80 neighbors post-project revealed positive acceptance and interest in replicating the experience, providing valuable insights for future initiatives.
Public Engagement Events: Talks, discussions and workshops engaged citizens directly, offering explanations and creating a space for questions and suggestions.
Regular free guided tours: Free tours continue to be organized regularly still today to explain the benefits of the project, and the system, demonstrating our continuous commitment to transparency and participation.
Visible Information Board: A permanent information board keeps citizens informed about the project and its impact, fostering continuous awareness since the beginning of the project.
The impact of this involvement is noteworthy:
Increased Awareness and Participation: Citizens became more aware of Nature-Based Solutions and the circular economy, actively participating in the neighborhood's evolution.
Informed Decision-Making: Empowered citizens now contribute to decisions affecting their environment with a deeper understanding of sustainability.
Hotel Customer Involvement: Hotel customers are informed about about the project's ecological aspects, contributing to their awareness and responsible consumer choices.
Neighbor Survey: A survey of 80 neighbors post-project revealed positive acceptance and interest in replicating the experience, providing valuable insights for future initiatives.
Public Engagement Events: Talks, discussions and workshops engaged citizens directly, offering explanations and creating a space for questions and suggestions.
Regular free guided tours: Free tours continue to be organized regularly still today to explain the benefits of the project, and the system, demonstrating our continuous commitment to transparency and participation.
Visible Information Board: A permanent information board keeps citizens informed about the project and its impact, fostering continuous awareness since the beginning of the project.
The impact of this involvement is noteworthy:
Increased Awareness and Participation: Citizens became more aware of Nature-Based Solutions and the circular economy, actively participating in the neighborhood's evolution.
Informed Decision-Making: Empowered citizens now contribute to decisions affecting their environment with a deeper understanding of sustainability.
Hotel Customer Involvement: Hotel customers are informed about about the project's ecological aspects, contributing to their awareness and responsible consumer choices.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
This is a pioneering project for several reasons:
First, it is the first large-scale hydroponic vertical garden installed in the city of Malaga. Hydroponics is the most advanced technology on the market for the creation of vertical gardens. This system has widely proven to be the most successful and profitable in the long term for urban projects. The main innovation of the system used is that it allows to reproduce the ideal conditions for the creation of ecosystems and to guarantee an optimal and lasting result.
The system is telematically monitored, with real-time nutrient control, minimizing risks, costs and human intervention in system maintenance. Built-in alarms notify of deregulation for rapid intervention and monitoring.
It is also the first fully operational vertical garden in the city to reuse 100% of the treated gray water from the hotel rooms.
Finally, it is the first vertical garden installed in the center of the city of Malaga. For its approval, Biotonomy worked in collaboration with the urban planning department of the Malaga City Council to issue an exception to the current regulations for the implementation of a pilot to determine the feasibility of installing these structures in this and other neighborhoods of the city.
First, it is the first large-scale hydroponic vertical garden installed in the city of Malaga. Hydroponics is the most advanced technology on the market for the creation of vertical gardens. This system has widely proven to be the most successful and profitable in the long term for urban projects. The main innovation of the system used is that it allows to reproduce the ideal conditions for the creation of ecosystems and to guarantee an optimal and lasting result.
The system is telematically monitored, with real-time nutrient control, minimizing risks, costs and human intervention in system maintenance. Built-in alarms notify of deregulation for rapid intervention and monitoring.
It is also the first fully operational vertical garden in the city to reuse 100% of the treated gray water from the hotel rooms.
Finally, it is the first vertical garden installed in the center of the city of Malaga. For its approval, Biotonomy worked in collaboration with the urban planning department of the Malaga City Council to issue an exception to the current regulations for the implementation of a pilot to determine the feasibility of installing these structures in this and other neighborhoods of the city.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The Mariposa Hotel project integrated a spectrum of disciplines, including architecture, engineering, biology, botany, ICT, urbanism, tourism, public-private collaboration, communication, and social inclusion/participation. This collaborative effort brought added value through:
Architecture: Collaborated on the seamless integration of the hydroponic vertical garden with the hotel's structure and design.
Engineering: ensured the successful implementation of the system and the integration of both modules, water treatment plant and the hydroponic vertical garden.
Biology & botany: Advised on plant species selection, ensuring compatibility with the vertical garden's urban environment.
ICT (Information and Communication Technologies): Contributed to smart technologies and data systems associated with the project.
Urbanism: Considered the vertical garden's impact on the broader urban landscape and zoning regulations.
Tourism: Ensured alignment with hotel goals, positioning the vertical garden as an attractive feature.
Public-Private Collaboration: Facilitated cooperation between stakeholders, navigating regulatory processes.
Communication: Developed strategies & actions to disseminate project information, engaging local residents and visitors.
Social Inclusion & Participation: Organized community involvement, ensuring neighbors acceptance and ownership.
Architecture: Collaborated on the seamless integration of the hydroponic vertical garden with the hotel's structure and design.
Engineering: ensured the successful implementation of the system and the integration of both modules, water treatment plant and the hydroponic vertical garden.
Biology & botany: Advised on plant species selection, ensuring compatibility with the vertical garden's urban environment.
ICT (Information and Communication Technologies): Contributed to smart technologies and data systems associated with the project.
Urbanism: Considered the vertical garden's impact on the broader urban landscape and zoning regulations.
Tourism: Ensured alignment with hotel goals, positioning the vertical garden as an attractive feature.
Public-Private Collaboration: Facilitated cooperation between stakeholders, navigating regulatory processes.
Communication: Developed strategies & actions to disseminate project information, engaging local residents and visitors.
Social Inclusion & Participation: Organized community involvement, ensuring neighbors acceptance and ownership.
Methodology used
The Vertical Ecosystem project in Malaga employed a methodical approach:
Feasibility Study:
Objective: Assess the viability of combining a water treatment station with a hydroponic vertical garden.
Actions: Comprehensive study considering technical, environmental, and regulatory aspects.
Design:
Objective: Develop detailed plans for both modules.
Actions: Collaborative design sessions involving experts in water treatment, vertical gardening, and engineering.
Implementation:
Objective: Physically construct both modules according to approved designs.
Actions: Executed construction with local expertise and resources.
Connection and Testing:
Objective: Integrate and test the combined modules.
Actions: Ensured seamless functionality through connection and initial testing.
Validation:
Objective: Confirm successful integration and operation.
Actions: Rigorous testing and validation to meet environmental and performance criteria.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Objective: Assess environmental and performance outcomes.
Actions: Established monitoring protocols, collaborating with the University of Malaga for comprehensive evaluation.
Communication and Dissemination:
Objective: Share project details and outcomes.
Actions: Implemented a communication strategy involving local businesses, disseminating information to raise awareness and gain community support.
Feasibility Study:
Objective: Assess the viability of combining a water treatment station with a hydroponic vertical garden.
Actions: Comprehensive study considering technical, environmental, and regulatory aspects.
Design:
Objective: Develop detailed plans for both modules.
Actions: Collaborative design sessions involving experts in water treatment, vertical gardening, and engineering.
Implementation:
Objective: Physically construct both modules according to approved designs.
Actions: Executed construction with local expertise and resources.
Connection and Testing:
Objective: Integrate and test the combined modules.
Actions: Ensured seamless functionality through connection and initial testing.
Validation:
Objective: Confirm successful integration and operation.
Actions: Rigorous testing and validation to meet environmental and performance criteria.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Objective: Assess environmental and performance outcomes.
Actions: Established monitoring protocols, collaborating with the University of Malaga for comprehensive evaluation.
Communication and Dissemination:
Objective: Share project details and outcomes.
Actions: Implemented a communication strategy involving local businesses, disseminating information to raise awareness and gain community support.
How stakeholders are engaged
The Vertical Ecosystem project in Malaga engaged various stakeholders at different levels, fostering a collaborative approach to its design and implementation:
Departamento de Urbanismo del Ayuntamiento de Málaga (Local Government's Urban Planning Department):
Role: Granted an exception to regulations for project approval.
Involvement: Provided crucial local regulatory support.
Plataforma Metabuilding (Metabuilding Platform):
Role: European construction innovation hub.
Involvement: Offered advisory support, enriching the project with European insights.
Universidad de Málaga, Cátedra de Cambio Climático (University, Chair of Climate Change):
Role: Evaluated project outcomes.
Involvement: Actively measured and analyzed environmental impacts, adding scientific credibility.
Local Businesses (Sponsors and Communication Support):
Role: Sponsored the project, aided communication.
Involvement: Provided financial backing, boosted local visibility, and contributed to community outreach.
Added Value:
Regulatory support ensured project viability.
European insights enriched innovation.
Scientific evaluation enhanced credibility.
Local business support provided funding and community acceptance.
Departamento de Urbanismo del Ayuntamiento de Málaga (Local Government's Urban Planning Department):
Role: Granted an exception to regulations for project approval.
Involvement: Provided crucial local regulatory support.
Plataforma Metabuilding (Metabuilding Platform):
Role: European construction innovation hub.
Involvement: Offered advisory support, enriching the project with European insights.
Universidad de Málaga, Cátedra de Cambio Climático (University, Chair of Climate Change):
Role: Evaluated project outcomes.
Involvement: Actively measured and analyzed environmental impacts, adding scientific credibility.
Local Businesses (Sponsors and Communication Support):
Role: Sponsored the project, aided communication.
Involvement: Provided financial backing, boosted local visibility, and contributed to community outreach.
Added Value:
Regulatory support ensured project viability.
European insights enriched innovation.
Scientific evaluation enhanced credibility.
Local business support provided funding and community acceptance.
Global challenges
The Vertical Ecosystem project in Malaga addresses significant global challenges by providing innovative local solutions:
Bringing Nature-Based Solutions to Cities:
Global Challenge: Rapid urbanization and climate change pose threats to urban environments, impacting biodiversity, air quality, and overall well-being.
Local Solution: The project introduces a hydroponic vertical garden on an urban hotel façade, exemplifying how nature-based solutions can be seamlessly integrated into dense city spaces. This approach enhances urban biodiversity, contributes to air quality, and provides numerous ecological benefits, showcasing a local model for sustainable urban development.
Reusing Wastewater:
Global Challenge: Water scarcity is a pressing global issue exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and inefficient water management practices.
Local Solution: The project addresses this challenge by implementing a greywater regeneration system that treats and reuses the hotel's wastewater for irrigating the vertical garden. This not only reduces the demand on scarce freshwater resources but also exemplifies a circular economy approach, where waste becomes a valuable resource. By showcasing effective wastewater reuse at the local level, the project contributes to the global effort of sustainable water management in urban areas.
Bringing Nature-Based Solutions to Cities:
Global Challenge: Rapid urbanization and climate change pose threats to urban environments, impacting biodiversity, air quality, and overall well-being.
Local Solution: The project introduces a hydroponic vertical garden on an urban hotel façade, exemplifying how nature-based solutions can be seamlessly integrated into dense city spaces. This approach enhances urban biodiversity, contributes to air quality, and provides numerous ecological benefits, showcasing a local model for sustainable urban development.
Reusing Wastewater:
Global Challenge: Water scarcity is a pressing global issue exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and inefficient water management practices.
Local Solution: The project addresses this challenge by implementing a greywater regeneration system that treats and reuses the hotel's wastewater for irrigating the vertical garden. This not only reduces the demand on scarce freshwater resources but also exemplifies a circular economy approach, where waste becomes a valuable resource. By showcasing effective wastewater reuse at the local level, the project contributes to the global effort of sustainable water management in urban areas.
Learning transferred to other parties
This project offers several replicable elements that can be transferred to other places, benefiting different groups and contexts.
Hydroponic Vertical Garden Technology: Adaptable to various urban settings, fostering green spaces in densely populated areas globally.
Greywater Regeneration System: Transferable to hotels, residential buildings, and urban structures for sustainable water management and circular economy practices.
Fertigation System with Nutrient Control: Enables optimized maintenance in vertical gardening projects, providing real-time data for resource efficiency.
Scientific Monitoring and Evaluation Protocols: Collaborative models with academic institutions for measuring environmental impacts, applicable to diverse locations.
Community Engagement and Local Sponsorship: Involving local businesses fosters community support, enhancing project visibility and ownership.
Adaptation to Local Flora and Climate: Tailoring plant choices to local conditions ensures success, applicable in various climates.
Regulatory Collaboration and Exception Handling: Collaboration with local authorities demonstrates the importance of regulatory flexibility, guiding similar initiatives globally.
The project produced a document with the Guidelines for replication of this prototype in Mediterranean cities available to the public.
Hydroponic Vertical Garden Technology: Adaptable to various urban settings, fostering green spaces in densely populated areas globally.
Greywater Regeneration System: Transferable to hotels, residential buildings, and urban structures for sustainable water management and circular economy practices.
Fertigation System with Nutrient Control: Enables optimized maintenance in vertical gardening projects, providing real-time data for resource efficiency.
Scientific Monitoring and Evaluation Protocols: Collaborative models with academic institutions for measuring environmental impacts, applicable to diverse locations.
Community Engagement and Local Sponsorship: Involving local businesses fosters community support, enhancing project visibility and ownership.
Adaptation to Local Flora and Climate: Tailoring plant choices to local conditions ensures success, applicable in various climates.
Regulatory Collaboration and Exception Handling: Collaboration with local authorities demonstrates the importance of regulatory flexibility, guiding similar initiatives globally.
The project produced a document with the Guidelines for replication of this prototype in Mediterranean cities available to the public.
Keywords
Nature Based Solutions
Circularity
Urban regeneration
Climate action
Beauty
