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M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 33 Green Roofs & Walls P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y GS K Y P L A N T S YS T EM S An exciting advancement in the living wall sector involves the integration of smart monitoring capabilities, allowing for comprehensive system monitoring and potential analysis of its health. "This proactive approach enables us to intervene precisely when necessary, therefore reducing ongoing costs for our clients. By implementing these smart monitoring features, we aim to optimize efficiency and maintenance while ensuring the system operates at its best," explains Ludchen. In 2023, Nedlaw Living Walls experienced pivotal moments, including innova- tion, resilience, challenges, and changes, according to Jugal Kajiwala, the living roofs and living walls manager. Notably, the passing of its owner, Randy Walden. "Sadly, we lost our beloved owner, Randy Walden. Drew Walden is now leading his father's vision, propelling the company to new heights," explains Kajiwala. With more than 350 installations, Nedlaw's emphasis on bio-filter living walls continues to revolutionize air purification. Their unique technology offers real-time air quality improvement, setting a benchmark in the industry. A standout project, the City Hall Cambridge retrofit, exemplifies this innova- tion. "The multi-phase project was completed successfully in December 2023. The Nedlaw Bio-filter wall stands at four-storeys tall and 25-feet wide and is intricately connected to the building's HVAC system. Its goal? To regulate indoor humidity and reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. This wall filters 100,000 square feet of indoor air, curbing VOCs by an impressive 80 percent." Looking ahead, anticipation brews around Nedlaw's compact bio-filter wall that is capable of filtering 2,100 square feet of space. With global demand surging from the U.S. to Singapore, ongoing research and development (R&D) will be necessary for continual enhancement. "We are looking forward to an excellent year with more than 10 projects on the books already. This means we will be able to filter one-million square feet of indoor air space in 2024 alone," says Kajiwala. SKY'S THE LIMIT In 2023, GSky Plant Systems achieved a record number of sales, showcasing remarkable growth. The company expanded its presence in airports, with Delta Airlines joining its ongoing efforts in collaboration with American Express. Furthermore, GSky made significant strides in the landscape sector, particu- larly with its innovative Versa Wall XT featuring one-gallon potted plants. Hal Thorne, chairman and CEO, shares insights into the company's recent develop- ments, highlighting the introduction of a fire-rated product, Versa Wall SNAP, designed for the European market and set for expansion into North America. Living walls' increased interest has been driven by a variety of factors. Thorne attributes this surge to the growing demand for flexibility in office space planning, the desire to incorporate more biophilic elements into work- spaces, the necessity for cleaner and fresher air, and the drive to create better acoustical environments. Thorne further explains that the success of Versa Wall XT can be attributed to its ease of installation and maintenance, a diverse and visually appealing plant palette year-round, and its suitability for installation in northern regions. Looking ahead to 2024, Thorne expresses enthusiasm for GSky Plant Systems' accumulated experience and product offerings. Thorne says, "We are one of the few full-service companies, providing support from project initiation to comple- tion and beyond, offering services for maintaining walls. Our various products are now being specified in more projects than ever, transcending the simple green wall designation." MAINTENANCE FOR LONGEVIT Y Experts at Ginkgo Sustainability say that as the popularity of green roofs and walls continues, education around maintenance is needed more than ever. "Green Roof maintenance is crucial for a green roof's longevity and cost- effectiveness, but it can be challenging, especially for first-time owners and/ or managers. Often, hiring professionals is the most effective way to keep your green roof costs down. When properly looked after, they also offer a highly competitive ROI [Return on Investment]," the team says in a blog. Among the things to look out for when it comes to maintenance are regular inspections of at least twice a year, ensuring green roof drainage systems are functioning correctly, and keeping on top of unruly weeds. One element that can't be overlooked, according to the experts, is pest man- agement. Once pests have started to invade a roof, it can be difficult to remove them properly. Professional teams have the experience to assess the extent of the problem and handle it right the first time, keeping costs down (both in terms of time and money). "Green roofs can quickly become ugly, inefficient, and expensive if left unat- tended for too long. Don't let your green roof go to waste! Maintaining it properly will allow you to enjoy its many benefits for decades to come," the team mentions. A Versa Wall XT installation at Signia by Hilton, Atlanta, GA. Total Design + Build Solutions . s t c e j o r P f o o R n e e r G r u o Y r o F Architek_AWARD_0321.indd 1 2/9/21 9:35 AM

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