[ Suomeksi | På svenska | In English ]
The University of Helsinki implements the principles of social responsibility on many levels. The project creates improved conditions for a better life and a better tomorrow. The project seeks solutions to environmental problems and develops ecosystem services for the needs of urban residents. The project creates new spaces, experiences, natural areas and sustainability amid the issues of climate change, as well as mental and physical well-being. Sustainable development is an ideology and operating model that grows increasingly effective through social discourse between urban residents and decision-makers.
Fifth Dimension – innovative solutions and ecosystem services to benefit our cities
An upcoming trend in the world’s metropoles is urban retrofitting – development of cities towards more sustainability, where the use of urban space and ecosystem services play a key role.
The popularity of green roofs, or roofs of buildings covered with living vegetation, is growing rapidly across the world, and they are seen as an essential element of sustainable development. However, Finnish building culture, urban planning and design are lagging behind in this respect.
Green roofs are an excellent means of reducing the adverse environmental effects of urbanisation and problems caused by climate change. While the climate has been found to be changing even faster than forecast in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, one of the counter-measures taken by many major cities is the goal of radically increasing vegetated roof areas.
Project Director
Susanna Lehvävirta
More information
Marja Mesimäki
Tel. 050 318 2317
marja.mesimaki@helsinki.fi
