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Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens

Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens. Suzanne Sharrock Director of Global Programmes. Indonesia. Over 2,500 botanic gardens in +150 countries . UK. Germany. Mauritius. Jordan . Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. South Africa. Defining the botanic garden.

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Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens

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  1. Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens Suzanne Sharrock Director of Global Programmes

  2. Indonesia Over 2,500 botanic gardens in +150 countries UK Germany Mauritius Jordan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil South Africa

  3. Defining the botanic garden • An institution holding collections of documented and living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education • Botanic Gardens Conservation International, 1998

  4. Botanic gardens and sustainability • Sustainable practices in the botanic garden • Sustainable use of plant diversity • Sustainable development • Education for sustainability

  5. Sustainable practices in the botanic garden • Water and energy use • Building design • Environmentally friendly practices in horticulture and garden management • Recycling and waste management • Education

  6. Water use efficiency • e.g. – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia • Upgraded delivery infrastructure (automatic, computer controlled) • Professional development – training of staff • Research and industry partnerships • Improved application efficiency (stream-type not spray sprinklers, optimal use of rainfall) • Adopt current technology • Reduce water demand • Diversify alternative water sources

  7. Auditing programme of sprinkler system using recycled petfood tins as catch cans

  8. Energy efficiency • Historic botanic gardens – heated greenhouses – protected buildings. • Difficult to retro-fit energy saving measures • Need to look at minimum temperatures possible • Turn down/off policy for staff • Monthly energy consumption charts • Annual targets set • Alternative energy sources

  9. Sustainable buildings • Many new botanic garden buildings have attained LEED certification. Focus on: • Energy sources (solar, geothermal, wind etc.) • Site selection – avoiding impact on natural areas • Recycling water and other building components • Daylight and views • Local materials • Native plantings

  10. Waste management • e.g. NBG Ireland: • In 2004 only 20% of waste generated in the garden was recycled • Various approaches – ‘no bin’ option most successful • Today – 60% is recycled • Volume of waste cut by 50%

  11. Sustainable sites initiative • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, US Botanic Garden and American Society of Landscape Architects • Focus on sustainability in landscapes, not just buildings • “Through planning, design, construction and maintenance of landscapes, the natural world should be viewed not as a hindrance, but as a resource”

  12. Sustainable Sites Initiative • Creating standards and guidelines: • Using appropriate plants • Managing soils • Waste management • Water use • Reducing pollution • Human well-being

  13. Sustainable Sites Initiative • Uses ecosystem services as a framework to illustrate how sustainable sites can improve the quality of life in our communities • Provides sustainability principles for any site, with or without buildings, which will be re/developed for public or private purposes

  14. Sustainable use of plant diversity • Botanic gardens based on the use of plant diversity • Medicinal plants • Plant acclimation – colonial era • Restoration • Amenity

  15. Sustainable use of plant diversity • Sustainable sources of plant-based products in the garden – including in shops and restaurants • Work with local communities to develop sustainable harvesting practices • Develop cultivation and propagation methods to take the pressure off wild-harvested plants

  16. Education for sustainability • Botanic gardens receive more than 200 million visitors per year • All sectors of society • Opportunity to educate and inform about sustainability • Lead by example

  17. Role of BGCI • BGCI is a worldwide networking organisation • Provides information, tools and guidance • Helps in sharing experience and spreading good practice

  18. Conclusions • Botanic gardens are well placed to demonstrate sustainability issues • Many are taking a lead in various ways • Challenges relate to historical nature of gardens and buildings • Education for sustainability is a key role for many gardens • BGCI provides support and information exchange

  19. Thank you for your attention!

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