LivingPillar

About the city. The city of London has a long-term sustainability strategy targeting a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Goal

The aim of the LivingPillars is to promote biodiversity, purify the air and provide attractive focal points.

Implementation period. Pilot project of the Smart Pillars (LivingPillar) was launched In the summer of 2019.

Fact

• There is a problem with tree planting in congested urban centres such as London, where the volume of service pipes under sidewalks often prevents tree planting.
• Public Health England has data showing that 7 out of every 100 deaths in Central London can be linked to pollution levels, and last year, for short periods, pollution levels were worse than in Beijing.

Solutions

LivingPillar consists of a green column that can be installed around existing lampposts, which will then be filled with various plants to help remove particulate matter from the air, reduce noise pollution, and promote biodiversity (all depends on the planting mix in the containers)

During the preparation of the pilot project in London, lampposts were re-equipped with columns that include a number of vegetation as an example of what is called “vertical greening”.

LivingPillar can be easily installed on existing lamp posts without damaging them, it also recycles water and reduces waste. The fabric with high water retention (Fytotextile) is used for maximum water use.

It is also equipped with a self-powered irrigation system that uses solar panels built into the structure.

The environmental impact of the lamp posts will be monitored through an air quality monitor on Ebury Street through Grosvenor’s participation in the London Air Quality Network, managed by Kings College London.

Team

The Scotscape Group and Greenwich University.

Timeline

The pilot scheme comprises six lamp posts in Ebury Street, Belgravia (London)

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