The environmental and human impact of vegetalisation

OdysséeLab fights heat islands by creating cool islands through urban vegetalisation

The ODISI solution enables the revegetation of difficult areas. Although vegetation may exist spontaneously, it grows sparsely. Controlled greening of roofs and gardens has a positive impact on biodiversity and water management. Combined with a water storage area, it provides a buffer during periods of high rainfall and remobilization during dry periods, in line with plant needs. It can be used to bring greenery to targeted neighborhoods, providing comfort for the population (health, well-being).

Plants absorb both calories and certain atmospheric particles, notably pollutants, especially in urban environments. They also fix carbon dioxide, improving air quality.

During urban heat islands (UHI), vegetation can reduce outdoor temperatures by around -3 to -5°C, and up to -5°C indoors too. This cooling is made possible by plant evapotranspiration. As they grow, plants release water vapour, immediately lowering the air temperature above the vegetated area. Hence the importance of urban cool islands (shade, water and vegetation).

Successful, long-lasting vegetation provides a habitat for fauna (insects, spiders, earthworms, pollinators, micro-organisms, birds, etc.) and flora (which can be planted, seeded or spontaneous).

Increasing the number of vegetated areas helps to create a green network (the aim of the green network is to preserve and restore a network of ecological continuities so that plant and animal species can circulate, feed, reproduce and rest, thus ensuring their life cycle).

The green roof offers an alternative to conventional roofing materials such as tiles and the like. A green roof naturally improves the soundproofing and thermal insulation properties of the building on which it is installed, particularly in hot weather. This avoids the need to air-condition buildings.

A green roof not only increases ambient humidity, but also provides natural filtration of rainwater and runoff. Suitable as a vegetable garden, it can also provide an opportunity for encounters and reconnection with the living world. The presence of plants is recognized as having a beneficial effect on stress and concentration.

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