Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens
Suzanne Sharrock
Director of Global Programmes
Indonesia
South AfricaRio de Janeiro, Brazil
UK
Mauritius
Jordan
Germany
Over 2,500 botanic gardens in +150 countries
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
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Date of Establishment of Botanic Gardens
Botanic gardens and sustainability
• Sustainable practices in the botanic garden
• Sustainable use of plant diversity• Sustainable development• Education for sustainability
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
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
Auditing programme of sprinkler system using recycled petfood tins as catch cans
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
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
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%
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”
Sustainable Sites Initiative
Creating standards and guidelines:• Using appropriate plants• Managing soils• Waste management• Water use• Reducing pollution• Human well-being
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
Sustainable use of plant diversity
• Botanic gardens based on the use of plant diversity• Medicinal plants• Plant acclimation – colonial era• Restoration • Amenity
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
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
Role of BGCI
• BGCI is a worldwide networking organisation
• Provides information, tools and guidance• Helps in sharing experience and
spreading good practice
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
Thank you for your attention!
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