Sustainability and Maintainability of High Rise Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS): its Lessons and Assessment Scoresheet

Abstract

Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS) applied on building has proven economic, environmental and social benefits which made it one of the widely accepted green building design strategies to support sustainable development. However, incorporating vertical greenery systems into innovative facades generates maintainability challenges. This paper highlights the best and good practices Design for Maintainability scoresheet, as well as the VGS defects and issues. The Design for Maintainability (DfM) assessment scoresheet will be beneficial in assessing and avoiding potential VGS defects leading to its maximum performance, longevity and sustainability. This research has established a list of best practice guidelines and measures with weighted scoring system for evaluating the maximum performance and efficient maintainability of VGS applications on facades while minimizing cost, risks, negative environmental impacts and consumption of matter/energy. The paper’s contribution will be the improvement of the designers’ decision making process, expanded library on vertical greenery systems defects as well as the importance of integrating maintainability of high-rise VGS facades in tropical conditions during its design inception.

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