Moss is perfect for green facades as it creates a space for insects stimulating biodiversity in cities. The moss also helps solve air- and noise pollution, contributing to the well-being of an urban environment and its inhabitants. Image Source: GoRespyre
EnvironmentTechnology The NetherlandsGreen Concrete for Greener Cities
Bioreceptive concrete is being developed and tested in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as a green solution for a climate-proof and livable environment.
“Bio-receptive moss concrete changes dull grey concrete into a green and living material that increases local biodiversity and provides many valuable services that nature can offer to society,” explains Henk Jonkers, Project lead and Associate Professor at Delft University of Technology.
Out of the 500 species of moss occurring in the Netherlands, 40 grow on stony materials, including concrete. Moss absorbs most of its growth-supporting nutrients via its leaves and not its root system, making it the perfect vegetation to add to the design of cities. Through its capacity to uptake nutrients via its dense leaf system, moss has the potential to clean the passing air and water from contaminants. In case of heavy rainfall, moss can provide water absorption and retention. In times of heat strokes, water can evaporate. Plus, it has a soundproofing effect. Certain types of concrete support moss’s spontaneous and abundant growth because they are relatively porous. Hence, a specific high-moisture absorbing – and retaining, moss-receptive concrete could be developed as a layer on existing bare concrete surfaces. This ‘moss concrete’ is developed by Respyre, a start-up from TU Delft.
