2017 – Green My School popular in Londen
After research on fine dust reduction with hedera hedges in collaboration with Staffordshire University, Mobilane engaged with the landscape architecture department to discuss air quality in English cities. With greening and air quality as priorities, Mobilane was selected to supply its green screens for the green My School project, an initiative launched at a primary school in Sheffield. At Hunters bar primary School, the green screens were installed as the first line of defense against air pollution as part of the school’s #GoGoGreen campaign.
Air pollution and the need for action
In 2017, the school began researching air pollution levels in the playground. The findings were alarming: monthly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines twice over a two-year period. To create a healthier environment for the children, the school launched a fundraising campaign to build a so-called pollution barrier.
The three layers of the pollution barrier
The project resulted in a barrier made up of three green layers:
- First Line of Defense: Fifty green screens of ivy, provided by Mobilane and sponsored by supporters from the city, formed the first layer. These hedges were designed to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) by capturing harmful gases.
- Second Layer: Plants such as conifers and bamboo, selected for their ability to reduce fine particulate matter in the air, reinforced the barrier.
- Innermost Layer: Closest to the children, this layer consisted of shrubs and herbaceous plants that were not only functional but also made the playground visually more appealing.
Impact and national recognition
The Green My School project received significant media attention, both locally and nationally. The initiative was even featured by the BBC, further raising awareness of air pollution and the benefits of greening. Following this success, numerous other schools adopted similar initiatives, highlighting the positive impact of green screens and sustainable solutions like those from Mobilane.
This project demonstrates how greening not only contributes to an aesthetically pleasing environment but also to a healthier and more sustainable future. Mobilane remains committed to expanding this impact further.
