Green and sustainable bus shelters in Sweden

The coastal town of Helsingborg in Sweden has been transformed more than 40 bus shelters into sustainable green bus shelters with sedum roofs. The sedum roofs serve as a natural water buffer for the city, capture fine dust and stimulate biodiversity.

A natural water buffer

The MobiRoof cassettes form a natural water buffer. The rainwater is collected in the sedum cassettes. As the cassettes have a water retention of more than 20 litres per square metre, this means that the water does not go directly into the drains, preventing overflowing sewers and flooded streets.

Some of the rainwater evaporates and some is absorbed by the sedum plants.  Any excess water gradually drains.

Biodiversity

Sedum roofs are making a positive contribution to the biodiversity in the city. Helsingborg, known as the friendliest city in Sweden, now extends the same warm welcome to bees and butterflies. Our winged friends are an important link in the food chain and are indispensable for biodiversity.

Fine dust

High concentrations of particulate matter are harmful and detrimental to our health. These high concentrations are predominantly found in cities and along busy main roads where exhaust fumes are at their peak. The city of Helsingborg has ensured that fine dust levels are reduced by using the sedum cassette, filled with succulent sedum plants. The sedum plants capture the fine dust thus improving the breathable quality of the air. Research shows that sedum removes no less than 85% of the fine dust from the air.

Sedum Cassettes

The roofs of this bus stop were installed with MobiRoof cassettes planted with 6-8 different types of sedum. The cassettes are modular and easy to install. The cassettes can be placed directly on the roof and require little maintenance. Pruning once or twice a year is sufficient. With the Dutch climate, Irrigation should not be necessary.  Only in periods of more than 4 weeks’ drought conditions should watering be required.