Assessment and optimization of green wall systems: a life cycle perspective

Urban environments are continuously evolving, seeking innovative solutions to enhance sustainability and ecological balance. Green wall systems have emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges, offering benefits like improved air quality, biodiversity, and thermal regulation. This thesis presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of three distinct green wall systems: the Italian Plastic-Based Green Wall (IPB-GW), the Italian Felt-Based Green Wall (IFB-GW), and the Australian Plastic-Based Green Wall (APB-GW), examining their environmental impacts across production, construction, and maintenance phases. Employing robust methodologies aligned with ISO 14040 standards and utilizing advanced analytical tools such as OpenLCA software and the Ecoinvent® v3.7 database, the study unfolds in three phases. Initially, a comparative analysis between IPB-GW and IFB-GW is performed, uncovering the nuanced environmental implications of material choices, design intricacies, and operational practices. Subsequently, various scenarios are explored within each system to assess the potential for environmental performance optimization. Finally, the APB-GW is introduced, offering a broader perspective on global green wall technologies. The findings indicate that while green wall systems are instrumental in enhancing urban ecosystems, their environmental sustainability is intricately tied to material selection, design, and maintenance. The IFB-GW generally exhibits higher environmental impacts, primarily due to the use of aluminum and inorganic fertilizers. In contrast, the IPB-GW presents its own set of challenges, particularly related to polypropylene use and potting soil composition. The APB-GW, with its superior performance in various environmental impact categories, showcases the importance of material innovation and efficient irrigation systems. This research provides valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and environmental policymakers, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable material selection, resource-efficient design, and integrated water management practices. As urban areas continue to expand, the integration of green wall systems offers a sustainable pathway to enhance the quality of life, biodiversity, and ecological resilience in urban settings.