The Impact of Green Walls on Community Well-being and Environmental Quality: A Study of Relevant Professionals' Perspectives in Vancouver

2024

Green walls, also known as living or vertical gardens, provide diverse environmental, economic, and social benefits and have emerged as a prominent sustainable urban greening solution. In Vancouver, BC, renowned for its proactive stance on sustainable development, green building initiatives have witnessed a surge, elevating green walls as a notable feature in the urban landscape. However, a critical research gap exists concerning the specific drivers influencing the decision-making processes surrounding green wall adoption in Vancouver. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the City's key drivers shaping green wall adoption. The research methodology consists of three interrelated phases. Firstly, a thorough literature review was conducted to identify the drivers behind green wall adoption in Vancouver. Secondly, semi-structured expert interviews were carried out to gather qualitative and quantitative data insights from local professionals involved in green wall projects. A comprehensive literature review and interviews with eight experts identified 36 key green wall drivers. These drivers were then incorporated into a questionnaire survey with 100 participants in the City of Vancouver. The findings revealed that Operational Cost, Zero Emission, User Experience, Building Protection, City Support, and Maintenance were among the most influential factors shaping the adoption of green walls in Vancouver. These findings offer critical guidance for Vancouver policymakers, aiming to boost green infrastructure adoption. It contributes Vancouver-specific insights, emphasizing green infrastructure benefits for sustainable urban development and fostering resilient, aesthetically pleasing urban environments locally and globally.Keywords: Drivers, Green wall, Qualitative, Quantitative, Vancouver, Urban environment