Plants and gardens naturally carry with them a strong environmental message, but there is a need to qualify this with sound scientific evidence to demonstrate the importance of plants and gardens in helping tackle climate change and its effects.
The HTA has sponsored a PhD student (Jane Taylor) at the School
of Biological Sciences, University of Reading to model the environmental benefits and drawbacks associated with gardens and garden plants. Plants are considered to have a positive impact in offsetting some of the extremes of climate change, both at a local and global level. This includes absorbing CO2 directly, but also their ability to cool the micro-climate, minimise rainwater-runoff / flooding, and improve energy conservation through the insulation of buildings.
Indeed gardens, which can account for between 15-25% of the land area in cities and towns, may mitigate many of the environmental problems associated with the built environment, although the benefits
may vary depending on how the land is managed. Despite its green image though, amenity horticulture like many other industries has a carbon footprint and information is lacking on the extent to which activities associated with the production of plants and their use in gardens affects the emissions of C02 and other greenhouse gases. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and quantify in broad terms the carbon footprint of garden plants and broader environmental benefits of gardening with respect to the predicted climate change scenarios for the UK.
As the range of variables to be covered in a subject such as this is huge, the studentship will work with a small number of model plant species and garden scenarios. This should help identify the key factors that influence the environmental credentials of plants in general, rather than provide a definitive list of environmentally-friendly plants for the garden. It is anticipated that the work will provide nurserymen, designers and retailers with a stronger scientific basis to promote the environmental benefits of garden plants, and to help identify management practices that can be altered in an attempt to optimise the benefits associated with plants.
Jane is a Chartered Environmentalist, and previously studied Environmental Sciences in the mid 1990s with Exeter University. Since that time she has worked within a wide range of sectors exploring how businesses may impact the environment, and working with them to find practical ways to enhance their environmental performance.
Speaking about her research appointment, Jane, who is a keen gardener, said, I am looking forward to working together with the University of Reading and the HTA to develop a greater understanding of the potential for gardens and garden plants to play a role in improving the environment for everyone.
The project starts in May and HTA members will be kept updated on results as the project progresses.
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