Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens Suzanne Sharrock Director of Global Programmes

Embedding sustainability in botanic gardens

Suzanne Sharrock

Director of Global Programmes

Indonesia

South AfricaRio de Janeiro, Brazil

UK

Mauritius

Jordan

Germany

Over 2,500 botanic gardens in +150 countries

Defining the botanic garden

An institution holding collections of documented and living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education

• Botanic Gardens Conservation International, 1998

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Date of Establishment of Botanic Gardens

Botanic gardens and sustainability

• Sustainable practices in the botanic garden

• Sustainable use of plant diversity• Sustainable development• Education for sustainability

Sustainable practices in the botanic garden

• Water and energy use• Building design• Environmentally friendly practices in

horticulture and garden management• Recycling and waste management• Education

Water use efficiency

e.g. – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia• Upgraded delivery infrastructure (automatic, computer

controlled)• Professional development – training of staff• Research and industry partnerships • Improved application efficiency (stream-type not spray

sprinklers, optimal use of rainfall)• Adopt current technology• Reduce water demand • Diversify alternative water sources

Auditing programme of sprinkler system using recycled petfood tins as catch cans

Energy efficiency

• Historic botanic gardens – heated greenhouses – protected buildings.

• Difficult to retro-fit energy saving measures• Need to look at minimum temperatures

possible• Turn down/off policy for staff• Monthly energy consumption charts• Annual targets set• Alternative energy sources

Sustainable buildings

Many new botanic garden buildings have attained LEED certification. Focus on:• Energy sources (solar, geothermal, wind etc.)• Site selection – avoiding impact on natural

areas• Recycling water and other building

components• Daylight and views• Local materials• Native plantings

Waste management

e.g. NBG Ireland:• In 2004 only 20% of waste

generated in the garden was recycled

• Various approaches – ‘no bin’ option most successful

• Today – 60% is recycled• Volume of waste cut by 50%

Sustainable sites initiative

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, US Botanic Garden and American Society of Landscape Architects

• Focus on sustainability in landscapes, not just buildings

• “Through planning, design, construction and maintenance of landscapes, the natural world should be viewed not as a hindrance, but as a resource”

Sustainable Sites Initiative

Creating standards and guidelines:• Using appropriate plants• Managing soils• Waste management• Water use• Reducing pollution• Human well-being

Sustainable Sites Initiative

Uses ecosystem services as a framework to illustrate how sustainable sites can improve the quality of life in our communities

Provides sustainability principles for any site, with or without buildings, which will be re/developed for public or private purposes

Sustainable use of plant diversity

• Botanic gardens based on the use of plant diversity• Medicinal plants• Plant acclimation – colonial era• Restoration • Amenity

Sustainable use of plant diversity

Sustainable sources of plant-based products in the garden – including in shops and restaurants

Work with local communities to develop sustainable harvesting practices

Develop cultivation and propagation methods to take the pressure off wild-harvested plants

Education for sustainability

• Botanic gardens receive more than 200 million visitors per year

• All sectors of society • Opportunity to educate and inform about

sustainability• Lead by example

Role of BGCI

• BGCI is a worldwide networking organisation

• Provides information, tools and guidance• Helps in sharing experience and

spreading good practice

Conclusions

• Botanic gardens are well placed to demonstrate sustainability issues

• Many are taking a lead in various ways• Challenges relate to historical nature of

gardens and buildings• Education for sustainability is a key role

for many gardens• BGCI provides support and information

exchange

Thank you for your attention!