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!