Cotswold Company Grasses Up London Law Firm
Feb 27 2009
We're used to the exodus of city people to experience the green and pleasant land that is our beloved Cotswolds, but have you heard of taking the Cotswolds to the City? That's just what Gloucestershire based Green Roof company - Greenfix Sky-Garden - has done.
Standing seven stories high, over-looking the City of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, you can close your eyes and listen to the sound of insects and birds and be forgiven for thinking you were stood in a field in the Cotswolds.
Sky Garden hit the heights in the city of London by installing one of London's largest green roofs at the headquarters' of international law firm, Evesheds, helping to make it one of the greenest buildings in the city.
"It's great to see a relatively small company from the sleepy Cotswolds leading the way in the financial capital of the world," says Mike Cottage, Sky-Garden's Sales' Director. "On a more serious note, it's very pleasing to see a prestigious company such as Eversheds leading the way by making their working environment as eco-friendly as possible."
Mike was commenting during the presentation of an award on the roof top in recognition of the efforts made by Eversheds to enhance the city environment - click here to see Eversheds' story.
"Environmental issues are at the core of Evershed's strategy and one of the main reason's we signed-up to the inclusion the Green Roof," says Cornelius Medvei, Evershed's Senior Partner. "It is very pleasing to have our efforts recognised and this award will sit proudly and prominently in our office."
Green roofs are increasingly becoming a desired addition to modern buildings due to their environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits. Conventional roofs absorb a large amount of heat, making the surrounding area hotter. But because green roofs store water, which evaporates when heated, they make the area cooler and bring in wildlife.
"On a more local level, given the dramatic impact the weather had on Gloucester and Worcester last summer, green roofs are something we should seriously consider for our own region as they can make a very significant addition to the flood defences of the area," according to Mike Cottage.
A green roof is made of a spongy roll of the succulent plant sedum. It is durable and needs no watering and will absorb up to 60% of rainwater whilst also lowering the surrounding air temperature by up to 11C, consequently reducing the need for air conditioning.
