Watch "Upping the Urban Green. What is the Actual and Potential Role of Ecology in our Cities?" by Dr. Mark Simmons and Christine Thuring from Our Virtual Summit 2013

In anticipation of Greenroofs.com‘s spectacular 2015 Virtual Summit on April 6 through May 31 – and in order to familiarize you with the event – we are now making the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2013 videos publicly available on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube to all free of charge.

Today we have the pleasure to air “Upping the Urban Green. What is the Actual and Potential Role of Ecology in our Cities?” by Mark Simmons, PhD from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas and Christine Thuring (Chlorophyllocity) from the University of Sheffield.

Christine, as you know, has been a long time contributor to Greenroofs.com – review my recent post Watch “Vegetation Development on Extensive Green Roofs Over Time” by Christine Thuring from Our Virtual Summit 2013. And, Christine and Mark also participated in our inaugural “Inspiration Nook” with this short video.

Even if you were not presenting, as an attendee you could submit your under 3 minute (non-overtly commercial) videos of research, ideas, projects, poster boards, thought leadership, etc., which were followed by your own live Discussion Chat.

This series is focused around sparking conversation, ideas, dialogue and connections around a specific greenroof/wall-related topic – a mosaic of bright ideas for a greener world.

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Mark and Christine proposed, “Now that we are an urban species, we are ever more compelled to create and regenerate urban ecological function to maintain global sustainability, human health and our relationship to the natural world. But is ecological function really being prioritized and implemented in our cities? Are methods and technologies like green roofs, living walls, water sensitive designs and natural green space being as widely used as they could be? If not, what’s holding it up?

“This short video gives a brief introduction to urban ecology and presents a case for collaborative ecological urban design towards an optimistic future for our cities and planet.” In order to gauge how opinions vary by culture and discipline, participants were invited to participate in a short 10 question, global online survey which sought to answer how can we do better as professionals.

Here’s more:

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“Austin, TX, USA. Dr. Mark Simmons is Director of Research and Consulting at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas. His research and consulting projects focus on sustainable and regenerative landscapes, including green roofs, native turfgrass, urban prairies, prescribed fire, and urban green space restoration. He consults with local and national clients including the US Army Corps of Engineers, George Bush Presidential Center, NASA, and the National Park Service. He teaches university and professional courses in and sustainable landscape design and sits on several technical committees including the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES™).

Sheffield, UK. Christine Thuring has been working with green roofs since 2001 in various capacities, and is currently doing her PhD in Landscape Ecology (University of Sheffield). See her complete bio here.“ ~ VS2013

Watch “Upping the Urban Green. What is the Actual and Potential Role of Ecology in our Cities?” by Dr. Mark Simmons and Christine Thuring below or see it specifically on its own channel, the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2013:

Our second foray in the world of virtual conferences, the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2013: Connecting the Planet + Living Architecture, was very successful at bringing together people from around the world to learn, discuss, and network in our field of living architecture. This time partnering with the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), between Greenroofs.com and WGIN we produced 36 videos involving 59 esteemed international speakers, specifically: 22 Individual Presenters, including 5 Keynotes; 5 Panel Sessions; and 9 Collaborative Presentations.

Watch these other VS2013 videos released so far:

Natural System for Recycling Wastewater and its Nutrients Inspiration Nook Video by João Manuel Linck Feijó.

How Green Roofs in Copenhagen Create New Opportunities, Climate Adapt Our City and Transform Our Living Video by Dorthe Rømø.

A Tale of Two Hydroponic Living Wall Systems from Canada and Spain Collaborative Video by Dr. Alan Darlington and Ignacio (Nacho) Solano.

12 Reasons to Invest in Green Roofs Keynote Video by Steven Peck.

Coastal Green Roof Design and Native Plants Video by Kevin Songer.

La Agricultura Urbana en Iberoamérica y España – Urban Agriculture in Ibero-America and Spain Panel Session with Dr. Julian Briz, Dr. José María Durán- Altisent, Dr. Isabel de Felipe, Tanya Müller García, Dr. Gilberto Navas, and Joaquin Sicilia Carnicer.

Development of Different Types of Green Roofs & Green Walls for Improved Urban Biodiversity and Green Clime Adaptation in Cold Climates Video by Dr. Tobias Emilsson.

Naturación Urbana en España – Urban Greening in Spain Collaborative Video by Dr. Julian Briz, Dr. José María Durán-Altisent, Dr. Isabel de Felipe, and Joaquin Sicilia Carnicer.

Relaunch – Hamburg’s New Green Roof Strategy Video by Wolfgang Ansel.

Introduction to Integrated Water Management Video by Jeff Bruce.

Award Winning Designers Sharing Projects & Lessons Learned Collaborative Video with Michael Franco, Brendan Shea, Emily Shelton, and Keith Tufts.

Green Infrastructure Design and the Biophilic Effect Keynote Video by Mary Ann Uhlmann.

Vegetation Development on Extensive Green Roofs Over Time Video by Christine Thuring.

Investigación de Azoteas Verdes de la Universidad Autónoma Chapingo – Green Roof Research at the Chapingo Autonomous University Video by Dr. Gilberto Navas.

Sky Parks in the Public Realm – Elevating Green Ways and Urban Connectivity Panel Session with Dr. Maureen Connelly, Sadhu Aufochs Johnston, Randy Sharp, and Dr. Tan Puay Yok.

Skyrise Ag: 5 Ways to Local Food Production Collaborative Video with Helen Cameron, Mohamed Hage, George Irwin, Ben Flanner and Alan Joaquin.

Building-Integrated Vegetation: Redefining the Landscape or Chasing a Mirage? Opening Keynote Video by Aditya Ranade.

Mexico City’s Green Plan & Green Roofs – Areas Verdes de la Ciudad de Mexico & Azoteas Naturadas Video by Tanya Müller García.

The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort Video by Jaron Lubin.

Phyto Kinetic: Gardens in Movement Video by Marc Grañén.

Profiles of Women Business Leaders Greening the Way Collaborative Video with Barbara Deutsch; Lexie Hain and Marguerite Wells; Vanessa Keitges; and Joy Schmidt.

Green Walls and Maintenance – Needs, Opportunities and Best Practices Panel Session Video with Melissa Daniels, Christopher Lyon, Steven Peck, and James Sable.

Reflections of a Green Roof Campaigner and Visions of the Future Keynote Video by Dusty Gedge.

Urban Green in Australia Video by Matt Dillon.

2012 Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof & Greenwall Design + A Look into 2013 Collaborative Video with Linda S. Velazquez and Haven Kiers.