Academic Greenspace supports well-being, university performance, education outcomes.

Academic Greenspace ensures mental recovery for students and staff in study breaks.
Academic Greenspace promotes social, physical, and mental well-being.
Föllmer et al., 2020; Browning & Rigolon, 2019

Leung et al., (2019 )reported significant positive association (p < 0.05) between
campus surrounding greenness and academic performance.

Langille Athletic Center - Living Wall

February 22, 2021

Langille Athletic Center - Living Wall Proposal

Dalhousie University
Agricultural Campus, Truro NS

Project Goal
Green infrastructure and sustainable design are becoming increasingly popular on University
campuses. Green living walls provide Institutions the opportunity to improve existing
infrastructure while implementing sustainable technology and exhibiting application of the
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Not only do green living walls
improve the visual character and aesthetics of a college campus, they contribute to healthier
environments for people and nature - improving air quality, reducing heat & noise nuisances,
improve energy efficiency, and provide a living-lab for students

The Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus is an integral component of the Truro

community. The Faculty of Agriculture is internationally respected for both teaching and
research and is committed to being a leader in innovation. The Department of Plant, Food, and
Environmental Sciences (DPFES) is the largest department in the Faculty of Agriculture, and
bridges many issues surrounding the natural environment in order to find workable solutions to
the issues facing our world today.

This project proposal is for a green wall or living wall along College Road along the South Wall
of the Langille Athletic Centre (LAC) at the Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus in Truro,
NS.
February 22, 2021

Project Objective
Dalhousie University is prepared to be Eastern Canada’s and the Maritime’s leader in
exemplifying the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and meet the Mission of the DPFES:

The Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences Department Mission

“Develop successful leaders, learners and researchers through fostering an accessible,
innovative, collaborative and highly engaged industry and community environment”

The DPFES Living Wall is envisioned as an agro-ecology living-lab, providing a year-round

aesthetic benefit to the Campus and larger Community. The Living Wall provides multiple
benefits and ecosystem services:

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
• Increases biodiversity across campus
• Reduces ‘heat-island’ effect from the concrete facade and roof of the LAC.
• Increases wildlife and ecological habitat
• Cleans the air - ‘scrubs’ CO2
• Traps pollutants and other dust/air particles
• Reduces stormwater runoff; filters rainwater
• Potential for LEED certified - LEED credits
• An urban-agricultural asset
• Case study for plant selection, performance and installation

COMMUNITY and INTERPERSONAL BENEFITS

• Reduces ‘noise-bounce’ across College Road and the Campus
• Increases sense of wellbeing and reduces stress
• Community cultural icon
• Teaching tool for students about sustainability and agro-ecology
• Increases productivity
• Adds to the overall ‘green space’ of the Campus and community
• Communicates alternative ways of building and living
• Decreases the overpowering, monotonous, concrete facade of LAC from College Rd.
• Exhibits sustainable technology and innovation to community
• Adds to the ‘Green Streets’ and Green Infrastructure initiatives of Nova Scotia
• Students and Community can share in installation of plants

ECONOMIC BENEFITS
• Strong DAL Branding and Identiity
• Exhibits sustainable technology and innovation to potential students, donors, partners
• Outdoor classroom option
• Reduces heating energy cost for LAC
• The WOW factor ! Highly Visible
• Publication and Newsworthy
• Selfie-Spot and GeoTags

* References available upon request for these statements though summarised within van den
Berg, 2010 and Cemeron, Taylor and Emmett, 2013.
February 22, 2021

Project Specifics
The purpose of this document is to begin a feasibility framework for the DPFES Living Wall
project and begin to develop preliminary cost estimates and identify further questions required.

At this stage, we can only offer schematic diagrams and sketches as an outline of the
constructibility-ideas and engineering required in hopes of getting an accurate cost estimate.

A modular approach can be undertaken here, as budget allowances may require a prudent
approach to installation in order to achieve the benefits outlined prior. Stated another way, we
may not be able to implement a full size, lengthy living wall, but smaller, separate components
will have significant impact. This will be clarified within the drawings provided.

To be clear, this is not a standard, indoor vertical green wall often imagined when green wall is
mentioned - those are ornamental, highly-inefficient, maintenance-heavy features.

There are three (3) separate components to this project proposal which require further
explanation:

Living Wall Plant Materials

Living Wall Structure
Living Wall Amenities

Living Wall Plant Materials

The DPFES Living Wall will include vegetation which is exterior-based, all-season, cold-climate
hardy, of woody and semi-woody species, hardy perennials, and low maintenance.
This will will be : Canadian Zone 5 coastal climate

Plant propagation could be conducted by DPFES. The installation of the plant materials could
be phased in order to conduct research and train HQP. A nursery should be developed which
grows and holds replacement plants and a study to compare vertical vs horizontal growth
habits and performance.

Irrigation is intended to be temporary - perhaps the first 3-5 years. It will be drip-irrigation style
located within the soil of the planting baskets. Irrigation de-wintering protocols are likely
needed and irrigation could be provided from a gravity-fed system.

Maintenance will be front-loaded with most occurring during the first years of establishment
and irrigation monitoring. Replacement of some plants is expected but this is standard in any
planting installation. Student volunteers could be engaged for this.

Potential plant species include begonias, daylilies, hostas, horsetail, bunchberry, winterberry
and ferns. Other volunteer species expected include blackberry, clematis, strawberries, birch,
rush, rose, red maple and others.

Rhizomatous plants are likely to be included. Native plant species or those adapted to this
climate are recommended. A proper growing medium is required - perhaps with lightweight
properties. Seasonal transition is expected and valued.
February 22, 2021

Plant Materials Success Issues

• South facing wall
• Harsh climate and winds
• Ice and snow
• Growing medium
• Low light conditions
• Multiple freeze-thaw cycles

Plant Materials Selection Framework

• Year round interest
• Create biodiversity
• Adequate lateral root growth
• Allow plant succession to occur
• Encourage moss and similar species growth
• Visual interest and texture
• Mychorrihizal benefits
• Double layered - broadleaf evergreen over herbaceous perennials
February 22, 2021

Living Wall Structure

The living wall will not be attached to the exterior wall cladding of the Langille Athletic Cente.
This has been determined. Thus a system which sits away or ‘off’ the LAC wall is required.
Thus, the living wall structure is ‘stand alone’ and not allowed to attach to the building though
lateral supports could be considered at roof.

The plants will need to sit within some sort of a planting basket which allows adequate root
growth and development. Additionally, irrigation will need to be provided within the soil of these
planting baskets to ensure adequate root development.

Construction of the plant baskets likely require steel or similar for strength and durability and
the mesh-like construction allows plant growth. How these baskets - 12” x 12” or 24” x 24”,
etc - are attached to the structural support post is varied and many.

Few manufacturers exist but may be applicable

here:

Tournesol VGM system

https://www.tournesol.com/products/product/
tournesol-vgm-modular-living-wall-system
February 22, 2021

Schematic Construction Drawings for Cost Estimation

2x STEEL POSTS

HEIGHT = 4 m
Could be 6x6 if needed.

HEIGHT = 4m

WIRE BASKETS

18” x 18” x 18”.

5 or 7 ga (see other
drawing)
February 22, 2021

SUPPORT AND/OR
ATTACHMENT TBD

It is not known if a support

arm is needed due to the
foundation size and steel post
diameter. It is known such a
support is not ideal from a
facilities management
standpoint as any interface
and penetration of building
wall is not preferred. Thus, a
roof attachment support, if
needed, is likely preferred.
February 22, 2021

MODULE 1

MODULE 2

As a module, we can change # and spacing.

Pls price module price, image shown above only for schematic purposes.
February 22, 2021

MODULE 1

MODULE 2

NOTE No vertical supports required as once wire baskets are

loaded into the module they are not needed.
February 22, 2021

Schematic Construction Table for Cost Estimation

LANGILLE Height Length Depth TOTAL EACH MODULE NOTES

ATHLETIC
CENTER

Existing Wall - 9x Panels -

South Facing Aggregate
Conc.

Module 1

Steel Frame 16’ 9’ n/a x4 4x4 or 6x6

Steel Shelf n/a 9’ n/a x7 (? not needed? 5mm?, WM?

Wire Baskets 18” 18” 18” 42 5 or 7 ga

Conc Footings TBD TBD TBD x2 see dwg

Roof Arm TBD TBD TBD x2

Wire Fascia 12’ 18” n/a 2x sides, 2x2

Module 2

Steel Frame 16’ 6’ n/a x4 4x4 or 6x6

Steel Shelf n/a 6’ n/a x7 (? not needed? 5mm?, WM?

Wire Baskets 18” 18” 18” 28 5 or 7 ga

Conc Footings TBD TBD TBD x2 see dwg

Roof Arm TBD TBD TBD x1

Wire Fascia 12’ 18” n/a 2x sides, 2x2

Miscellaneous Total

Irrigation 1 complete system

LED Lights 1 complete system 3-6 total LED

 July 10, 2022
Living Wall - BUDGET
Item Notes Cost

Equipment
Industrial Shelves (18” deep x 33” 4 shelves each $1,200.00
long) @ 3x
Gabion (fit on outside, last install) 3x $ 400.00
Milk Crates - Plastic (LARGE) 2x each shelf @ $1,128.00
16” x 12” x 8.25” height (.9 cuft) 4 shelves =
(GRAINGER) 8/Unit. 24 total
@ $47/ea

Shelf Tray - Plastic 4x each shelf (3) $ -

(33” x 18” wide)
$ -

Run electrical to Study Area Mike Main $ 50.00

Electrical pump for irrigation and Lord to specify $ 150.00
bio stimulant
Bio stimulant mix Lord to specify $ 50.00
Soil cell mix Lord to specify $ 200.00

Plant propogation/sourcing Student + $ 300.00

Miscellaneous equipment Lord/Rick $ 200.00

SubTotal Equipment Expenses $3,678.00

Student Research
Student assist with soil mix $18/hr @ 40 hrs $ 800.00
Student assist with maintenance 1-3 years $ 600.00

SubTotal Student Research $1,400.00

Grand Total August 2, 2022 $5,078.00
 Living Wall - a Pilot Project
Dalhousie University
Agricultural Campus, Truro NS

Project Goal
Green infrastructure and sustainable design are becoming increasingly popular on
University campuses. Green living walls provide Institutions the opportunity to improve
existing infrastructure while implementing sustainable technology and exhibiting
application of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Not only
do green living walls improve the visual character and aesthetics of a college campus,
they contribute to healthier environments for people and nature - improving air quality,
reducing heat & noise nuisances, improve energy e ciency, and provide a living-lab for
students.

The Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus is an integral component of the Truro

community. The Faculty of Agriculture is internationally respected for both teaching and
research and is committed to being a leader in innovation. The Department of Plant,
Food, and Environmental Sciences (DPFES) is the largest department in the Faculty of
Agriculture, and bridges many issues surrounding the natural environment in order to
nd workable solutions to the issues facing our world today.
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Living Wall Plant Materials
The DPFES Living Wall will include vegetation which is exterior-based, all-season, cold-
climate hardy, of woody and semi-woody species, hardy perennials, and low
maintenance. This will will be : Canadian Zone 5 coastal climate.

Installation is late Fall 2022.

Potential plant species include begonias, daylilies, hostas, horsetail, bunchberry,

winterberry and ferns. Other volunteer species expected include blackberry, clematis,
strawberries, birch, rush, rose, red maple and others. Rhizomatous plants are likely to
be included. Native plant species or those adapted to this climate are recommended.

The key issue for plant success is free lateral root run within the soil medium and soil
growing area. Roots may exist in a ‘bonsai’ condition.

Plant Materials Success Issues

• South facing wall
• Harsh climate and winds
• Ice and snow
• Growing medium
• Low light conditions
• Multiple freeze-thaw cycles

Plant Materials Selection Framework

• Adequate lateral root growth
• Allow plant succession to occur
• Encourage moss and similar species growth
• Visual interest and texture
• Mychorrihizal bene ts
• Double layered - broadleaf evergreen over herbaceous perennials
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Preliminary Plant List
The plants are to be hardy woody plants - NOT ornamental perennials/annuals. This
may be thought of a cold climate exterior living wall. 4 sides growth so no speci c
‘facing’ side.

Deep root species not excluded.

Lateral root run required/allowed.
Moss and related plant groups may evolve and is encouraged.
Active mycorrihizal soil community possibility.
Not monoculture - diversity.

Broadleaf Evergreens
Herbaceous Perennials
Ferns
Grasses

Potential species include:

Broadleaf Evergreens
Bunchberry
Wintergreen, Tea Berry
Euonymous

Herbaceous Perennials
Canadian Ginger
English Ivy
Silver Sedge
Leatherleaf Sedge
Japanese Spurge
Wood Rush
Horsetail

Ferns
Rock Fern
New York Fern
Christmas Fern

Grasses
Pennisetum
Andropogon
Calamagrostis
Carex
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Living Wall Soil
I am hoping for your guidance, direction and assistance in this aspect.

Per our discussion, you mentioned a pro-mix with certain qualities best suited to this
condition which included sawdust and compost as well as a bio-stimulant irrigation
source.

The current layout of the living wall includes 2 large plastic ‘crates’ per shelf with mesh-
sides as shown below.

The will be placed as shown I believe within the shelf system, here:
The interior shelves are industrial stainless steel and can support 350 lbs per shelf. This
may require some calculations for soil/wet soil weight and impact the soil medium
design.

https://www.uline.ca/BL_368/Stainless-Steel-Wire-Shelving?
keywords=metal+shelving+racks

++++++++++
We have not discussed the soil-cell grow bag - what these individual plastic crates are
lined with in order to set the soil in?

Coir-based? Matts or blankets to wrap the soil? Chicken wire fencing to hold in?

The key is how can we let the woody plant growth occur through the mesh of the
plastic crates so size of holes is critical (chicken wire) or if they can be punctured (coir)

Thank you for your assistance and knowledge.

Richard leBrasseur, PhD

Assistant Professor, Landscape Architecture
Director, The Green Infrastructure Performance Lab

Dalhousie University
Faculty of Agriculture
Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences
EE Building, Room 223
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada B2N 5E3
902.893.6663 r.lebrasseur@dal.ca
 Living Wall Telecon

Sue Stirrs Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Non wall a xing - increases depths for freeze
Maintenance and access is KEY - 7’ max w scissor lift
FREE LATERAL ROOT RUN
DO not want root bound pot syndrome
Jeremy Lundholm, St mary’s U
Random lines, not tight lines’

Gefu WP July 9, 2021

Research project. 100% me
DO - schedule, budget.
DESIGN experiment
DESIGN proposal - lit review, method, experiment.

COLLABORATE with experts - Tracey, Darwin, Karen, Lord = veggies

1
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Living Wall - PLANT SELECTION August 4, 2022

Item Size Quantity Unit Item Cost Nursery

Broadleaf Evergreens 30 TOTAL NEED

Massachusetts Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
4" pot 13 $ 7.00 $ 91.00 Oceanview
Wintergreen, Tea Berry (Gaultheria procumbens)
1 gal 13 $ 15.00 $ 195.00 Briarpatch
Euonymous (Euonymus japonicus) small variety
1 gal 4 $ 20.00 $ 80.00 Oceanview
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) small variety 1 gal TOO EXPENSIVE $ 20.00 Oceanview
Herbaceous Perennials 18 TOTAL NEED
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
4" from Falcon 9 $ - $ - Falcon Lab
Yarrow (A. millefolium) Summer Taffy-Firefly Sunshine
4" pot 9 $ 7.00 $ 63.00 Briarpatch
Ferns 30 TOTAL NEED
Braun's Holly Fern (Polystichum tsussimense) o 1 gal 8 $ 14.00 $ 112.00 Briarpatch
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) 1 gal 11 $ 16.00 $ 176.00 Oceanview
Sweet Fern - South Side (Comptonia peregrina) 1 gal s $ 11.00 #VALUE! Briarpatch
Grasses 30 TOTAL NEED
Pennisetum - small 'Little Bunny' or sim. 5" pot 10 $ 15.00 $ 150.00 Oceanview
Calamagrostis - Overdam 1 gal 10 $ 13.00 $ 130.00 Briarpatch
Carex
4" pot 10 $ 9.00 $ 90.00 Oceanview

Grand Total August 20, 2022 108 PLANTS #VALUE!

Andropogon 'Blackhawk' 1 gal + TOO EXPENSIVE $ 19.00

Living Wall Pilot Study
Vertical 1 Vertical 2 Vertical 3

Top Level

Middle Top

Middle Bottom

Bottom Level

VARIABLE Soil Mix with Char Soil Mix without Char ???

.88 cu/ft ea cell 3x each level = 12 total

Soil Volume 10.56 cu/ft total 10.56 cu/ft total 10.56 cu/ft total

Notes:
Hand watering to occur 2022.
Irrigation hookup via electrical panel expected June 2023
3 upright facing open soil cell modules per Level.
Soil cells to be wrapped inside with lter fabric.

Each soil cell module is 0.88cu/ft x 36 cells = 31.68 cu/ft

Oct 3, 2022
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