University brings together global experts in green infrastructure

The University of Auckland is gearing up to welcome global and local experts to a conference that could change the way our cities look in the future.

The World Green Infrastructure Congress, hosted by Waipapa Taumata Rau from 3-5 September, will see hundreds of sustainability and green infrastructure experts share their ideas with companies, institutions, public authorities and scientists. The goal is to look at and catalyse nature-based solutions to create sustainable urban environments.

Topics include regeneration and biodiversity, vertical greening, technology in sustainable design, risk and resilience, and building neighbourhoods.

Urban designer Zoë Avery, a professional teaching fellow in the School of Architecture and Planning, is the chair of the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2024 committee. She says the congress is an opportunity to discuss and instigate nature-based solutions that promote biodiversity, enhance health, and transform how we design our cities.

“This is an incredible opportunity to link professionals, academia, institutions, public authorities, scientists and community leaders, to advance action on climate resilience, health and biodiversity loss, as a few examples.

“It is quite rare that we have the opportunity to host a global congress in Aotearoa and link up so many different professionals all in one space – it’s great for development, business and policy.”

She says the event will also connect with the theme of COP16, the Convention on Biological Diversity, being held in Cali, Colombia, in October.

Many of the Kiwi speakers are from the likes of NIWA, Auckland and Wellington Councils, Eke Panuku Development, Tātaki Auckland and businesses with a sustainability focus in design such as Aurecon, GHD, Green Roofs and the charity organisation, Design for Nature.

Leading academic minds from research organisations and universities around the world will explore such issues as sustainable water treatment solutions, Indigenous-led green infrastructure, green roofs and walls, and decarbonising infrastructure.

Avery says there’s an extraordinary line-up of speakers who will present at the conference, including Dr Lyla June Johnston, an advocate for Indigenous wisdom and sustainable living. “Lyla’s keynote will inspire us to rethink our approach to urban development.”

Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield, director of the Public Policy Impact Institute, will deliver a keynote address on day one of the congress, entitled Green Infrastructure and Public Health: From Research to Action.

Avery says the event will elevate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s profile and foster collaboration between local and global experts.

And it’s a cause close to her heart.

“Since I have been on this planet, we have lost 70 percent of the world’s animals – birds, fish, reptiles and insects. But nature provides cities with multiple benefits including stormwater mitigation, urban heat reduction, pollution reduction, well-being and biodiversity. It underpins a quality urban environment, but is currently treated as a secondary option with other infrastructure taking priority.

"Nature in cities should be considered sacrosanct.”