Innovative module of expanded cork agglomerate for green vertical systems

Green vertical systems (GVSs) can offer several benefits, both for buildings by increasing their thermal and acoustic insulation, and for the urban environment by enhancing the biodiversity, improving the air quality, and reducing the heat island effect. Despite all these benefits, the effective sustainability of these systems has been questioned when assessed from a life cycle perspective. This is largely because of the environmental impacts related to the components and materials used in the construction of such solutions, but also due to irrigation and maintenance needs. In this work, the authors describe the design process for a new modular GVS based on insulation cork boards (ICBs). A comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) of several GVSs was first carried out to identify the environmental hotspots of most concern related to the product phase. Based on the conclusions of the LCA and a set of additional functional requirements, the authors then proposed a new ICB module to build a GVS with better environmental performance. Since ICBs can be produced with different mass densities, with distinct environmental impacts and manufacturing costs, a full mechanical characterization was also carried out to assist in choosing the most suitable ICB density. The results suggest that ICB modules of medium density (140–160 kg/m3) can be an appropriate eco-friendlier alternative to current plastic- and metal-based GVSs, fully complying with the environmental and functional requirements that would be expected for a living wall system.