Street Furniture: Is it Environmentally Friendly?

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a massive shift towards sustainability, influencing various sectors, including urban planning and public infrastructure. Street furniture, such as bollards, bus shelters, and road barriers, has become a focal point in this green revolution. As cities strive to reduce their carbon footprint, eco-friendly street furniture is playing an important role. In this blog, we’ll explore how the UK is transforming its street furniture to be more environmentally friendly and the benefits that come with these changes.

The Green Evolution of Bollards

Bollards are a common sight in urban areas - especially in shopping locations and leisure facilities, serving as essential tools for traffic management and pedestrian safety. Road bollards are traditionally made from concrete, metal, or plastic, and in the past these materials have had significant environmental impacts during their production and disposal. However, there are now new solutions.

Sustainable Materials

One of the most significant developments is the use of recycled materials. Eco-friendly bollards are being manufactured from recycled plastics, rubber, and even reclaimed wood. Here at Speedy Street Solutions, we’re working hard to ensure that our products are made from recycled steel and plastics wherever possible.

These materials not only reduce waste but also lower the carbon emissions associated with producing new raw materials. For example, bollards made from recycled rubber, derived from old tyres, help divert waste from landfills and reduce the demand for new rubber production.

So many materials can be recycled – even ghost nets (discarded fishing nets) and ocean plastics are being recycled by ecotribo in to plant pots!

Solar-Powered Bollards

Another development is the introduction of solar technology into bollards. Solar-powered bollards are equipped with photovoltaic panels which harness solar energy during the day to power LED lights at night.

This not only reduces electricity consumption but also improves safety by providing better visibility in low-light conditions without relying on non-renewable energy sources. It’s a simple, but very effective idea.

Bus Shelters: A Shelter for Sustainability

Bus shelters are crucial for providing comfort and safety to public transport users. The move towards greener bus shelters is gaining momentum across the UK, with several cities introducing eco-friendly designs. Yeah, a bus shelter isn’t just a bus shelter anymore!

Green Roofs and Walls

One modern trend is the addition of green roofs and walls into bus shelter designs – just like on the side of some of those trendy London restaurants! These living structures, include a variety of plants and offer multiple environmental benefits. They improve air quality by absorbing pollutants, provide natural insulation to regulate temperatures, and support urban biodiversity by creating habitats for insects and birds.

In addition, green roofs and walls contribute to rainwater management by reducing runoff. This is another one of those simple ideas which not only looks good, but it does good!

Recycled and Low-Impact Materials

Modern bus shelters are increasingly being constructed from recycled and low-impact materials. For example, recycled aluminium and plastics are becoming popular choices. These materials require less energy to produce compared to their virgin counterparts, significantly reducing the shelters' overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, low-impact coatings and finishes are being used to ensure durability while minimizing environmental harm.

Barriers: Building a Sustainable Urban Landscape

Barriers are essential for controlling pedestrian flow and ensuring safety in public spaces. The shift towards sustainable barriers reflects the broader commitment to eco-friendly urban development.

Modular and Recyclable Designs

Sustainable barriers often feature modular designs, allowing for easy installation, reconfiguration, and recycling. Materials such as recycled plastics and composites are commonly used, offering durability and weather resistance while minimizing environmental impact. These modular barriers can be dismantled and recycled at the end of their life cycle, supporting a circular economy.

Smart Barriers

The integration of smart technology into barriers is another innovative approach. Smart barriers equipped with sensors and connectivity can monitor air quality, noise levels, and pedestrian traffic. This data can inform city planners and help optimize urban environments for both sustainability and public well-being. Additionally, some smart barriers incorporate solar panels to power these sensors, further reducing their environmental footprint.

Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Street Furniture

The transition to eco-friendly street furniture offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond environmental conservation.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

By utilising recycled materials and renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint associated with the production, installation, and maintenance of street furniture is significantly reduced. This aligns with the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Cost Savings

Sustainable street furniture often results in long-term cost savings. For instance, solar-powered bollards and smart barriers reduce energy costs, while modular and recyclable designs lower maintenance and replacement expenses. Cities can reinvest these savings into other sustainability initiatives.

Enhanced Public Spaces

Eco-friendly street furniture improves the look and functionality of public spaces. Green bus shelters, for example, create pleasant waiting environments, encouraging more people to use public transport. This can lead to reduced traffic congestion and lower vehicle emissions.

Community Engagement and Awareness

The visible presence of sustainable street furniture can raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire communities to adopt greener practices. Educational signage on eco-friendly bus shelters and barriers can inform the public about the benefits of sustainable infrastructure and encourage responsible behaviour.

And finally…

The shift towards environmentally friendly street furniture in the UK continues at pace. By embracing recycled materials, renewable energy, and smart technologies, cities are creating greener, safer, and more enjoyable public spaces. This transformation not only aligns with national goals but also improves the quality of life for residents. In the next few years, we can look forward to even more innovative and eco-conscious street furniture designs shaping the future of our urban landscapes.

Here at Speedy Street Solutions, we manufacture and sell a wide range of eco-friendly street furniture. Contact us if you’d like to know more.

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