A wave of green. That’s what greets you at Environment Park. Picture this: a sprawling expanse of green roofs the largest in Italy. This isn’t just any park. Environment Park in Turin is a testament to innovation. It’s a place where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a way of life.
Environment Park started life as something quite different. Once a brownfield a 1.5 million square meter site of heavy industry. Factories like Fiat and Michelin left their mark. But vision transformed this industrial wasteland. The master plan approved in 1993. Construction began in 1996. The transformation included site remediation. They reconstructed the landscape. They even ecologically renewed water systems.
The result? A vibrant research and innovation center. Over 70 international corporations call it home. All focused on eco-efficiency. They explore concepts of sustainability and the environment. Research focuses on bioarchitecture. They work on integrated environmental projects. Energy and plasma are also key areas.
Did you know Environment Park even has its own mini-hydroelectricity plant? There’s also a hydrogen production plant with three processing lines. These innovations are geared towards sustainable development. Energy efficiency and green building are paramount. They even explore sustainable transportation using hydrogen and fuel cells.
The Dora River once flowed beneath a concrete slab. Now it meanders through the park. A serene reminder of nature’s reclaiming power. The park covers approximately 30000 square meters. It comprises laboratories offices service centers and even residential areas. The approximately 20000 square meter roof area is completely green. From above it looks like a living garden.
The pitched green roofs cover about 5000 square meters. Special systems transfer shear forces into the substructure. They provide water and nutrients to the vegetation. The eaves are reinforced. The vegetation remains lush throughout the year preventing erosion. Ivy-covered walls create a network. Gentle ramps provide public access from the sidewalk. It’s a true urban oasis.
Environment Park isn’t just about green spaces. It’s about a holistic approach. It’s about transforming a past of industry into a future of sustainability. It’s a model for urban renewal and a beacon of environmental innovation. As you stand here today you see the result. A successful pilot project showing that progress and nature can coexist. A testament to the power of human ingenuity and environmental responsibility.