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Green tracks

The practice of “greening” spaces between the rails of a tramway has been developing through the recent 100 years. The first lines covered with sod were created in Berlin in 1905. Their fundamental role was to collect contaminants and dust, to muffle the noise produced by the tram, and, apart from this, they were also incredibly economic – therefore, they served for the same purposes as they do today. In 1916, nearly 37 km of tram lines were led in beautiful green in Berlin.

In the sixties and seventies, thanks to developing prosperity, the number of vehicles out in the streets increased. In this period, tram lines were covered with blocks or asphalt, in order not to disable any public traffic in these places. As a result, there are hundreds of cars stopping on tramways today, which ultimately disable fluid tram movement. Therefore, it would be better, if trams retained their own space for movement again, which will additionally influence beneficially the environment and the quality of life.

Green tracks are living spaces, which create a pleasant, natural climate. They absorb and store water, which has a cooling effect during a hot summer instead of pouring down uselessly to the city sewage system. Scientific research has proved, that up to 70% of rain water is collected and stored in the green tracks. It is very profitable for people, for the nature and public expenses.

The xero flor systems are delivered in the form of initially cultivated plants. The green vegetation mats are simply rolled and require minimal work input. The vegetation of the stonecrop will never require mowing, watering, or chemical weeding. It is both beneficial and economic. The cost of maintenance is merely a piece of the cost of maintaining a railway track covered with a lawn.

Apart from reduced costs, vegetation mats are also more efficient, since they protect against noise much better. Sod has minimal features of sound absorption, whereas the vegetation mats made of stonecrop and rock wool reduce noise up to 5 dB (A) and deliver the inhabitants and passers-by pleasure stemming from silence.

The fact of collecting water by the xeroflor systems is also worth noticing, similarly to the fact of reducing costs. Scientific research conducted in The Institute of Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects (Institut fur Agrar-und Stadtokologische Projekte) on the Humboldt University in Berlin clearly indicate, that in the areas, where there are fees for collected water, these costs were reduced by 50%. As a result, they can breathe deeply again.

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