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Green Roof and Green Wall Maintenance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Even if you’ve been living under a rock, chances are, you may have heard about the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, lockdowns in all forms and names were imposed by governments all over the world. Be it MCO (Movement Control Order) in Malaysia, Circuit Breaker (CB) in our neighbour Singapore, or simply “Lockdown” in many other countries, they share similarities ranging from border shutdowns to closing of economic sectors deemed non-essential.

Fast forward 2 months, as most economic sectors are beginning to reopen in thie CMCO(Conditional Movement Control Order) period, team Belalang too refused to remain idle. Upon obtaining the letter of approval (conditional) from Ministry of International Trade and Industries (MITI) in early May, we have resumed the maintenance of green roof and walls with a few many new precautions and measures in place to adapt to the New Normal. Among these precautions are:

  1. COVID-19 Screening
Belalang worker getting screened by health workers

As required by the authorities, all construction-related non-Malaysian workers are required to undergo testing.

  1. Restriction of movements
    As practiced during the MCO, workers are only allowed to exit their accommodation for essential travel (grocery shopping, medical emergencies and to travel to work). No visitors from other dormitories/accommodations are allowed.
  1. Sanitizer and Mask
    Sanitizers and masks are provided by us to all our staff and workers to protect them as well as our clients.
  1. Briefings and Reminders
    Workers are reminded via weekly briefings and constant reminders to wash their hands frequently, maintain physical distancing when out, and report to us if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.
  1. Provide Transportation
    Instead of asking workers to rely on public transportation or carpool with others, we have ensured that our workers are provided their own transport to and back from job sites.

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Although team Belalang has started operations, we do not take the risks of infection lightly. We’ll strive to keep your green roof and green walls in tip-top shape while taking the necessary steps to keep everyone involved safe.

Here’s a belated Selamat Hari Raya, Selamat Menyambut Pesta Kaamatan and Happy Gawai to our friends and partners. Stay safe and healthy all!

GaiaMat Green Roof bloom in PJ, taken during maintenance in May 2020.

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JARO Green Roof, Johor Bahru

Amid the global pandemic, it’s easy for us to put plans on the backburner while personal and business projects are being put on hold temporarily. The uncertainty is proving to be a testing period for many, including us at Belalang. Some say that in every crisis, there is an opportunity; and the temporary slow-down is a prime opportunity for us to reflect and improve.

We’d like to revisit December 2019, when team Belalang implemented an extensive green roof with the GaiaMat green roof system onto an existing metal deck for JARO. Working with Think City, the idea was to green up the roofs to provide cooler temperatures and create a conducive environment for the staff (especially when they look out the window to see lush greenery instead of cold hard metal). Working with the renovation engineer, it was important to check if the roof will be able to cater for the extra load. Fortunately for us, the fact that the system is so lightweight allowed for us to obtain the consultant’s approval to proceed with installation.

Before installation
View from inside the office before green roof installation

Within 2 days, we managed to install the necessary layers, as well as irrigation pump and driplines for the plants. Thanks to the cooperation from the building management, there were no hiccups in temporary storage of materials – creation of handicrafts carried on as usual while we were busy greening up their roofs.

FYI, JARO is an organization that provides training and a workplace for OKU’s around Johor Bahru area specializing in custom-made handicrafts and binding services. It is a rehabilitation center and workshop for the physically, intellectually and visually challenged. For more info, and to support this charity, do visit their website where you can find out more and purchase some local of their handicrafts. JARO website: jaro.org.my

Progress during installation
Driplines are in place, connected to a timer and pump system

Below are some photos taken in February 2020, and in May 2020. Driplines are covered as the GaiaMat ecosystem is established.

  • View from below
  • February 2020
  • February 2020
Updated pictures taken during CMCO. May 2020
View from the office in May 2020.

The best thing about extensive green roofs and the GaiaMat system is that it is very low maintenace. No need for cutting/trimming and no need for fertilizers. As seen in the pictures above, team Belalang is ready to green up your roofs, be it concrete, metal deck or even GLASS roofs- just send us an enquiry via the “Enquire Now” link above or send us an email at info@belalang.com.my for your own green roof proposal.

Stay safe and stay healthy everyone!

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Engaging Pasir Gudang Community

We were invited by ATS to share about our Gaiamat system with the municipal council members and the local community. It is always motivating to see such passionate voices for greening efforts at the grassroots. We’re always open to discuss and share ideas with local communities, designers and local authorities.