Newcastle embraces sustainability with its first Living Roof

It’s constructed from sustainable materials and is comprised of a mix of wildflowers and sedum plants, which are ideal food sources and habitats for bees and other pollinating insects.

The shelters, also known as Bee Bus Stops, also benefit the environment by absorbing rainwater and aiding in filtering particulates from the air. Not only are they designed to support biodiversity, but they’re also beneficial in promoting healthier communities and bringing greenery back into urban areas.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Cabinet member for Clean, Connected City at Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s great to see the first eco-friendly bus shelter has been installed in our city in collaboration with Clear Channel.”

“Not only will the project help attract pollinating insects, but it also supports biodiversity and our ambitions to become net zero by 2030.”

“The new shelter is an aesthetically pleasing addition to our city and supports the work we do to create cleaner, greener neighbourhoods for our residents.”

Will Ramage, Clear Channel’s Managing Director said, “It’s wonderful to see the installation of Newcastle’s first Living Roof. What’s so great about these bus shelters is that they provide an essential service for the public while also contributing to the betterment of the environment. And we feel privileged to be a part of the effort to make Newcastle a more sustainable and eco-friendlier city.”

Living Roof bus shelters are becoming a popular asset throughout the country, having already been installed in areas such as Leicester and Hull. The Council is now exploring options to install more of the eco-friendly bus shelters across the city.