ONE THOUSAND GREEN PILLARS

TRANSFORMING URBAN INFRASTRUCTUREREIMAGINING MEXICO CITY’S HIGHWAYS

The Green Pillars project is VIAVERDE’s flagship initiative, transforming over 1,000 concrete columns of Mexico City’s elevated Periférico into a groundbreaking vertical garden. Spanning more than 65,000 square meters of new green spaces, this project is a testament to innovation, sustainability, and the potential to reimagine urban infrastructure.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO WATER MANAGEMENT

At the heart of the project is a commitment to sustainability. The irrigation system uses treated wastewater, ensuring that no potable water is consumed in the maintenance of these green spaces. By repurposing drainage water and processing it to meet the irrigation system’s needs, VIAVERDE demonstrates how urban greening can coexist with responsible resource management.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND PREFABRICATION

To meet the project’s scale and logistical challenges, VIAVERDE developed a patented prefabrication and preplanting technology. Each column is outfitted with modular panels that are preplanted with vegetation and assembled off-site. This approach allows for efficient installation, with each column’s panels mounted in under 20 minutes, minimizing disruptions to one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

The panels are composed of recycled materials, including plastic derived from PET bottles and fabric made entirely from recycled PET fibers. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact of production but also contribute to a circular economy, where waste is repurposed into valuable infrastructure components.

SMART MONITORING WITH INTERNET OF PLANTS

To ensure the long-term success of the project, all panels are equipped with sensors connected to VIAVERDE’s proprietary Internet of Plants software. This cutting-edge system monitors environmental factors such as water levels, humidity, and temperature in real time. By analyzing this data, the system autonomously adjusts conditions to optimize plant health, ensuring that the vertical gardens thrive in the short, medium, and long term.

SOCIAL IMPACT: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Beyond its environmental achievements, the 1000 Green Pillars project has made a significant social impact. VIAVERDE collaborated with local prisons and rehabilitation centers, providing dignified employment opportunities to individuals who are incarcerated or transitioning back into society. This initiative not only supports social reintegration but also underscores the project’s broader commitment to creating meaningful change at every level.

A NEW STANDARD FOR URBAN GREENING

This project represents a bold vision for the future of urban infrastructure. By integrating technology, sustainability, and community engagement, the 1000 Green Pillars initiative sets a new global standard for urban greening projects. It demonstrates that even the most utilitarian elements of a cityscape can be transformed into vibrant, functional, and inspiring spaces.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Environmental Impact: 65,000 square meters of green space improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and absorb pollutants.
  • Water Conservation: Uses only treated wastewater, preserving precious potable water resources.
  • Recycling: Incorporates recycled PET plastics in construction, promoting a circular economy.
  • Technology-Driven Maintenance: Ensures plant health through real-time monitoring and data-driven management.
  • Social Responsibility: Provides employment and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals in prison and social reintegration programs.

AN ICONIC TRANSFORMATION

The Green Pillars project has become an emblem of Mexico City’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, inspiring other urban centers worldwide to follow its lead. It redefines the role of urban infrastructure, proving that even highways can become havens of greenery and hope.