WORLD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD

Aslan Jonoubi is an Iranian university lecturer who graduated from the University of Toronto. He has extensive experience in managing complex architecture projects that incorporate plants. Besides, he established a renowned Middle Eastern company that focused on large-scale architectural and urban design projects. As a specialist in green walls and roofs, his conceptual designs of expansive projects with abundant vegetation are highly recognized. Jonoubi also serves as a board member for the World Green Infrastructure Network Association.

John is an academic based at the University of Melbourne where his interests focus on the design and use of plants, particularly in green infrastructure and public landscapes. He has been a leader in Australian green roofs research and development for more than 20 years, particularly in industry outreach and engagement. This has included assistance in design development of more than 80 green infrastructure projects and leading industry partnerships that have produced the multi-award winning Growing Green Guide (2014), Maintenance Guidelines for Australian Green Roofs (2021), Guidelines for Biodiverse Green Roofs (2023) and the Burnley Green Roof Plant Guide (2023).

Dr. Audrey Timm is a horticultural scientist specialized in ornamental horticulture. Audrey’s career has covered academic research, industry support, training and on-farm R&D, and connecting design and ecology in urban landscapes. Audrey leads the AIPH Green City initiative with the purpose of increasing the quality and quantity of living green in urban environments, and nurturing a strategic shift in city form and function. Audrey also manages AIPH’s programs in Plant Health, Sustainability, and Novelty Protection. Through knowledge exchange, advocacy, and networking, Audrey supports AIPH’s position as the world’s champion for the power of plants.

Dr. Ayako Nagase, Professor, Chiba University, Graduate School of global and transdisciplinary studies

Dr. Ayako Nagase took her Bachelor in Chiba University, Department of Horticulture, Japan. Msc in University of Reading, Department of Horticulture and Landscape, UK. PhD in University of Sheffield, Department of Landscape, UK. Her research interest is urban greening and how plants can contribute to improve the quality of life in urban environment. The aim of research is to apply ecological ideas into landscape for sustainable, efficient and aesthetic development. Her background in horticulture, landscape, engineering and urban life science helps to have a wide perspective.

Benedict earned his Bachelor's in Environment and Resource Studies from the University for Development Studies (Ghana) in 2013 and a Master's in Applied Ecology and Biological Safety from Kazan Federal University (Russia) in 2018. He recently completed his Doctoral studies at The Education University of Hong Kong, researching green roofs, green walls, and nature-based solutions globally, especially in understudied and underserved regions. Beyond academia, Benedict actively advocates for greening cities through leadership roles as a Board Member of the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and President of its Chapter for Emerging Professionals (CEP). He fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among early-career professionals to advance urban greening initiatives. 

C. Y. Jim is Research Chair Professor at the Education University of Hong Kong, and previously Chair Professor at the University of Hong Kong, He has published over 450 scientific papers and books. Recognized as a leading researcher, educator and advocate for conserving, creating and refining nature-in-the-city, his studies encompass urban ecology, urban forestry, urban soil science, urban climatology, green infrastructure, green roofs, green walls, and urban nature conservation. The International Society of Arboriculture awarded him the L.C. Chadwick Award for research excellence. The Stanford University study in 2023 ranked him the first in the world among 30,711 forestry researchers.

Mr. Miller has 45 years of experience in projects related to civil and environmental engineering. His background includes degrees in chemistry, geophysics, and civil engineering. His focus is on design and construction of best practices for controlling urban runoff. In 1997, Mr. Miller founded Roofscapes, Inc (now Studio Sustena) to introduce green roof methods in the US. Mr. Miller pioneered many green roof techniques that are now in wide use. In his role as president of Roofscapes, Inc, Mr. Miller supervised engineering design and construction support services for hundreds of green roof projects.

Damian Tang is the Asia-Pacific region President of International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and immediate past president of Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA).He has more than 15 years experience in landscape architecture and multi-disciplinary design practice.

David Brasfield is presently active as Chairperson for the Norwegian Association for Green Infrastructure and Board Member and Secretary of the World Green Infrastructure Network. David is an architect and building engineer with experience in urban and sustainability planning and policy formation. David has a special interest in the applications of green infrastructure at hospitals and health facilities.

Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul campus. Holds a Civil Engineering degree from the State University of Mato Grosso (2018). Completed a sandwich exchange program at Michigan State University (Aug 2013 - Dec 2014). Specialized in Occupational Safety with an Emphasis on Environment and Sustainability (2018). Master's in Environmental Comfort from Federal University of Santa Maria (2020). Graduated from the Special Program for Teacher Training in Professional Education (2021). Experience in architectural projects, safety reports, and public works inspection. Completed a sandwich Ph.D. program at Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Germany (2022). Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, specializing in Water Resources and Environmental Sanitation from Federal University of Santa Maria (2023).

I am Architect from the School of Architecture (ETSAS) at the University of Seville (Spain), and also member of Board of Directors of ASESCUVE (Spanish Association of Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens), and I am the representative of ASESCUVE on the EFB member´s board. I have Master studies in Surveying and Repair of Buildings from the University of Seville and Expert Title in Management and Energy Assessment of Buildings from the University of Seville. Since 2010, I am one of the founders and Technical Manager at Terapia Urbana, a technology base company which comes from an Investigation group in Urban Greening, from the University of Seville.

Training as gardener, teacher, permaculture designer, ecologist. Profession as garden designer, lecturer, consultant in green infrastructure. Engagement in ecology, renewable energy. Initiator: work groups and courses in garden design, wholistic ecology, green infrastucture. Founder and leader studio of garden art and ecology , together with my wife, Kaori Takigawa. Wassmann (garden designer. specialist, lecturer and interpreter in renewable energy and architecture .

Pioneered the concept of Landscape Engineering in India. For more than two decades involved in designing and implementing more than 1500 projects.

Jörg Breuning is a pioneer in the green roof industry, having played a significant role already in its development in Germany over 45 years ago. He also introduced green roofs to North America in 1999 with the City Hall of Chicago, giving him extensive experience in both markets. However, his expertise extends beyond green roofs to include various specialties in biophilic design and sustainable engineering. Jörg's skills encompass a wide range of living plant applications, such as green walls, green rail road tracks, natural swimming pools, advanced composting technology, PV/solar combinations with vegetation, biosolar, plastic-free green roofs, and solutions with circular economy in mind through urban mining.

Professor Dr. Julian Briz , graduated at Minnesota University, has been researching and lecturing for more than three decades at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, with special attention to market research ,dealing with the governance of local policies, publishing articles, books and directing PhD thesis and research projects.
President and Founder of PRONATUR, the Spanish Society for Green Infrastructures.
Active member of the Board of Directors in WGIN and EFB has participated in the international congress and edited several books in English and Spanish
As a researcher he has participated in national and international projects about green urban infrastructure.

Jure Šumi is a President of Slovenian Green Infrastructure Association, Advisory board member of World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and its Treasurer. Since June 2024 is legal representative of WGIN’s HQ. His expertise lays in the field of green roof customisation for best storm-water management and optimised energy efficiency. He co-holds several patents in the field of vegetated concepts and systems and their application in urban environment. He is regular guest speaker on national and international events related to green urban infrastructure industry and is involved in EU Biodiversity Platform and a member of its Working Group for Green Infrastructure.

Board member of the Polish Green Roof Association responsible for cooperation with cities and PR. As an expert in green roofs and green infrastructure, she cooperates with cities in implementing green infrastructure projects. Publicist specializing in green infrastructure and green roofs. Since 2013 she has been running her own thematic portal: www.ZielonaInfrastruktura.pl

Katarzyna Wróblewska, is an employee of Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her specialty is ornamental plants. In addition to plant physiological research, her interests include green infrastructure and the preservation of urban biodiversity. She is a member of the Management Board of the Polish Green Roofs Association and co-author of two ‘Catalogues of good practices’ for rainwater management. As a lecturer, she conveys an understanding of plants as living organisms that ‘eat and drink’, breathe ‘love’ and feel ‘fear’. She also gains experience in her own garden, which also is a testing ground biodiversity.

Leila Tolderlund is Assistant Professor at University of Copenhagen and former Associate Chair in the Landscape Architecture Department at University of Colorado Denver. Her area of expertise is in urban living systems design – planning and theory, climate adaptation, and public health, and she enjoys critical innovate design thinking for inside-outside transitions. Her main area of focus in both research and practice is green roofs, green walls and living systems. She is an often-used speaker at national and international green infrastructure conferences. Leila is LEED and GRP accredited and practices landscape architecture in her own consulting firm - primarily on projects related to green roofs, living walls, green facades and climate adaptation.

​

Luigi Petito, 49, father of two, is an expert in European public affairs. He is based in Brussels, crossroads for international affairs and the European Institutions. In 2019 he was invited to establish and lead the European (EU) Chapter of the World Green Infrastructure Network. Since then, he follows EU policy and regulatory developments related to green infrastructure and advocates for a systematic integration of green infrastructure in urban areas.

Landscape architect and landscape ecologist with many years of experience in green roofs, living wall-research and indoor greening. As one of the founder of WGIN and president since 2008 I welcome your projects in one of our six categories. This award will be a milestone in the history of our association and will be continue many years in the future.

Dr. Marta Weber-Siwirska is an assistant professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. She is co-founder and, since 2016, head of the Polish Green Roofs Association. She is also a founding member of the Association of Polish Landscape Architects. Since 2005, she has been teaching landscape architecture students how to design greenery in urban spaces and adapting cities to climate change. She is also the author of designs for private gardens, parks and other urban green spaces as well as the author of expert opinions on greenery in natural ground and on buildings.

Co-founder and Head of the Ukrainian Association of Green Infrastructure (UAGI). She works at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. PhD in biological sciences (2016), “Lolium perenne L.: varieties, plant adaptation, lawns”. Her research interests include “urban plant ecology and “turfgrass management”. Author and co-author of more than 70 scientific publications. Award of the mayor of Kyiv V. Klitschko for young scientists for scientific achievements in the development of the city (2019). Scholarship for young scientists of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2018-2020, 2020-2022).

Dr. Olyssa Starry is an urban ecologist who investigates cities using a systems approach, specializing in stormwater and green roofs.

Tree nursery gardener, technician for gardening and landscaping. Specialized in greening buildings since the end of the 80s. Practical, international experience in execution, site management, planning, calculation of building greening since 1986. Head of the application technology and R&D department at a large green roof system manufacturer.
Consultancy and specialist planning of climate adaptation measures. Simulation-based microclimate analyses for green and blue infrastructure. Research and development on green and blue infrastructure.
Founder of Küsters Grün. Stadt. Klima
Co-founder of Greenpass GmbH, Vienna
Co-author of the FLL green roof guidelines

Stefan Brandhorst is a pioneer of vertical greening concepts. As a master gardener, he developed the first vertical greening systems 20 years ago. His idea: turning bare concrete walls in urban spaces into living, green walls.

​

Agriculture Graduate with over thirty years of experience in the landscaping industry and have served the most of my career in the United Arab Emirates. I first moved to the Middle East in 1995 when I accepted a position in a landscaping project at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as an Agriculture engineer. I then moved to the UAE worked in leading landscaping contracting company, from 1997, and participated in landscaping projects. Currently I am the Group managing director of the Gover Group of Companies, a consolidation of six successful companies. Gover is in Production, Retail, Distribution and in Contracting of Horticulture industry.

Head of urban ecology research group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Green roofs and biodiversity, is the main research topic we are working on and led advocacy on this subject for more than 25 years. Consulting many Cities such as Basel and others in Switzerland regarding building codes and guidelines for green roofs. New technologies like light weight and optimized cooling by watering with grey water are new fields of innovation.

I have been working to develop the green roof industry in North America and around the world for more than 20 years. Board Member of WGIN.

Virginia L. Russell, MLA, FASLA, RLA, SITES AP, LEED AP, GRP is Emeritus Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Cincinnati and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. She is the founding director of the UC Landscape Architecture and Urban Horticulture Programs. She served on the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Board of Directors, as Chair of the GRHC Research Committee, and as editorial board member for the Journal of Living Architecture. Professional projects include Fernald Nature Preserve Visitors Center (first LEED Platinum project in Ohio), and a sustainable site management plan for Troy in Turkey.

Wouter Jochemsen is presently a member of the Board of Directors at Sempergreen Group, bringing over a decade of experience in international landscaping to his role. With a focus on Green Roofs and Green Walls, he has honed his expertise in sustainable urban development. Wouter's career has taken him to various continents, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where he has gained valuable insights into diverse landscaping practices and environmental challenges.

Yeo Meng Tong is the Senior Director of the Design and Research Development Division of National Park Board (NParks). He earned his Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany and his Master Degree of Leisure Management from Loughborough University, UK. He is proficient in three languages, English, Chinese and German. As the Senior Director of the Design and Research Development, he is currently doing research to initiate new ideas and new break-through for greenery development in a more challenging conditions in Singapore, e.g. ever shrinking land resource and climate changes.

Zoë is Co-founder at Design for Nature, Director of The Urbanist, and Associate Director of Design (Urban Planning) at Te Pare, School of Architecture and Planning at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. For more than twenty years Zoë has been focusing on nature-based solutions and sustainability in policy and development. Her work and research areas include biodiversity, nature-based solutions, regenerative design, climate change adaptation, urban sustainability, public realm design, and related urban design and urban planning policy development.