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The roofs, walls and facades of buildings across Melbourne will be cooling down by turning all shades of green due to the launch of new program created by University of Melbourne research.

A new online resource, the Growing Green Guide will help building owners, planners, designers, developers, renovators and homeowners include green plant roofs, walls and facades into their buildings to help manage the impact of a changing climate on city living.

The guide provides step-by-step advice and examples on how to incorporate green roofs, walls and facades suitable to Victorian conditions.

It is the result of a three-year collaborative project between the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra and Stonnington, the University of Melbourne, the Victorian Government and industry experts.

University of Melbourne, Urban Horticulture researcher John Rayner said that having local guidelines on how to achieve green outcomes across local government areas is a first in Australia.

"University research in green infrastructure over recent years helped to define, shape and develop the guide, ensuring that it is current, relevant and applicable for projects in Victoria," he said.

City of Melbourne Environment Councillor Arron Wood said cities can be 4 to 7 degrees hotter than surrounding suburbs due to the urban heat island effect.

"Green walls and rooftops help cool our city and retain stormwater, which helps reduce flash flooding," he said.

The guide will help transform existing buildings and create new ones which can use their roofs, walls and facades to work with the environment rather than against it," he said.

The Growing Green Guide has been funded through the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund under the Victorian Adaptation and Sustainability Partnership through the Inner Melbourne Action Plan councils.

The Growing Green Guide will also be brought to life in mid-March through a new display of a shipping container, covered with green roofs, walls and facades.