City cricketers reach a new high

It is probably the only game of cricket where a big-hitting batsman could slog the ball on to the dome of St Paul's Cathedral.

On a rooftop high above the City, the capital's largest eco-friendly roof was unveiled today with a gentle few overs of the traditional summer sport.

Covered with 1,650 square metres of hardy plants, the roof is on the top of international law firm Eversheds' new London headquarters at 1 Wood Street and will help make the building one of the greenest in the capital.

It will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, improve insulation and cooling of the building, significantly reduce rainwater run-off and promote biodiversity and habitat in the City, according to architects Fletcher Priest.

"The green roof is an essential part of helping us achieve our environmental targets," said Cornelius Medvei, senior office partner at Eversheds, which will move into the building this month. "We have sought to fit out the building in a sustainable way using recycled materials where possible."

After being used for the impromptu game of cricket, the roof is set to be invaded by wildlife thanks to the introduction of bird boxes and insect habitats.

It was developed by urban gardener Dusty Gedge, who hopes the idea will be copied across the capital. He said: "I have been campaigning for the increased use of green roofs, particularly in the City, for many years, so this development is significant. "It is encouraging to see City firms such as Eversheds taking the initiative by placing sustainability high on the agenda."