The research project by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and Griffith University is looking at ways that greenery like shrubs and trees can be incorporated into aged care facilities – and it could prevent unnecessary deaths.

Lead investigators Professor Claudia Baldwin (USC) and Dr Tony Matthews (Griffith) will use a $127,493 Queensland Department of Environment and Science grant to conduct research and develop heat adaptation plans for UnitingCare’s Queensland facilities, something Dr Matthews said had been largely overlooked by the aged care sector.

“Heatwaves have killed more Australians than fires, floods and all other natural disasters combined,” Dr Matthews said.

“Remarkably, very little attention has been paid to the role of urban greenery in reducing heat stress for seniors.”

Smart technology will be deployed to record baseline heat loads, target areas for heat reduction and to track improvements in greenery and heat stress over time with the team to hold sector-wide workshops across Queensland to determine whether the plans could benefit other aged care facilities.