Shade Audit

Bunurong Memorial Park

The project involved undertaking a comprehensive shade audit at Bunurong Memorial Park to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of both natural and built shade for customers and staff.

Xyst undertook observations of radiant light across the site and its materials to understand how light behaves (bounces) within different spaces. This approach enables the comparison of materials by measurable reflectance to support evidence-based decisions instead of relying on subjective visual appearance.

The audit examined how different areas of the park were used, the usability of shade across seasonal and daily variations, and the potential impact of UV reflectivity from surrounding surfaces.

Findings from the assessment were then used to identify locations where shade is insufficient or ineffective.

The project delivered practical, environmentally sustainable recommendations to improve shade coverage and functionality, ensuring alignment with SMCT’s Environmental Strategy 2022–25 and broader health, safety, and sustainability objectives.

Project Benefit

The shade audit will enable Souther Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust to better protect the health, comfort, and wellbeing of customers and staff at Bunurong Memorial Park by ensuring adequate and effective shade across the site. By identifying gaps in shade coverage and understanding how existing shade performs across different seasons and usage patterns, SMCT can reduce exposure to harmful UV radiation, enhance visitor experience, and support safer work environments. The project will also provide evidence‑based recommendations that prioritise environmentally responsible solutions, directly supporting the objectives of SMCT’s Environmental Strategy 2022–25 and informing future planning, design, and capital investment decisions.
Client organisation
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
Open Space Planning
Quality/performance assessments
Sport, Recreation and Community Planning
Business cases
Performance assessments
Research
GIS Analysis and mapping
Observation Studies
Public Amenities
Public amenity strategies
Use monitoring
Cemeteries
Cemetery Master Planning
Trees
Tree strategy
Landscape Architecture
Masterplans