Novel technology for green roof systems
Modern green roof technology can reduce rainfall runoff, provide cooling in summer, increase biodiversity and extend the working life of the roof. However, in recent years modern green roofs have changed somewhat to reflect improvements in aesthetic appearance, biodiversity and ability to reduce stormwater runoff. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for accessible green roof systems that are not only more attractive but also use fewer resources and require less maintenance. The EU-funded GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS (Collaborative research and development of green roof system technology) project aimed to develop and exploit urban green roof technologies in the EU. Project partners developed and implemented a rigorous and standardised plant screening programme that identifies moisture stress at different depths of growing medium and the tolerance level of various stages of moisture stress for plant species. As a result, data was gathered on 50 green roof plant species. This will benefit the development of future green roof vegetation to meet climate change and adaptation challenges, increase the biodiversity value of green roofs and improve the aesthetic and social importance of vegetated roof surfaces. The GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS team developed green roof system components that optimise the hydrological performance of green roof systems, particularly water retention and supply. Work included a series of tests, a new wicking system and a rainfall simulator. Researchers characterised the performance of the new green roof systems and configurations, and performed a life-cycle analysis on carbon emissions reduction. They also proposed and validated a robust green roof retention simulation model. By revisiting the fundamental basis of green roof system design, GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS helped to enhance the technology. This new approach will provide a deeper understanding of these systems, enabling them to face fresh challenges.
Keywords
Green roof, GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS, green roof system technology
