Cities serve as hubs of economic growth, innovation, culture, and creativity. However, with the increase in human population, cities face pressures related to social, economic, and environmental problems, including overcrowding, air pollution, and environmental changes. Air pollution is one of the most prominent problems in urban areas, caused by vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and various other anthroprogenic activities. The green roof technique is recognized as one of the best solutions for these challenges, combining both technology and nature. Green roofs are vegetated surfaces that contain plants typically grown on a special substrate. This technique relies on natural evapotranspiration, a passive cooling process performed by plants and driven by solar energy.
Green roofs offer various benefits that impact both the surrounding environment and the building itself. They help create accessible and safe recreational spaces, improve air quality, reduce noise, and contribute to physical and mental well-being. On a broader scale, green roofs can alleviate the Urban Heat Island effect and reduce smog formation, which is often caused by high temperatures. Additionally, they help manage urban stormwater by reducing its quantity and improving its quality, which has positive implications for flood prevention, water quality, and lower maintenance costs for stormwater drainage systems. Green roofs also provide habitats for wildlife, serving as refuges or stepping stones that enhance urban biodiversity by allowing species to move across the city. Moreover. green roofs serve as recreational spaces with aesthetic beauty.
Green roofs can be classified into two main types: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs are lightweight and low-maintenance, typically planted with drought-tolerant species like sedums and grasses.
These roofs are ideal for residential buildings and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions with minimal human interaction. Intensive green roofs, on the other hand, are more complex and can support a wider variety of plants, including shrubs and even small trees. These roofs are often used in commercial or public spaces and require more maintenance and a stronger structural foundation due to the greater weight and depth of the growing medium. Overall, green roofs contribute to creating more resilient and sustainable urban landscapes by integrating vegetation into building infrastructure, improving air quality, and promoting urban biodiversity.
References
- Rafael, S., Correia, L. P., Ascenso, A., Augusto, B., Lopes, D., & Miranda, A. I. (2021). Are green roofs the path to clean air and low carbon cities?. Science of the Total Environment, 798, 149313.
- Jim, C. Y. (2015). Assessing climate-adaptation effect of extensive tropical green roofs in cities. Landscape and Urban Planning, 138, 54-70.
- Calheiros, C. S., & Stefanakis, A. I. (2021). Green roofs towards circular and resilient cities. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 1(1), 395-411.
- Native Plants for Green Roofs: Choosing the Right Species for Your Project - EcoLiving Journey. Retrieved from ecolivingjourney.com (EcoLivingJourney.com).
- Green Roofs as Urban Ecosystems: Ecological Structures, Functions, and Services - BioScience, Oxford Academic. Retrieved from academic.oup.com (Oxford Academic).
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