A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Planting Choices for Retrofitted Green Roofs
Plant survival and green roof installation and maintenance costs will remain prime considerations in planting choices. If the low levels of funding, lack of horticultural knowledge and/or experience and need for reduced maintenance limit the options, then developing a roof with succulents and grasses might introduce some ecosystem benefits. However, where a semi‐extensive substrate depth can be afforded and an investment in sustainable irrigation is possible, then considering and using a wider range of low‐growing perennial species with light‐coloured leaves, higher leaf area indices and evapotranspiration rates would likely provide more benefits. The total direct cost of roof installation may well be higher in that case, but the argument to support a more diverse plant choice should be linked to the direct and indirect savings and benefits which this planting produces over and above the simple extensive green roof. These benefits include building insulation and temperature reduction, localised air‐cooling effects, greater rainfall capture, more pollutant capture per square metre and greater biodiversity support.
Planting Choices for Retrofitted Green Roofs
Plant survival and green roof installation and maintenance costs will remain prime considerations in planting choices. If the low levels of funding, lack of horticultural knowledge and/or experience and need for reduced maintenance limit the options, then developing a roof with succulents and grasses might introduce some ecosystem benefits. However, where a semi‐extensive substrate depth can be afforded and an investment in sustainable irrigation is possible, then considering and using a wider range of low‐growing perennial species with light‐coloured leaves, higher leaf area indices and evapotranspiration rates would likely provide more benefits. The total direct cost of roof installation may well be higher in that case, but the argument to support a more diverse plant choice should be linked to the direct and indirect savings and benefits which this planting produces over and above the simple extensive green roof. These benefits include building insulation and temperature reduction, localised air‐cooling effects, greater rainfall capture, more pollutant capture per square metre and greater biodiversity support.
Planting Choices for Retrofitted Green Roofs
Wilkinson, Sara (editor) / Dixon, Tim (editor) / Blanusa, Tijana (author) / Monteiro, Madalena Vaz (author) / Kemp, Sarah (author) / Cameron, Ross (author)
Green Roof Retrofit ; 118-139
2016-08-16
22 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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