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Zuberbier T, Stevanovic K, Ansotegui IJ, Anto JM, Bergmann KC, D'Amato G, Grüntuch-Ernst A, Haahtela T, Maurer M, Pietikäinen S, Christou D, Bousquet J. Green Roof Gardens - Selecting Allergy-Friendly Vegetation: A Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA²LEN) Position Paper. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024; 12:347-354. [PMID: 37863318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Green roof gardens are important for planetary health by mitigating the effects of urbanization. Because of the nature of green roof gardens, only particular plants can be used. The allergologic impact of these plants remains ill-characterized and guidance on building allergy-friendly green roof gardens is missing. To address this gap, we investigated the plant spectrum of several German green roof companies and categorized plants based on their primary pollination mechanism. Except for grasses, most plants were insect-pollinated and of low allergenicity. In addition, we conducted a review on the allergologic impact of plants used for green roof gardens. Our aim was to provide landscape architects with guidance on how to develop allergy-friendly green roof gardens. We highlight the need for universally accepted standards for assessing the allergenicity of roof top plants. Also, we recommend the joint development, by green roof producers and allergists, of criteria for allergy-friendly roof gardens. Their implementation may help to reduce the risk of allergen sensitization and allergy exacerbation, such as by avoiding the use of wind-pollinated plants of proven allergenicity including grasses. Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, should benefit planetary health without increasing the prevalence and burden of allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Zuberbier
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katarina Stevanovic
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ignacio J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quironsalud Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Josep M Anto
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; UGA (Management and Administration Unit) of Medicine and Life Sciences - MELIS, Universitat Pompeu Farbra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy; School of Specialization in Respiratory Disease, University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Almut Grüntuch-Ernst
- IDAS Institute for Design and Architectural Strategies, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Demetrios Christou
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean Bousquet
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), Montpellier, France
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2
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Cristiano E, Deidda R, Viola F. Awareness and willingness to pay for green roofs in Mediterranean areas. J Environ Manage 2023; 344:118419. [PMID: 37379628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs have been extensively investigated in recent years, showing that their implementation in urban areas provides multiple benefits (e.g., pluvial flood mitigation, urban heat island reduction, energy saving, increase of biodiversity, CO2 sequestration) and supports sustainable urban development. Although green roof benefits have been widely recognized, the perception that the community has of these nature-based solutions and the willingness to pay for their installation in urban areas is still not clear nor quantified. Societal perception and willingness to pay for green roofs are fundamental for urban planners and decision makers, since they represent the community participation in the sustainable development of urban areas. In this work, we aim to analyze how citizens perceive green roofs and how willing they are to pay for the installation and maintenance of these nature-based solutions. We used an online survey to investigate the perception and the knowledge of green roofs as a potential solution to common environmental issues (i.e., urban flood, increase of temperature, energy consumption, air pollution and lack of green spaces), and the interest and willingness to pay for green roof installation on both public and private roofs. Based on the answers of 389 respondents living in Sardinia (Italy), our analysis revealed that most citizens are aware of what green roofs are, and they are aware that, although these nature-based solutions can not completely solve environmental issues, they can greatly contribute to the mitigation of these phenomena. Results also show a higher interest in the installation of green roofs on public buildings than on private ones, due to the high installation costs. Moreover, for private roofs, the possibility to install photovoltaic panels instead of GRs is generally preferred. Most of the respondents are willing to spend less than 100 € per year for the maintenance of green roofs on public buildings and to invest less than 5000 € for the installation on their own house.
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3
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Jayasooriya V, Fernando S, Silva C, Muthukumaran S. Comparative analysis on the effectiveness of green roofs and photovoltaic panels as sustainable rooftop technologies. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:98977-98992. [PMID: 37286831 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) panels and green roofs are considered as the most effective sustainable rooftop technologies at present, which utilizes the effective rooftop area of a building in a sustainable manner. To assess the most suitable rooftop technology out of the two, it is vital to have an idea on the energy savings potential of these sustainable rooftop technologies, alongside a financial feasibility analysis considering their overall life spans and additional ecosystem services. To achieve this objective, ten selected rooftops located in a tropical city were retrofitted with hypothetical PV panels and semi-intensive green roof scenarios to perform the present analysis. The energy-saving potential for PV panels was estimated with the assistance of PVsyst software, and green roof ecosystem services were evaluated through a range of empirical formulas. The financial feasibility of the two technologies was assessed by Payback Period and Net Present Value (NPV), through data obtained by local information sources such as solar panels and green roof manufacturers. The results indicate that PV panels achieve a rooftop PV potential of 244.39 KWh/yr/m2 during their 20-year life span. Furthermore, green roofs reach an energy-saving potential of 22.29 KWh/yr/m2 during a 50-year life span. Moreover, based on the financial feasibility analysis, PV panels demonstrated an average payback period of 3-4 years. Green roofs exemplified 17-18 years to recover their total investment for the selected case studies in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Although green roofs do not provide comparatively significant energy savings, these sustainable rooftop technologies aid in energy saving under different response intensities. In addition, green roofs offer several other ecosystem services that improve urban areas' quality of life. Collectively, these findings highlight the particular importance of each rooftop technology promoting building energy savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varuni Jayasooriya
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Sulakshana Fernando
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Channa Silva
- N Solar Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, Nawala, Sri Lanka
| | - Shobha Muthukumaran
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Herath P, Thatcher M, Jin H, Bai X. Comparing the cooling effectiveness of operationalisable urban surface combination scenarios for summer heat mitigation. Sci Total Environ 2023; 874:162476. [PMID: 36858236 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Extreme summer heat in cities exacerbates the vulnerability of urban communities to heatwaves. Vegetative and reflective urban surfaces can help reduce urban heat. This study investigated the impacts of urban trees, green roofs and cool roofs on heat mitigation during average and extreme summer conditions in temperate oceanic Melbourne, Australia. We simulated the city climate using 'The Air Pollution Model' (TAPM) at a 1 km spatial resolution over 10 years, which according to our review of the literature, was the most prolonged period for simulation in Melbourne. During a widespread heatwave event, some of the tested scenarios with combined surface parameters could reduce the extreme values of the energy budget components- sensible heat, latent heat, and storage heat fluxes up to seasonal averages compared to the existing situation for Melbourne (control). The scenario with the highest (reasonable maximum) ground-level vegetation, green roofs, and cool roofs could reduce air temperatures up to 2.4 °C. The simulations suggest that a combined strategy with vegetative and high-albedo surfaces will deliver higher effectiveness with maximum cooling benefits and cost-effectiveness than individual strategies in cities. These results suggest the importance of collaborative strategic planning of urban surfaces to make cities healthier, sustainable, and liveable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhasri Herath
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Marcus Thatcher
- CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Aspendale, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Huidong Jin
- CSIRO Data61, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Xuemei Bai
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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5
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Almeida AP, Liberalesso T, Silva CM, Sousa V. Combining green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems in university buildings under different climate conditions. Sci Total Environ 2023; 887:163719. [PMID: 37137365 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Rainwater Harvesting Systems is an alternative solution with the potential to increase water supply security and reduce the pressure on water resources and urban stormwater drainage systems. Likewise, Green Roofs are a nature-based solution with several ecosystem services able to improve well-being in densely urbanized areas. Despite these benefits, the combination of both solutions is still a knowledge gap to be explored. In face of this, the article investigates the potential of combining traditional RWHS and extensive green roofs under different climate conditions, at the same time evaluating the traditional RWHS behaviour in buildings with high and variable water consumption patterns. The analyses were carried out assuming two university buildings hypothetically located in three distinct climates (Aw - Tropical Savanna, Cfa - Humid Subtropical, and Csa - Hot-summer Mediterranean). The results show that the relationship between available water and demand is the key factor that defines if the system is most suitable for saving potable water, reducing stormwater runoff rates, or dual-purpose (when there is a balance between non-potable water supply and capture of stormwater). Combined systems were most effective when there is a balanced rainfall distribution over the year, as in humid subtropical regions. Under these conditions, the covered area with green roofs could be up to 70 % of the total catchment area in a combined system designed for dual purposes. On the other hand, climates characterized by rainy and dry seasons have great limitations regarding rainwater harvesting, being insufficient to supply demand at certain times of the year, even for traditional Rainwater Harvesting Systems. However, if the main objective is stormwater management a combined system is strongly recommended, especially if the other benefits of green roofs are considered in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissandra Pessoa Almeida
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR), Av. Cap. Ene Garcez, 69304-000 Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Liberalesso
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Matos Silva
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vitor Sousa
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Raimondi A, Sanfilippo U, Marchioni M, Di Chiano MG, Becciu G. Influence of climatic parameters on the probabilistic design of green roofs. Sci Total Environ 2023; 865:161291. [PMID: 36592907 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs are effective tools for stormwater control in highly urbanized areas since they allow the reduction of peak runoffs and volumes discharged in sewer systems. Their design is quite standardized, except for the thickness of the growing medium layer, which is strictly related to vegetation type and rainfall regime. The paper proposes an analytical probabilistic approach that relates the climatic variables, the growing medium thickness, and the water content in the condition of fulfilled field capacity to the probability that runoff from green roofs exceeds a fixed threshold. The developed equations also consider the possibility of a reduced retention capacity due to previous rainfall events, that strongly influence the performance of these green infrastructures, especially when short dry periods and/or low evapotranspiration rates occur. This feature, neglected by the traditional design storm approach, and only partially considered by previous analytical probabilistic models, represent a great potentiality of the proposed equations that are also more user-friendly and less time-consuming than continuous simulation analysis. The focus of the paper is on the influence of climatic parameters on runoff probability. To this aim to perform the monthly analysis is fundamental, especially when there is a strong variability of the climatic parameters throughout the year. The model was tested in a case study in Milano, Italy. The application presented a good agreement between the results obtained from the proposed equations and those obtained from the continuous simulation of recorded data. The results also highlighted the importance of performing analysis on a monthly scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Raimondi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - U Sanfilippo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - M Marchioni
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - M G Di Chiano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - G Becciu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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7
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Ávila-Hernández A, Simá E, Ché-Pan M. Research and development of green roofs and green walls in Mexico: A review. Sci Total Environ 2023; 856:158978. [PMID: 36162585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The residential sector is one of the primary energy consumers and emitters of greenhouse gases. Given the environmental problem, one of the methods of mitigating electricity consumption and reducing the temperature in buildings is green infrastructure: green roofs and walls. This article presents a compilation of the studies carried out in México about green infrastructure; the energy, thermal and environmental benefits obtained were analyzed according to the vegetation, substrate, climate, and systems configuration. In addition, the development of policies, laws, regulations, and incentives in the field of green roofs in Mexico was also analyzed. The results indicate that using green infrastructure can help mitigate greenhouse gases since a green roof can reduce the indoor temperature up to 19.9 °C, save 28 % annually in electricity consumption and remove 80 % of rainwater pollutants. Finally, the results of this research can provide insight for researchers, legislators, and urban planners about the state in which Mexico is located, as well as help in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ávila-Hernández
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/CENIDET, Prol. Av. Palmira S/N. Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62490, Mexico.
| | - E Simá
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/CENIDET, Prol. Av. Palmira S/N. Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62490, Mexico.
| | - M Ché-Pan
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/CENIDET, Prol. Av. Palmira S/N. Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62490, Mexico.
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8
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Wang J, Mei G, Garg A, Chen D, Liu N. A simplified model for analyzing rainwater retention performance and irrigation management of green roofs with an inclusion of water storage layer. J Environ Manage 2023; 326:116740. [PMID: 36413952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rainwater retention and water content in green roofs are primarily influenced by structural configurations (i.e., soil layer, vegetation layer, and water storage layer) and climatic factors (i.e., rainfall and evapotranspiration (ET)). Based on the principle of water balance, this study proposes a conceptual model for simulating water flow in green roofs with water storage layers. Three green roof model experiments were conducted from August 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2021 for calibrating and verifying the conceptual model. The proposed model was solved iteratively using a newly developed program in Visual Basic. The results showed that the conceptual model can capture the dynamic variations in the rainwater retention and water content of green roofs well. The average Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient is 0.65 and the average error is 6%. The annual rainwater retention capacity (RRC) of green roofs in the perennial rainy climate model was on average 28% higher than that in the seasonal rainy climate model. At the expense of water stress, high ET plants significantly increased the annual RRC of green roofs at a low level. As the water storage layer depth increased from zero to 150 mm, the annual RRC of green roofs increased by 41%, and the water stress decreased by 49%. Compared with an increase in water holding capacity and soil depth, the response of the annual RRC and water stress of green roofs for increasing water storage layer depth is much greater. As per climate of Southern China region, the water storage layer depth of 100 mm is found to obtain optimal rainwater retention and irrigation management in green roof with similar soil thickness (100 mm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Guoxiong Mei
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, China.
| | - Ankit Garg
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangdong Engineering Center for Structure Safety and Health Monitoring, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Deqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; College of Civil Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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9
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Tan K, Wang J. Substrate modified with biochar improves the hydrothermal properties of green roofs. Environ Res 2023; 216:114405. [PMID: 36191618 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Green roof, as an important measure of sponge city construction, is considered as a win-win alternative for alleviating rainwater runoff and urban heat island. The ecological benefits of green roofs are highly dependent on the quality of substrates. Biochar (BC) prepared from agricultural waste biomass has the potential to be used as a substrate amendment for green roofs. However, the influences of BC properties on hydrothermal properties of green roofs remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of natural soils incorporated with two kinds of BCs (particle size and dosage) on runoff retention capacity and roof thermal performance. Results indicated that the runoff reduction benefit of green roofs declines with the increase of rainfall. When the rainfall is less than 10 mm, the green roofs with different substrates hardly generate runoff, otherwise runoff reduction rates of all green roofs reduce below 75%. BC particles have abundant micro-pores and higher specific surface area, significantly improving the water holding-capacity of roof substrate and playing a critical role in the runoff regulation and cooling effect of green roofs. Application of 20% finer BC particles is the optimal for stormwater retention in all BC addition substrates. Moreover, it could reduce the roof upper surface temperature by 3-5 °C and reduced the daily heat gain of the green roof by at least 0.06 MJ/m2 compared with BC-free ones. Overall, adding BC into the substrates of green roofs can achieve better hydrothermal properties, which is beneficial to the design optimization of green roofs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghao Tan
- School of Architecture, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510640, China; College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, 100 University Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Junsong Wang
- School of Architecture, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510640, China.
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10
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Yan J, Zhang S, Zhang J, Zhang S, Zhang C, Yang H, Wang R, Wei L. Stormwater retention performance of green roofs with various configurations in different climatic zones. J Environ Manage 2022; 319:115447. [PMID: 35728983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Green roof stormwater retention performance is fundamentally related to design configurations and climates. Efficient tools for assessing stormwater retention performance of green roofs with various configurations in different climates are highly desirable for practical applications. In this study, a hydrological model which can be used to simulate dynamic changes in moisture content and evapotranspiration of green roofs is developed and tested (with average Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.8197 for calibration and 0.8252 for verification) using monitoring data (2018-2019) of four green roofs with various configurations. The model is applied to simulate long-term (1970-2018) moisture content, actual evapotranspiration, and retention performance of green roofs in eight cities across different climates of China. Green roofs built with engineered soil and Portulaca grandiflora show the largest evapotranspiration and thus provide the largest stormwater retention rates (Rr), while green roofs with light growing medium and Sedum lineare show the lowest evapotranspiration and Rr. Rr of green roofs increases as climate changes from humid to arid. Green roofs at Guangzhou (humid climate) provide the lowest Rr (28% ± 3%) caused by plenty of rainfall (1827 mm), while green roofs at Urumqi (desert climate) show the lowest mean annual actual evapotranspiration (167-269 mm) but provide the largest Rr (84% ± 5%) as a result of the lowest annual rainfall (282 mm). The results highlight that stormwater retention performance of green roofs could be enhanced through configuration optimization. However, a limiting factor in improving green roofs water retention rates may be the peculiarity of local climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yan
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shouhong Zhang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Station for Forest Ecosystem Research in Ji County, Ji County, 042200, Shanxi Province, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Station for Forest Ecosystem Research in Ji County, Ji County, 042200, Shanxi Province, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Sunxun Zhang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chengyu Zhang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hang Yang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Renzhongyuan Wang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Liangyi Wei
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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11
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Dong J, Guo F, Lin M, Zhang H, Zhu P. Optimization of green infrastructure networks based on potential green roof integration in a high-density urban area-A case study of Beijing, China. Sci Total Environ 2022; 834:155307. [PMID: 35439511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Green infrastructure network (GIN) optimization is an effective measure to reduce the landscape fragmentation caused by rapid urbanization. However, there are few targeted and practical studies of GINs in high-density urban areas with a prominent contradiction between ecological construction and land scarcity, leading to insufficient feasibility of most optimization paths as they avoid practical contradictions (scarcity of land, high cost, etc.). As an effective way to economically increase green infrastructure, green roofs have been demonstrated to provide habitats and stepping stones to increase landscape connectivity for high-mobility organisms. However, few studies have applied green roofs to GIN optimization. To address this question, a new approach to optimize GINs was proposed from the perspective of integrating potential green roofs (PGRs). A complete and feasible workflow was also established to rapidly, accurately, and cost-effectively extract PGRs, scientifically evaluate the comprehensive landscape connectivity accounting for PGR isolation factors, and practically optimize GINs according to the spatial differentiation of PGRs with high landscape connectivity. This was done by integrating high-spatial-resolution remote sensing, machine learning, morphological spatial pattern analysis, landscape index method, and a minimum cumulative resistance model. A case study in a typical high-density urban area within the Beijing Fifth Ring Road, China demonstrated the applicability and implications of the workflow. The results clearly showed that the study area had a high potential for green roof retrofitting, PGRs with high landscape connectivity could effectively improve the GINs, and the spatial differentiation characteristics of the PGR network optimization benefits provided the scientific guidance for developing targeted ecological strategies. The new approach effectively improves the scientificity and implementability of GINs. It also provides a strong reference for landscape planning and ecological construction in other high-density urban areas facing the contradiction between ecological construction and land scarcity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dong
- School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fei Guo
- School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Meixia Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hongchi Zhang
- School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Peisheng Zhu
- School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
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12
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Wang J, Garg A, Liu N, Chen D, Mei G. Experimental and numerical investigation on hydrological characteristics of extensive green roofs under the influence of rainstorms. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:53121-53136. [PMID: 35278179 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19609-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Green roof rainwater retention, peak runoff reduction, and runoff time delay are considered important hydrological performance indicators for assessing management of urban stormwater. In this study, simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on three green roof models with different water storage layer depths. The numerical model was established using Hydrus-1D program, and the sensitivity of main parameters, the hydrological response of green roofs with a water storage layer, and water storage on the soil surface were analyzed. In addition to the saturated water content of the soil, the depth of the green roof water storage layer is the most sensitive parameter to rainwater retention and initial drainage time. During the simulated rainfall experiment, the 25-mm-deep water storage layer (WSL-25) increased the rainwater retention capacity (RRC) by 46%. For a 20-year return period corresponding to South China region, the RRC of green roofs with WSL-25 increased by 31% compared with that without a water storage layer. The initial drainage time was delayed by 50 min, and the peak drainage rate was reduced by 89%. In this case, a 100-mm soil layer, a 50-mm water storage layer, and a 50 mm maximum surface water storage depth were considered the optimal structural configurations of green roofs. This shows that water storage on the soil surface and bottom water storage layer were equally important for improving RRC, reducing peak drainage and delaying drainage time of green roofs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ankit Garg
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangdong Engineering Center for Structure Safety and Health Monitoring, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- College of Civil Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Guoxiong Mei
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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13
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Wang J, Garg A, Huang S, Wu Z, Wang T, Mei G. An experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanism of improving the rainwater retention of green roofs with layered soil. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:10482-10494. [PMID: 34528191 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16369-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improving the rainwater retention capacity (RRC) of green roofs has been proposed as an important component of urban stormwater management. In this study, a two-layered soil green roof model was established to enhance RRC compared to each single soil column model. The hydrological process of layered soil green roofs was simulated using the HYDRUS-1D program, with simulation results verified by measured results. The results showed that the RRC of the layered soil was 5% and 1% higher than that of each single substrate under a long-term dry-wet cycle and increased by 15% and 11% per event compared with the single substrates. In addition, higher peak drainage reduction and longer peak drainage delay were observed in the layered soil green roof compared to each single soil. The layered soil slowed the movement of the soil wetting front and increased the maximum water content of the upper soil. The water loss of the layered soil was reduced after rainfall and mainly occurred in the lower layer of the layered soil. These results suggest that the structures of green roofs with an upper layer with higher permeability and a lower layer with lower permeability have better hydrological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ankit Garg
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangdong Engineering Center for Structure Safety and Health Monitoring, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhiwen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Guoxiong Mei
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of a Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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14
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Anderson V, Gough WA. Nature-based cooling potential: a multi-type green infrastructure evaluation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Int J Biometeorol 2022; 66:397-410. [PMID: 33783637 PMCID: PMC8807462 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02100-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The application of green infrastructure presents an opportunity to mitigate rising temperatures using a multi-faceted ecosystems-based approach. A controlled field study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluates the impact of nature-based solutions on near surface air temperature regulation focusing on different applications of green infrastructure. A field campaign was undertaken over the course of two summers to measure the impact of green roofs, green walls, urban vegetation and forestry systems, and urban agriculture systems on near surface air temperature. This study demonstrates that multiple types of green infrastructure applications are beneficial in regulating near surface air temperature and are not limited to specific treatments. Widespread usage of green infrastructure could be a viable strategy to cool cities and improve urban climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Anderson
- Climate Lab, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | - William A. Gough
- Climate Lab, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
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15
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Rafael S, Correia LP, Ascenso A, Augusto B, Lopes D, Miranda AI. Are green roofs the path to clean air and low carbon cities? Sci Total Environ 2021; 798:149313. [PMID: 34375260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs, as part of urban green structures, have been pointed out as the solution to pursuit the goal of healthy cities. This study aims to investigate the direct, focused on meteorological changes, and indirect, related to both meteorological and emissions changes, impacts of green roofs on air quality (PM10, NO2 and O3). For that, the numerical modelling system composed by the WRF-SLUCM-CHIMERE models was applied to a 1-year period (2017), having as case study the Porto urban area. The EnergyPlus model was also applied to estimate the green roofs impacts on the building's energy needs and related impacts on air quality and atmospheric emissions. The analysis of the direct impacts showed that green roofs promote a temperature increase during the autumn and winter seasons and a temperature decrease during the spring and summer seasons. Both negative - concentrations increase - and positive - concentrations decrease - impacts were obtained for the primary, PM10 and NO2, and secondary, O3, air pollutants, respectively, due to changes in the dynamical structure of the urban boundary layer. The indirect effects of green roofs showed their potential to enhance the buildings energy efficiency, reducing the cooling and heating needs. These changes in energy consumption promoted an overall decrease of the environmental and economic indicators. Regarding air quality, the impact was negligible. The obtained results highlight the need for a multipurpose evaluation of the impacts of green roofs, with the different effects having to be traded off against each other to better support the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rafael
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - L P Correia
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A Ascenso
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - B Augusto
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - D Lopes
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A I Miranda
- CESAM, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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16
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Wróblewska K, Jeong BR. Effectiveness of plants and green infrastructure utilization in ambient particulate matter removal. Environ Sci Eur 2021; 33:110. [PMID: 34603905 PMCID: PMC8475335 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is regarded as an increasingly threatening, major environmental risk for human health. Seven million deaths are attributed to air pollution each year, 91% of which is due to particulate matter. Vegetation is a xenobiotic means of removing particulate matter. This review presents the mechanisms of PM capture by plants and factors that influence PM reduction in the atmosphere. Vegetation is ubiquitously approved as a PM removal solution in cities, taking various forms of green infrastructure. This review also refers to the effectiveness of plant exploitation in GI: trees, grasslands, green roofs, living walls, water reservoirs, and urban farming. Finally, methods of increasing the PM removal by plants, such as species selection, biodiversity increase, PAH-degrading phyllospheric endophytes, transgenic plants and microorganisms, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wróblewska
- Department of Horticulture, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
| | - Byoung Ryong Jeong
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
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17
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Cristiano E, Deidda R, Viola F. The role of green roofs in urban Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus: A review. Sci Total Environ 2021; 756:143876. [PMID: 33310216 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs are strategic tools that can play a significant role in the creation of sustainable and resilient cities. They have been largely investigated thanks to their high retention capacity, which can be a valid support to mitigate the pluvial flood risk and to increase the building thermal insulation, ensuring energy saving. Moreover, green roofs contribute to restoring vegetation in the urban environment, increasing the biodiversity and adding aesthetic value to the city. The new generation of multilayer green roofs present an additional layer with respect to traditional ones, which allows rainwater to be stored, which, if properly treated, can be reused for different purposes. This paper offers a review of benefits and limitations of green roofs, with a focus on multilayer ones, within a Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus context. This approach enables the potential impact of green roofs on the different sectors to be highlighted, investigating also the interactions and interconnections among the fields. Moreover, the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus approach highlights how the installation of traditional and multilayer green roofs in urban areas contributes to the Development Goals defined by the 2030 Sustainable Agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cristiano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy.
| | - Roberto Deidda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy
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18
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Tomson M, Kumar P, Barwise Y, Perez P, Forehead H, French K, Morawska L, Watts JF. Green infrastructure for air quality improvement in street canyons. Environ Int 2021; 146:106288. [PMID: 33395936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Street canyons are generally highly polluted urban environments due to high traffic emissions and impeded dispersion. Green infrastructure (GI) is one potential passive control system for air pollution in street canyons, yet optimum GI design is currently unclear. This review consolidates findings from previous research on GI in street canyons and assesses the suitability of different GI forms in terms of local air quality improvement. Studies on the effects of various GI options (trees, hedges, green walls, green screens and green roofs) are critically evaluated, findings are synthesised, and possible recommendations are summarised. In addition, various measurement methods used for quantifying the effectiveness of street greening for air pollution reduction are analysed. Finally, we explore the findings of studies that have compared plant species for pollution mitigation. We conclude that the influences of different GI options on air quality in street canyons depend on street canyon geometry, meteorological conditions and vegetation characteristics. Green walls, green screens and green roofs are potentially viable GI options in existing street canyons, where there is typically a lack of available planting space. Particle deposition to leaves is usually quantified by leaf washing experiments or by microscopy imaging techniques, the latter of which indicates size distribution and is more accurate. The pollutant reduction capacity of a plant species largely depends on its macromorphology in relation to the physical environment. Certain micromorphological leaf traits also positively correlate with deposition, including grooves, ridges, trichomes, stomatal density and epicuticular wax amount. The complexity of street canyon environments and the limited number of previous studies on novel forms of GI in street canyons mean that offering specific recommendations is currently unfeasible. This review highlights a need for further research, particularly on green walls and green screens, to substantiate their efficacy and investigate technical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamatha Tomson
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Yendle Barwise
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Perez
- SMART Infrastructure Facility, Faculty of Engineering and Information Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522 NSW, Australia
| | - Hugh Forehead
- SMART Infrastructure Facility, Faculty of Engineering and Information Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522 NSW, Australia
| | - Kristine French
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522 NSW, Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia
| | - John F Watts
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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Barnhart B, Pettus P, Halama J, McKane R, Mayer P, Djang K, Brookes A, Moskal LM. Modeling the hydrologic effects of watershed-scale green roof implementation in the Pacific Northwest, United States. J Environ Manage 2021; 277:111418. [PMID: 33080432 PMCID: PMC8237799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs are among the most popular type of green infrastructure implemented in highly urbanized watersheds due to their low cost and efficient utilization of unused or under-used space. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of green roofs to attenuate stormwater runoff across a large metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest, United States. We utilized a spatially explicit ecohydrological watershed model called Visualizing Ecosystem Land Management Assessments (VELMA) to simulate the resulting stormwater hydrology of implementing green roofs over 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of existing buildings within four urban watersheds in Seattle, Washington, United States. We simulated the effects of two types of green roofs: extensive green roofs, which are characterized by shallow soil profiles and short vegetative cover, and intensive green roofs, which are characterized by deeper soil profiles and can support larger vegetation. While buildings only comprise approximately 10% of the total area within each of the four watersheds, our simulations showed that 100% implementation of green roofs on these buildings can achieve approximately 10-15% and 20-25% mean annual runoff reductions for extensive and intensive green roofs, respectively, over a 28-year simulation. These results provide an upper limit for volume reductions achievable by green roofs in these urban watersheds. We also showed that stormwater runoff reductions are proportionately smaller during higher flow regimes caused by increased precipitation, likely due to the limited storage capacity of saturated green roofs. In general, green roofs can be effective at reducing stormwater runoff, and their effectiveness is limited by both their areal extent and storage capacity. Our results showed that green roof implementation can be an effective stormwater management tool in highly urban areas, and we demonstrated that our modeling approach can be used to assess the watershed-scale hydrologic impacts of the widespread adoption of green roofs across large metropolitan areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Barnhart
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
| | - Paul Pettus
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Jonathan Halama
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Robert McKane
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Paul Mayer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Kevin Djang
- Inoventures, LLC, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, 97330, USA
| | - Allen Brookes
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - L Monika Moskal
- University of Washington, College of the Environment, Precision Forestry Cooperative and Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Seattle, WA, 98195-2100, USA
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Grullón-Penkova IF, Zimmerman JK, González G. Green roofs in the tropics: design considerations and vegetation dynamics. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04712. [PMID: 32904331 PMCID: PMC7452574 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Green roofs (GR) have been proposed as a possible solution for urban stressors that, integrated with other remediation and mitigation actions, can lead the way to a more sustainable society. Even when some aspects of green roof design are well established and known (i.e. depth arrangements, materials, structural components, etc.) there is a need for further development on ecological attributes. This study is a descriptive analysis of suitable plant species for their possible incorporation in green roof designs with tropical climate conditions. Green roof research has been mostly led by temperate climate countries and has neglected to address tropical areas; this study aims to move research towards this knowledge gap. The evaluation of the vegetation dynamics in these novel ecosystems was done through a case study in the renovated facilities of the International Institute of Tropical Forestry in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, which incorporated a set of green roofs in their infrastructure. We also sampled an older green roof built in the Social Sciences Faculty at the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras. A three-dimensional approach, the Point-Intercept Method, was taken in the vegetation surveys to capture as much as possible the green infrastructure of the roofs. Most of the originally planted species did not appear in these surveys. On the contrary, mainly new species dominated the areas. Along with the findings of these surveys and those in other tropical countries, a list of suitable species for green roofs in Puerto Rico is suggested, and some general recommendations are made for the better management of green roofs in tropical zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana F Grullón-Penkova
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, 17 Avenida Universidad, Río Piedras, PR 00921, USA
| | - Jess K Zimmerman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, 17 Avenida Universidad, Río Piedras, PR 00921, USA
| | - Grizelle González
- International Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Jardín Botánico Sur, 1201 Calle Ceiba, Río Piedras, PR 00926-1119, USA
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21
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Boano F, Caruso A, Costamagna E, Ridolfi L, Fiore S, Demichelis F, Galvão A, Pisoeiro J, Rizzo A, Masi F. A review of nature-based solutions for greywater treatment: Applications, hydraulic design, and environmental benefits. Sci Total Environ 2020; 711:134731. [PMID: 31822408 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recognizing greywater as a relevant secondary source of water and nutrients represents an important chance for the sustainable management of water resource. In the last two decades, many studies analysed the environmental, economic, and energetic benefits of the reuse of greywater treated by nature-based solutions (NBS). This work reviews existing case studies of traditional constructed wetlands and new integrated technologies (e.g., green roofs and green walls) for greywater treatment and reuse, with a specific focus on their treatment performance as a function of hydraulic operating parameters. The aim of this work is to understand if the application of NBS can represent a valid alternative to conventional treatment technologies, providing quantitative indications for their design. Specifically, indications concerning threshold values of hydraulic design parameters to guarantee high removal performance are suggested. Finally, the existing literature on life cycle analysis of NBS for greywater treatment has been examined, confirming the provided environmental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Boano
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alice Caruso
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Costamagna
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Ridolfi
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Fiore
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- DIATI (Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Ana Galvão
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Pisoeiro
- CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Fabio Masi
- IRIDRA Srl, Via La Marmora 51, 50121 Florence, Italy
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22
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Liu R, Stanford RL, Deng Y, Liu D, Liu Y, Yu SL. The influence of extensive green roofs on rainwater runoff quality: a field-scale study in southwest China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:12932-12941. [PMID: 31407262 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06151-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs of young age (≤ 5 years old) have boomed in China since the Sponge City Construction initiative was implemented. To use green roofs for better urban stormwater management, it is necessary to investigate the runoff quality of field-scale young green roofs as well as to examine common plant-media combination in green roof projects of China. The influence of two Sedum-vegetated extensive green roofs of different designs at the early stage of operation on runoff water quality was investigated by a field-scale study in Chengdu, southwest China. The water quality parameters of pH, suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) of rainwater (that is, input water for roofs), runoff from the two green roofs, and runoff from a conventional concrete control roof were compared. The results indicate that both green roofs mainly act as pollutant sources with greater concentrations of SS, COD, and TP when compared with rainwater quality. When compared with runoff quality from the control roof, greater TP concentrations in runoff from one green roof with commercially available substrate were observed. Attention should be paid to TP leaching in runoff for retrofitted green roofs with imported commercial substrates in that region. Adoption of pre-cultivated S. lineare mats of low fertility and localized soils may reduce nutrient leaching in green roof runoff. A nitrogen-rich substrate is not recommended for a plant community of a single species. Investigation of the effect of green roofs on water quality involving various pollutants in the long run is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation of River-lakes and Algal Utilization, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment at Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | | | - Yun Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Defu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation of River-lakes and Algal Utilization, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment at Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation of River-lakes and Algal Utilization, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment at Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
| | - Shaw L Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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Hamouz V, Muthanna TM. Hydrological modelling of green and grey roofs in cold climate with the SWMM model. J Environ Manage 2019; 249:109350. [PMID: 31415926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rooftop retrofitting targets the largest land-use type available for reduction in impervious surfaces area in urban areas. Extensive green and grey roofs offer solution for retention and detention of stormwater in densely developed urban areas. Among the available green roof types, the extensive green roof has become a popular selection and commonly adopted choice. These solutions provide multiple benefits for stormwater and environmental management due to stormwater retention and detention capacities. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) 5.1.012 with Low Impact Development (LID) Controls was used to model the hydrological performance of a green and a grey (non-vegetated detention roof based on extruded lightweight aggregates) roof (located in the coastal area of Trondheim, Norway) by defining the physical parameters of individual layers in LID Control editor. High-resolution 1-min data from a previously monitored green and grey roof were used for calibration. Six parameters within the individual LID layers: soil (four parameters) and drainage mat (two parameters) were selected for calibration. After calibration, the SWMM model simulated runoff with a Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSME) of 0.94 (green roof) and 0.78 (grey roof) and a volume error of 3% for the green roof, and 10% for the grey roof. Validation of the calibrated model indicates good fit between observed and simulated runoff with a NSME of 0.88 (green roof) and 0.81 (grey roof) and with volume errors of 29% (green roof) and 11% (grey roof). Concerning the snowmelt modelling, the calibrated model showed a NSME of 0.56 (green roof) and 0.37 (grey roof) through the winter period. However, regarding volume errors, additional model development for winter conditions is needed; 30% (green roof) and 11% (grey roof). Optimal parameter sets were proposed within both the green and grey configurations. The results from calibration and especially validation indicated that SWMM could be used to simulate the performance of different rooftop solutions. The study provides insight for urban planners of how to target and focus the implementation of rooftop solutions as stormwater measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Hamouz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Tone Merete Muthanna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
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Chen X, Shuai C, Chen Z, Zhang Y. What are the root causes hindering the implementation of green roofs in urban China? Sci Total Environ 2019; 654:742-750. [PMID: 30448665 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It is worldwide accepted that green roofs have a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits. China, which is experiencing rapid urbanization, has great potential to gain the benefits of green roofs, yet which are not commonly seen in the existing or new buildings. Understanding its root causes is important for promoting the larger-scale implementation of green roofs. Previous studies have studied the barriers of implementing green roofs in developed urban areas but ignored developing countries or regions, whose implementation of green roofs is still at the initial stage. To fill the research gap, this study aims to investigate the root causes that impede the implementation of green roofs in urban China through a practical survey and case study. The root causes are identified as the increase of maintenance cost, increase of design and construction cost, poor arrangement of the use of green roofs, and lack of incentives towards developers. Policy implications are proposed, which provide valuable references for decision-makers to improve the green-roof-related codes, policies and incentives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chenyang Shuai
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Zhenhao Chen
- Faculty of Architechture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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25
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Xie G, Lundholm JT, Scott MacIvor J. Phylogenetic diversity and plant trait composition predict multiple ecosystem functions in green roofs. Sci Total Environ 2018; 628-629:1017-1026. [PMID: 30045526 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plant selection and diversity can influence the provision of key ecosystem services in extensive green roofs. While species richness does predict ecosystem services, functional and phylogenetic community structure may provide a stronger mechanistic link to such services than species richness alone. In this study, we assessed the relationship between community-weighted trait values from four key leaf and canopy functional traits (plant height, leaf area, specific leaf area, dry leaf matter content), functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity to ten different green roof functions, including ecosystem multifunctionality, in experimental polycultures. Functional traits of dominant plant species were a major driver for indicators of multiple green roof functions, such as substrate nitrate-N, substrate phosphorus, aboveground biomass and ecosystem multifunctionality. In contrast, functional diversity alone increased substrate organic matter. Moreover, both functional/phylogenetic diversity and identity predicted canopy density, substrate cooling. This study highlights the first line of evidence that distinct aspects of phylogenetic and functional diversity play a major role in predicting multiple green roof services. Therefore, we provide further evidence that to maximize green roof functioning, a very careful selection of plant traits and polycultures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garland Xie
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie St, NS B3H 3C3, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Jeremy T Lundholm
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie St, NS B3H 3C3, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - J Scott MacIvor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, M1C 1A4 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Manso M, Castro-Gomes J, Paulo B, Bentes I, Teixeira CA. Life cycle analysis of a new modular greening system. Sci Total Environ 2018; 627:1146-1153. [PMID: 29426132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The construction and use of buildings represent about half of the extracted materials and energy consumption, and around one third of the water consumption and waste produced in the European Union. Therefore it is becoming more important to use sustainable materials that reduce the environmental impacts of construction, by conserving and using resources more efficiently. Green walls can be used as a sustainable strategy to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impact of a new modular system for green roofs and green walls (Geogreen) which uses waste and sustainable materials in its composition. A life cycle analysis (LCA) is used to evaluate the long term environmental benefits of this system. The life cycle analysis (LCA) is carried according to ISO 14040/44 using GaBi software and CML 2001 impact category indicators. The adopted functional unit is the square meter of each material required to assemble the Geogreen system. This study also compares the environmental performance of the Geogreen system with other living wall systems and other cladding materials using data from the literature. This LCA study of the Geogreen system became relevant to identify a curing process with a major impact on GWP due to the energy consumed in this process. A change on this process allowed reducing 74% of the overall GWP. After this change it can be noticed that the Geogreen System presents one of the lowest environmental burden when compared to other construction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manso
- C-MADE, Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, Portugal; Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - João Castro-Gomes
- C-MADE, Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, Portugal; Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Bárbara Paulo
- Engineering Department, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal
| | - Isabel Bentes
- C-MADE, Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, Portugal; Engineering Department, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal
| | - Carlos Afonso Teixeira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal
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27
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Azeñas V, Janner I, Medrano H, Gulías J. Performance evaluation of five Mediterranean species to optimize ecosystem services of green roofs under water-limited conditions. J Environ Manage 2018; 212:236-247. [PMID: 29438929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urban growth in Mediterranean cities has become a serious environmental concern. Due to this expansion, which covers adjacent horizontal ground, a critical deficit of green areas has been increasing. Moreover, irrigation is considered an important issue since water is one of the most limiting natural resources all over the world. The main objective of this study was to perform a long-term experiment to assess five Mediterranean species for extensive green roof implementation in Mediterranean-climate conditions. Brachypodium phoenicoides, Crithmum maritimum, Limonium virgatum, Sedum sediforme and Sporobolus pungens were grown in experimental modules under well-watered and water-limited conditions (irrigation at 50% and 25% ET0, respectively). Plant growth and cover, relative appearance, color evolution and water use were determined periodically for two years. Shoot and root biomass were quantified at the end of the experimental period. The effects of the irrigation treatments and seasonal changes were assessed to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each species according to their environmental performance. All species survived and showed adequate esthetic performance and plant cover during the experiment. S. sediforme registered the lowest variation of relative appearance along the experiment, the highest biomass production and the lowest water consumption. Nevertheless, B. phoenicoides appeared to be an interesting alternative to S. sediforme, showing high esthetic performance and water consumption throughout the rainy season, suggesting a potential role of this species in stormwater regulation related with runoff reduction. S. pungens performed well in summer but presented poor esthetics during winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Azeñas
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Department of Biology-INAGEA, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, CP 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - I Janner
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Department of Biology-INAGEA, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, CP 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - H Medrano
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Department of Biology-INAGEA, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, CP 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - J Gulías
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Department of Biology-INAGEA, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, CP 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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28
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Shaik S, Talanki ABPS. Optimizing the position of insulating materials in flat roofs exposed to sunshine to gain minimum heat into buildings under periodic heat transfer conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:9334-9344. [PMID: 26341337 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Building roofs are responsible for the huge heat gain in buildings. In the present work, an analysis of the influence of insulation location inside a flat roof exposed directly to the sun's radiation was performed to reduce heat gain in buildings. The unsteady thermal response parameters of the building roof such as admittance, transmittance, decrement factor, and time lags have been investigated by solving a one-dimensional diffusion equation under convective periodic boundary conditions. Theoretical results of four types of walls were compared with the experimental results available in literature. The results reveal that the roof with insulation placed at the outer side and at the center plane of the roof is the most energy efficient from the lower decrement factor point of view and the roof with insulation placed at the center plane and the inner side of the roof is the best from the highest time lag point of view among the seven studied configurations. The composite roof with expanded polystyrene insulation located at the outer side and at the center plane of the roof is found to be the best roof from the lowest decrement factor (0.130) point of view, and the composite roof with resin-bonded mineral wool insulation located at the center plane and at the inner side of the roof is found to be energy efficient from the highest time lag point (9.33 h) of view among the seven configurations with five different insulation materials studied. The optimum fabric energy storage thicknesses of reinforced cement concrete, expanded polystyrene, foam glass, rock wool, rice husk, resin-bonded mineral wool, and cement plaster were computed. From the results, it is concluded that rock wool has the least optimum fabric energy storage thickness (0.114 m) among the seven studied building roof materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saboor Shaik
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore, 575025, Karnataka, India
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29
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Ondoño S, Martínez-Sánchez JJ, Moreno JL. The composition and depth of green roof substrates affect the growth of Silene vulgaris and Lagurus ovatus species and the C and N sequestration under two irrigation conditions. J Environ Manage 2016; 166:330-340. [PMID: 26520040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Extensive green roofs are used to increase the surface area covered by vegetation in big cities, thereby reducing the urban heat-island effect, promoting CO2 sequestration, and increasing biodiversity and urban-wildlife habitats. In Mediterranean semi-arid regions, the deficiency of water necessitates the use in these roofs of overall native plants which are more adapted to drought than other species. However, such endemic plants have been used scarcely in green roofs. For this purpose, we tested two different substrates with two depths (5 and 10 cm), in order to study their suitability with regard to adequate plant development under Mediterranean conditions. A compost-soil-bricks (CSB) (1:1:3; v:v:v) mixture and another made up of compost and bricks (CB) (1:4; v:v) were arranged in two depths (5 and 10 cm), in cultivation tables. Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke and Lagurus ovatus L. seeds were sown in each substrate. These experimental units were subjected, on the one hand, to irrigation at 40% of the registered evapotranspiration values (ET0) and, on the other, to drought conditions, during a nine-month trial. Physichochemical and microbiological substrate characteristics were studied, along with the physiological and nutritional status of the plants. We obtained significantly greater plant coverage in CSB at 10 cm, especially for L. ovatus (80-90%), as well as a better physiological status, especially in S. vulgaris (SPAD values of 50-60), under irrigation, whereas neither species could grow in the absence of water. The carbon and nitrogen fixation by the substrate and the aboveground biomass were also higher in CSB at 10 cm, especially under L. ovatus - in which 1.32 kg C m(-2) and 209 g N m(-2) were fixed throughout the experiment. Besides, the enzymatic and biochemical parameters assayed showed that microbial activity and nutrient cycling, which fulfill a key role for plant development, were higher in CSB. Therefore, irrigation of 40% can maintain an adequate plant cover of both endemic species, particularly in a deeper and soil-containing substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ondoño
- Grupo de Enzimología y Biorremediación de Suelos y Residuos Orgánicos, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Aptdo. de correos 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - J J Martínez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Producción Vegetal, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), Paseo Alfonso XIII, 48, CP 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
| | - J L Moreno
- Grupo de Enzimología y Biorremediación de Suelos y Residuos Orgánicos, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Aptdo. de correos 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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30
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Lee JY, Lee MJ, Han M. A pilot study to evaluate runoff quantity from green roofs. J Environ Manage 2015; 152:171-176. [PMID: 25666437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of green roofs is gaining increased recognition in many countries as a solution that can be used to improve environmental quality and reduce runoff quantity. To achieve these goals, pilot-scale green roof assemblies have been constructed and operated in an urban setting. From a stormwater management perspective, green roofs are 42.8-60.8% effective in reducing runoff for 200 mm soil depth and 13.8-34.4% effective in reducing runoff for 150 mm soil depth. By using Spearman rank correlation analysis, high rainfall intensity was shown to have a negative relationship with delayed occurrence time, demonstrating that the soil media in green roofs do not efficiently retain rainwater. Increasing the number of antecedent dry days can help to improve water retention capacity and delay occurrence time. From the viewpoint of runoff water quality, green roofs are regarded as the best management practice by filtration and adsorption through growth media (soil).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Young Lee
- KIST(Korea Institute of Science and Technology)-Natural Products Research Center, Gangnueng, 210-340, South Korea.
| | - Min Jung Lee
- LIFTRC(LED-IT Fusion Technology Research Center), Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Mooyoung Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea.
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31
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Vijayaraghavan K, Joshi UM. Can green roof act as a sink for contaminants? A methodological study to evaluate runoff quality from green roofs. Environ Pollut 2014; 194:121-129. [PMID: 25106048 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study examines whether green roofs act as a sink or source of contaminants based on various physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids) and metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb). The performance of green roof substrate prepared using perlite, vermiculite, sand, crushed brick, and coco-peat, was compared with local garden soil based on improvement of runoff quality. Portulaca grandiflora was used as green roof vegetation. Four different green roof configurations, with vegetated and non-vegetated systems, were examined for several artificial rain events (un-spiked and metal-spiked). In general, the vegetated green roof assemblies generated better-quality runoff with less conductivity and total metal ion concentration compared to un-vegetated assemblies. Of the different green roof configurations examined, P. grandiflora planted on green roof substrate acted as sink for various metals and showed the potential to generate better runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
| | - Umid Man Joshi
- Sustainable Development and Water Alliance, National University of Singapore, 2 Engineering Drive 2, 117577, Singapore
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32
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Razzaghmanesh M, Beecham S, Kazemi F. Impact of green roofs on stormwater quality in a South Australian urban environment. Sci Total Environ 2014; 470-471:651-9. [PMID: 24184543 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Green roofs are an increasingly important component of water sensitive urban design systems and can potentially improve the quality of urban runoff. However, there is evidence that they can occasionally act as a source rather than a sink for pollutants. In this study, the water quality of the outflow from both intensive and extensive green roof systems were studied in the city of Adelaide, South Australia over a period of nine months. The aim was to examine the effects of different green roof configurations on stormwater quality and to compare this with runoff from aluminium and asphalt roofs as control surfaces. The contaminant concentrations in runoff from both intensive and extensive green roofs generally decreased during the study period. A comparison between the two types of green roof showed that except for some events for EC, TDS and chloride, the values of the parameters such as pH, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate and potassium in intensive green roof outflows were higher than in the outflows from the extensive green roofs. These concentrations were compared to local, state, national and international water quality guidelines in order to investigate the potential for outflow runoff from green roofs to be reused for potable and non-potable purposes. The study found that green roof outflow can provide an alternative water source for non-potable purposes such as urban landscape irrigation and toilet flushing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Razzaghmanesh
- Centre for Water Management and Reuse, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - S Beecham
- Centre for Water Management and Reuse, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - F Kazemi
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
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33
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Speak AF, Rothwell JJ, Lindley SJ, Smith CL. Metal and nutrient dynamics on an aged intensive green roof. Environ Pollut 2014; 184:33-43. [PMID: 24017999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Runoff and rainfall quality was compared between an aged intensive green roof and an adjacent conventional roof surface. Nutrient concentrations in the runoff were generally below Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) values and the green roof exhibited NO3(-) retention. Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were in excess of EQS values for the protection of surface water. Green roof runoff was also significantly higher in Fe and Pb than on the bare roof and in rainfall. Input-output fluxes revealed the green roof to be a potential source of Pb. High concentrations of Pb within the green roof soil and bare roof dusts provide a potential source of Pb in runoff. The origin of the Pb is likely from historic urban atmospheric deposition. Aged green roofs may therefore act as a source of legacy metal pollution. This needs to be considered when constructing green roofs with the aim of improving pollution remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Speak
- Geography, School of Environment and Development, The University of Manchester, Arthur Lewis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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