Green roof innovations and their effects on water management

Introduction



Green roofs, also known as vegetative roofs or eco-roofs, have been gaining popularity over the past decade as a sustainable building practice. The concept of green roofs involves covering a roof with vegetation, soil, and a drainage system to create a natural green space. Besides enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a building, green roofs offer several benefits, including thermal insulation, reduction in the urban heat island effect, noise reduction, and improved air quality. One of the most significant benefits of green roofs is their impact on water management. This paper reviews the best article on advancements in green roofs and their impact on water management.

The Best Article: Advancements in Green Roofs and Their Impact on Water Management

The best article on advancements in green roofs and their impact on water management is "Green Roofs: A Critical Review on the Role of Components, Benefits, Limitations and Trends" by Mohamadreza Jabbari, Siti Nurzakiah Binti Mohd Yusoff, and Mohd Yazid Bin Mohd Yunos. The article was published in the journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews in 2019.

The article provides a comprehensive review of the role of components, benefits, limitations, and trends of green roofs. The authors review various studies on green roofs' benefits, including their impact on water management. They highlight the importance of green roofs in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing water conservation.

The article discusses the components of green roofs, including the substrate, vegetation, and drainage layer, and how they contribute to water management. The substrate layer, made up of a mix of lightweight soil and organic matter, holds water, nutrients, and air, allowing plants to grow. The vegetation layer, made up of different plant species, helps to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. The drainage layer, made up of a filter fabric and gravel or other porous materials, allows water to flow through the roof and into the drainage system.

The authors also discuss the benefits of green roofs on water management. Green roofs have been shown to reduce stormwater runoff by 50-90%, depending on the depth of the substrate layer and the type of vegetation used. The substrate layer can hold up to 90% of the rainfall, reducing the amount of water that enters the drainage system. The vegetation layer also helps to absorb rainwater and release it slowly back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, reducing the impact of rainwater on the drainage system.

Green roofs also help to improve water quality. The substrate layer acts as a filter, trapping pollutants and contaminants in the water before it enters the drainage system. The vegetation layer also helps to absorb pollutants, further improving water quality.

The article highlights the limitations of green roofs, including the initial cost and maintenance requirements. Green roofs require a significant initial investment and ongoing maintenance to ensure that the vegetation remains healthy and the drainage system functions properly. However, the authors note that the benefits of green roofs outweigh the costs in the long term.

The authors also discuss the trends in green roof technology, including the use of modular systems, which make installation and maintenance easier, and the use of different vegetation types to improve the water management capabilities of green roofs.

Conclusion



Green roofs offer several benefits, including thermal insulation, reduction in the urban heat island effect, noise reduction, and improved air quality. One of the most significant benefits of green roofs is their impact on water management. Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and enhance water conservation. The best article on advancements in green roofs and their impact on water management is "Green Roofs: A Critical Review on the Role of Components, Benefits, Limitations and Trends" by Mohamadreza Jabbar