When planning the construction of a green roof, it is essential to understand the characteristics of the site, but there are many other aspects to consider. The following is a summary of the parameters needed to evaluate technical and environmental conditions when approaching the creation of a green roof.
Data Needed to Analyze the Viability of Vegetables
Climatological Information:
Maximum and minimum temperatures.
Annual rainfall.
Wind variations.
Influence of weather factors depending on the height of the building.
Local Environmental Conditions:
Possible fire hazard.
Urban air pollution.
Local Vegetation Analysis:
Risks related to the effects of pests on vegetation.
Structural Loads:
Maximum load capacity of the cover.
Estimation of point loads.
Estimation of fixed loads.
Drainage Network:
Drainage points.
Prevention to avoid traffic jams in case of torrential rains.
Roof Surface and Shape:
Useful surface.
Space available for vegetation development.
Roof slope.
Water Collection and Storage Possibilities
Quality of Existing Work
State of the waterproofing.
Wall and security conditions.
Access:
Accessibility for people, considering elderly people or people in wheelchairs.
Access to lift and lift construction materials and substrate.
Access for maintenance, safety fixings and life lines.
Access to the facilities, including water and electricity points.
By implementing a green roof, we are replicating nature with all its filtering characteristics, which is aligned with the Ecological Guidelines for Sustainable Cities, a fundamental aspect in the future of modern and ecological urban planning.
Although we commonly associate a green roof with a natural grassy surface, there are low-maintenance alternatives, such as the use of synthetic grass combined with real plants. This approach is not only efficient in terms of water, but it also contributes to the sustainability of the ecological cover.
