Two green roofs - part of the "Green roofs" project - have been installed on the LAGIRN laboratories of the Bologna University's School of Engineering and Architecture, via Terracini building, within the framework of researches carried out by CIRI E-C U.O. Fluid Dynamics and Bologna University's DICAM in connection with management of water resources and urban water networks. These full-scale technologies jointly with careful and ongoing environmental monitoring on the roof, allow reliable data to be obtained on the tested roofs. The results will be instrumental in appraising the environmental and economic benefits provided by green technologies for sustainable urban drainage and to identify required implementations to optimise performance. All the data will be compared with those obtained through monitoring a conventional roof, close to the proposed green roofs and measured against existing similar studies.
Experimental green roofs at the School of Engineering, Bologna University
Green roofs are distributed urban drainage solutions since they slow down runoff and reduce peak flows during rainfall events, protecting the sewer network and sinks from hydraulic deficiencies and spillage of pollutants. Their added advantage is that they offer a biodiversity spot in the urban environment. Thanks to the root system and photosynthesis processes, the vegetation contributes to water evapotranspiration, thereby improving hydrothermal wellbeing, countering the heat island effect and improving the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings.
Roofs of buildings in existing and newly constructed urban development area. Experimentation of hanging garden packages with recycled materials and standard plant species (Sedum sp.pl.), and/or native flora species. Study on the heat island effect in urban areas. Sustainable building environmental certifications. Analysis of the water and thermal balance
Hanging garden
Green roofs on the laboratories of the Bologna University's School of Engineering and Architecture
Two flat extensive green roofs have been installed: 1- TV8: 50 sqm with sedum vegetation with 10 cm substrate 2- TV5: 70 sqm with spontaneous leguminous plants and grasses with substrate of 8,10,12 cm A sprinkler irrigation system was laid. After installation, environmental monitoring instruments were installed as well as instruments to measure the flow discharged in drainpipes. The aims of the research are: - validate hydrological modelling of our climates - validate thermal exchange models, taking into account evapotranspiration - assess the performance of native plant species - assess the benefits of irrigation for energy and plant growing purposes - assess benefits/secondary impacts (dust capture, green corridors, mosquitoes); analyse the life cycle of the intervention and its impact (LCA). According to the results produced by the ongoing research, it will be possible to establish guidelines for applying the Green Roof technology in the Emilia-Romagna region and in the Italian Mediterranean climate. The results obtained up to now are_ - slowdown in surface runoff - reduction in peak flows on green roof sections Further expected results are: - reduction in atmospheric pollutants and carbon dioxide absorption - reduction of energy used for heating and cooling - lower air temperature and reduction of the heat island effect - increased biodiversity.
University of Bologna: CIRI Building and Constructions, DICAM, AUTC, DipSA Columbia University Harpo SEIC Verde Pensile CASALINI&CO
A large number of companies might be interested in this technology. First of all, construction and waterproofing companies, but also public agencies and the urban landscaping sector might obtain benefits from the services offered.
Package for extensive green roof