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Green roofs as a nature-based solution for improving urban sustainability: Progress and perspectives

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  • Mihalakakou, Giouli
  • Souliotis, Manolis
  • Papadaki, Maria
  • Menounou, Penelope
  • Dimopoulos, Panayotis
  • Kolokotsa, Dionysia
  • Paravantis, John A.
  • Tsangrassoulis, Aris
  • Panaras, Giorgos
  • Giannakopoulos, Evangelos
  • Papaefthimiou, Spiros

Abstract

Green roofs are artificial ecosystems that provide a nature-based solution to environmental challenges such as climate change and the urban heat island. Green roofs aid in the conservation of both cooling and heating energy; deposition of particulates and mitigation of air pollution; control of runoff and water pollution; promotion of biodiversity; and provision of aesthetic and health benefits. This research is a holistic review of the green roof literature and provides a global perspective of the subject with a classification of modelling studies; and an extensive review of contributions to energy conservation, carbon sequestration, mitigation of air pollutants, runoff control; and urban noise reduction. The review covers the system's thermal performance modelling through several methodologies; experimental studies; parametric studies to assess the impact of various parameters on the system's energy efficiency using several configuration parameters such as leaf area, foliage height and density, plant coverage, roof insulation, soil thickness, and irrigation; energy benefits; and environmental benefits including air pollutants mitigation, carbon sequestration, runoff control and urban noise reduction. Finally, review was complemented with a life cycle assessment study of green roofs, which examined the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing and construction, transportation, and disposal.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihalakakou, Giouli & Souliotis, Manolis & Papadaki, Maria & Menounou, Penelope & Dimopoulos, Panayotis & Kolokotsa, Dionysia & Paravantis, John A. & Tsangrassoulis, Aris & Panaras, Giorgos & Giannako, 2023. "Green roofs as a nature-based solution for improving urban sustainability: Progress and perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:180:y:2023:i:c:s1364032123001624
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Tan, Taotao & Kong, Fanhua & Yin, Haiwei & Cook, Lauren M. & Middel, Ariane & Yang, Shaoqi, 2023. "Carbon dioxide reduction from green roofs: A comprehensive review of processes, factors, and quantitative methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    3. He, Q. & Tapia, F. & Reith, A., 2023. "Quantifying the influence of nature-based solutions on building cooling and heating energy demand: A climate specific review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
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