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Urban Integration of Green Roofs: Current Challenges and Perspectives

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  • Mitali Yeshwant Joshi

    (Local Environment Management and Analysis (LEMA), Urban and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Jacques Teller

    (Local Environment Management and Analysis (LEMA), Urban and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

Abstract

Green roofs (GRs) are a sustainable alternative to conventional roofs that provide multiple ecosystem services. Integrating GRs into urban areas is highly relevant considering the rapidly increasing built-up in cities. Therefore, this paper systematically and comprehensively reviews the recent literature from 2011 to 2019 on GRs to identify the challenges and perspectives related to the urban integration of GRs. The review suggests that the effectiveness of GRs in delivering ecosystem services is largely dependent on context-specific parameters such as weather conditions and existing construction or design-related parameters. Integrating GRs into urban areas can be challenging given the diversity of actors, functions, and conditions characterizing these areas. Although significant research has already been conducted on GRs, research covering more geographical locations and contexts is needed. The review points out the need to include future urbanization scenarios, such as tall buildings while analyzing the impact of GRs on ecological networks. Additionally, the review emphasizes the inclusion of urban morphological parameters alongside an analysis of the impact of GRs on microclimate regulation and air quality. In terms of social acceptance, this review points out the need to consider the temporal cycles of vegetation for noting users’ perspectives. Additionally, further research is required on the social impact of GRs, considering their influence on property prices. Lastly, the review stresses the need for more city-scale studies on the impact of GRs on ecosystem services.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitali Yeshwant Joshi & Jacques Teller, 2021. "Urban Integration of Green Roofs: Current Challenges and Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-33, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12378-:d:675519
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    1. Maria Papafotiou & Aikaterini N. Martini & Lamprini Tassoula & Eleftherios G. Stylias & Anastasios Kalantzis & Eleftherios Dariotis, 2022. "Acclimatization of Mediterranean Native Sages ( Salvia spp.) and Interspecific Hybrids in an Urban Green Roof under Regular and Reduced Irrigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Natalia Sergeevna Shushunova & Elena Anatolyevna Korol & Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin, 2021. "Modular Green Roofs for the Sustainability of the Built Environment: The Installation Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Fan Fei & Yan Wang & Xiaoyun Jia, 2022. "Assessment of the Mechanisms of Summer Thermal Environment of Waterfront Space in China’s Cold Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Elena Korol & Natalia Shushunova, 2022. "Analysis and Valuation of the Energy-Efficient Residential Building with Innovative Modular Green Wall Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-13, June.
    5. Aikaterini N. Martini & Maria Papafotiou & Ioannis Massas & Nikoleta Chorianopoulou, 2022. "Using the Halophyte Crithmum maritimum in Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Horticulture: Effect of Substrate and Nutrient Content Analysis including Potentially Toxic Elements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, April.

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