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Experimental Characterisation of Different Ecological Substrates for Use in Green Roof Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Katya Coelho

    (Itecons, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • João Almeida

    (Itecons, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal
    CERIS, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Fernando Castro

    (Centre Metrics, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • André Ribeiro

    (CVR—Centre for Waste Valorisation, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Tiago Teixeira

    (W2V, Lda., Rua das Alminhas, 900, Calvos, 4810-608 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Paulo Palha

    (Neoturf, Rua das Amoreiras, 155, 4460-227 Senhora da Hora, Portugal)

  • Nuno Simões

    (Itecons, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal
    Department of Civil Engineering, CERIS, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

Green roofs are made up of several components, including those belonging to the waterproofing and drainage layers, substrate, and vegetation. Of these, the substrate is undoubtedly one of the most important layers of a green roof, contributing not only to the healthy growth of vegetation but also to the water retention capacity and thermal behaviour of the whole solution. Although green roofs are widely recognized as sustainable solutions, it is possible to further improve their environmental performance by developing more ecological substrates that contain industrial by-products. Bearing this objective in mind, sixteen newly developed substrates were characterized in terms of thermal conductivity, specific heat, emissivity, water vapour transmission, hygroscopic sorption, and water retention/drainage capacity. These properties are extremely relevant when solving heat and mass transfer problems as well as for water management prediction. Two reference substrates were also studied for comparison purposes. The results showed that the new ecological substrates have properties that make them comparable to conventional substrates already available on the market. Additionally, the results showed that temperature, moisture content, and density play an important role in the behaviour of substrates of this kind and have a significant influence on many of the studied properties.

Suggested Citation

  • Katya Coelho & João Almeida & Fernando Castro & André Ribeiro & Tiago Teixeira & Paulo Palha & Nuno Simões, 2022. "Experimental Characterisation of Different Ecological Substrates for Use in Green Roof Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2022:i:1:p:575-:d:1018597
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinsil Park & Yeeun Shin & Suyeon Kim & Sang-Woo Lee & Kyungjin An, 2022. "Efficient Plant Types and Coverage Rates for Optimal Green Roof to Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Daniel Johnson & Judith Exl & Sylvie Geisendorf, 2021. "The Potential of Stormwater Management in Addressing the Urban Heat Island Effect: An Economic Valuation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Xueer Jing & Shouhong Zhang & Jianjun Zhang & Yujie Wang & Yunqi Wang & Tongjia Yue, 2018. "Analysis and Modelling of Stormwater Volume Control Performance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Four Climatic Zones of China," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 32(8), pages 2649-2664, June.
    4. Fernando Barriuso & Beatriz Urbano, 2021. "Green Roofs and Walls Design Intended to Mitigate Climate Change in Urban Areas across All Continents," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-14, February.
    5. Elena Giacomello & Jacopo Gaspari, 2021. "Hydrologic Performance of an Extensive Green Roof under Intense Rain Events: Results from a Rain-Chamber Simulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-23, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nan Jiang & Weina Zou & Yi Lu & Ziman Liao & Lianglong Wu, 2024. "Using Recycled Construction Waste Materials with Varying Components and Particle Sizes for Extensive Green Roof Substrates: Assessment of Its Effects on Vegetation Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, January.

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