GREEN ROOFS

Benefits of Green Roofs

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, and peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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Abstract

Green roof is a revolutionary concept that involves the growth of vegetation on the roof of buildings. The concept of green roofs is gaining popularity all over the world. During the last few years, a number of ecologists, environmental scientists, and scholars have highlighted the importance of a greener and healthier environment. A number of studies have been conducted to identify different ways through which the environmental hazards can be minimised. The concept of green roofs can provide answers to all questions associated with energy saving, cost saving, and the betterment of environment. There are diverse benefits that the development of green roofs can provide for instance the reduction of storm water runoff, biodiversity, reduction in air pollution, and others

Table of Content

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

OUTLINE OF THE STUDY1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY1

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES2

RESEARCH QUESTIONS2

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS2

TIME SCALE2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

GREEN ROOFS4

HISTORY OF GREEN ROOFS4

GREEN-ROOF VEGETATION5

GREEN ROOF DESIGN5

GREEN ROOF COMPONENTS6

TYPES OF GREEN ROOFS7

DESIGN CONSIDERATION FOR GREEN ROOFS9

CONSTRUCTING GREEN ROOFS11

MAINTENANCE OF GREEN ROOFS11

COST OF GREEN ROOFS12

BENEFITS OF GREEN ROOFS13

Reduction of Storm Water Run offs14

Delayed Runoff of Storm Water15

Increased Roofing Life Span15

Biodiversity16

Improved Aesthetics17

Reduction of Noise17

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE18

POPULARITY OF GREEN ROOFS18

GREEN ROOFS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES19

Green roofs in the UK and the West Midlands21

THE INDUSTRY OF GREEN ROOFS21

NEED FOR GREEN ROOFS IN URBAN AREAS23

The Greening of Buildings24

GREEN ROOFS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION25

THE PERFORMANCE OF PLANTS ON GREEN ROOFS25

Aesthetics25

Environmental Conditions26

The Composition of Substrate26

Installation and Maintenance of Plants26

Future Directions27

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY28

RESEARCH DESIGN28

SECONDARY DATA28

LITERATURE SEARCH29

VALIDITY30

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION31

CHAPTER 04: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION33

Interviews33

Questionnaires35

Case Study A: The Boyne River Ecology Centre52

Classification52

Institutional52

Overview52

Location: Shelbourne, Ontario52

Owner: Toronto Board of Education52

Construction: Building and green roof constructed in 1993.52

Partners: Structural and Mechanical Engineer- Allen Kani & Associates.52

Drivers52

The green roof was at first developed with a specific goal, which is to furnish habitat for flora and fauna, to give extra cooling to the building and uphold the surface of the earth.53

Barriers53

Cost: Unknown.53

Benefits53

Changes53

Case Study B: Conservation Co-operative Homes Inc.53

Classification: Multi-Unit Residential54

Overview54

Location: Ottawa, Ontario54

Owner: Conservation Co-operative Homes Inc.54

Construction: New building and green roof in 1995.54

Partners: Architect- Cole & Associates Architects Inc., Landscape Architects- Lashley & Associates,54

Structural Engineer: Aston Engineering,54

Mechanical Engineer: Leslie Jones & Associates. The Co-op Board was also involved in the development phase.55

Drivers55

Barriers55

Cost55

Benefits55

Changes55

Case Study C: Luxury Condominium Building55

Classification: Multi- Unit Residential56

Overview56

Drivers56

Barriers57

Cost57

Benefits57

Case Study D: Mary Lambert-Swale Green Roof, Homes First Society57

Classification: Multi-Unit Residential57

Overview57

Location58

Owner58

Construction58

Partners58

Structural Engineer: Halsall & Associates.58

Carpentry and Co-ordination: Blue Tree Building58

Drivers59

Cost59

Benefits59

Changes59

CASE STUDY E: UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO VERTICAL GARDEN59

Classification: Institutional59

Overview60

Location60

Owner60

Construction60

Partners60

Drivers61

Cost61

Benefits61

RECOMMENDATIONS64

MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY64

FURTHER RESEARCH65

REFERENCES66

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Outline of the Study

This dissertation is based on the topic of “the benefits of green roofs”. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic including ...