Always at the forefront of environmental and sustainability issues in Copenhagen green roofs Mandatory in all newly constructed buildings. It is also planned to cover the old roofs of the Danish capital with vegetation in an effort to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2025. Brussels wants to gradually expand this practice throughout the European Union (EU) and change the color of cities from gray to green. So what are green roofs and what benefits do they bring to the environment? Science answers.
Important: Ecological covers are not just about placing plants in removable containers; permanent facility installation as part of the building structure. may contain their fields. fruits, vegetables Y vegetablesassumes an added value for the residents of the property.
The name scientists give to these facilities is ‘roof nature areas‘. “They require adequate maintenance, measure the load capacity so that the building does not collapse, calculate and apply the type of vegetation to be used. Rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels to take advantage of renewable energy”says Jerónimo Reyes Santiago of the Institute of Biology of the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Botanical Garden.
Green roofs are more than just a fashion: It will approach 8,000 million euros by 2025. Among its advantages, contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts and ecological footprints of buildings in cities.
In addition, planting plants suitable for each region, resistant to drought and excessive sun exposure, by making use of roofs, walls and walls, enormous environmental benefit and ‘heat islands’ are tackled.
purify the air
it should be taken into account that Not all roofs are suitable for accommodating green roofs.and there are several types of roof gardens depending on vegetation and accessibility:
–Widespread: The ecological cover is thin and provides a country effect. It is low maintenance, light in weight and inaccessible.
–Semi-intensive: creates an ornamental green space using plants that require more maintenance and a greater thickness of sand than before, but which are accessible in return.
–Dense: It accepts all types of plants, including trees. It is walkable, but requires a solid structure that can support the weight of vegetation and people. They are the most common.
Green roof plants capture and metabolize pollutants (airborne particles such as lead, cadmium and zinc, among others). Well, purify the air, It absorbs carbon dioxide and expels oxygen during sunny hours. are especially useful in places with a lot of vehicular traffic.
Calculations by scientists show the environmental benefit of green roofs: “Each square meter traps one kilo of carbon (CO2) and produces the oxygen a person needs in a year., In addition, they reduce the flow rate; that is, water flows in a city with almost no land during the rains, but with these systems the hydrological cycle is regulated and roof retains rainwater this is not wasted”, emphasizes UNAM.
An added benefit of green roofs is Helps prevent flooding by delaying drainage to city drain from 15 minutes to 30 minutesincreases the property’s capital gains and can become coexisting areas of family and neighborhood.
They prefer pollination
herbal covers Absorbs up to 80% of rainwater, protects the building from ultraviolet rays, reduces ambient noise, helps lower the temperature of the building and its surroundings, attracts birds, insects, bacteria and fungi to increase biodiversity and favor pollination.
Another benefit that psychologists point to is green roofs. positively affect mood ‘reconnecting’ neighbors with nature, who do not see green space from their homes.
Likewise, green roofs regulate the humidity of the environment they are in, and their average lifespan is 40 years, five times more than any waterproofing system.
However, green roofs also have some features. disadvantagesprominent among them operating and maintenance costsAlthough there are experts who argue that it is cheaper than traditional ones in the long run.
Another disadvantage is the possible water leak the area and irrigation and drainage systems are not properly constructed. Therefore, it is important that they are designed by professionals who are experts in their field.
In most cases, the installation of a green roof is a architectural project and should include special waterproofing and drainage systems excess water, as well as a suitable substrate for plant growth and suitable vegetation for the place.
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Contact details of the environment department: crisisclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.