Hönnun og virkni léttra gróðurþaka við íslenskar aðstæður

Abstract

Green roofs are increasingly being installed cities in Europe as a part of sustainable stormwater systems. The goal of this research was to assess the hydrological efficiency of different configurations of extensive green roofs in Iceland and present suggestions for successful design of such roofs based on local materials and weather conditions. International literature and best design practices were reviewed. Runoff from five test roofs was monitored for 11 months, in conjunction with snowdepth, rainfall, wind and air temperature. Green roof water retention measured highest 85% in June and July in accordance with other studies in cold climates. Water retention measured, however, somewhat lower during the winter (<20%). Significant delay of runoff's center of mass and lowering of peak runoff was measured in all green roofs except during the largest runoff events. Average event water retention was correlated to air temperature, cumulative rain, rain 14 days before event and wind speed 7 days before event. Roofs with moss and sedum turf demonstrated good hydrological efficiency, good appearance and needed little maintenance. Grass turf roofs retained slighlty more water, but were less drought resistant and looked poorly during early summer. Wild, water resistent plants like moss and sedum performed better overall.