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Abstract
Green roofs and green roof technologies are now being designed and installed throughout North America. In recent years, projects are being built in the western U.S. where Mediterranean cool seasons, summer dry climates prevail. Little information exists relative to plant material options, irrigation requirements, and growing media for these regions. Developing experimental and observational models prior to building large scale projects can support project goals, assure the design intent is reached, and provide technical “how to” information regarding construction methods and assemblies. An ecological approach is needed in summer dry climates to sustain plant growth and encourage ecological functions. In order to achieve water conservation and sustainability goals, the growing medium, water, and plant assemblages should mimic or simulate plant community structure, function, and diversity. By increasing biological diversity, allowing for seasonality, and supporting indigenous plants and insects, living roofs can be self-sustaining, self-maintaining, and adapted to local climatic conditions.
Green roofs and green roof technologies are now being designed and installed throughout North America. In recent years, projects are being built in the western U.S. where Mediterranean cool seasons, summer dry climates prevail. Little information exists relative to plant material options, irrigation requirements, and growing media for these regions. Developing experimental and observational models prior to building large scale projects can support project goals, assure the design intent is reached, and provide technical “how to” information regarding construction methods and assemblies. An ecological approach is needed in summer dry climates to sustain plant growth and encourage ecological functions. In order to achieve water conservation and sustainability goals, the growing medium, water, and plant assemblages should mimic or simulate plant community structure, function, and diversity. By increasing biological diversity, allowing for seasonality, and supporting indigenous plants and insects, living roofs can be self-sustaining, self-maintaining, and adapted to local climatic conditions.
Date
5/2005
5/2005
Author(s)
Paul Kephart
Paul Kephart
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
green roof; biological diversity; dry climate
green roof; biological diversity; dry climate