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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution
Green Roofs

N13 Smart Roof

Copyright
Smart roof, Amsterdam
QR Code for https://unalab.eu/en/node/177
Challenges
Climate Resilience Water Management Natural and Climate Hazards Biodiversity Enhancement Air Quality Health and Well-being Social Justice and Social Cohesion
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Description

Capillary smart roofs are a unique type of extensive green roof equipped with an additional water retention and drainage system underneath the vegetation layer. During dry periods, the stored water is naturally (i.e. without energy input) returned via capillary fiber cylinders to the vegetation layer. Because 100% of the storm water can be reused for irrigation, smart roofs represent cyclic water management. They additionally provide benefits similar to extensive green roofs including basic habitat provision, reduction of localized air temperature and storm water management.

Conditions for Implementation
  • Emergency overflows
  • Waterproofing the surface of the roof
  • Sufficient load-bearing capacity including underground support structures
Similar Terminology
Capillary smart roof
Blue-Green roof
Performance
    Cooling Service Transpiration ● ○ ○
    Shading ● ○ ○
    Evaporation ● ○ ○
    Building (Insulation) ● ● ○
    Reflection (Albedo) ● ○ ○
    Surface Water Regulation Water Conveyance ● ● ○
    Water Infiltration ○ ○ ○
    Water Retention ● ● ○
    Water Storage ● ● ○
    Water Reuse ● ○ ○
    Water Purification Water Filtering ● ○ ○
    Water Bio-remediation ○ ○ ○
    Air Purification and Noise Reduction Deposition ● ○ ○
    Air Biofiltration ○ ○ ○
    Noise Reduction ○ ○ ○
    Biodiversity Habitat Provision ○ ○ ○
    Connectivity ○ ○ ○
    Socio-Cultural Services Beauty / Appearance ● ○ ○
    Usability / Functionality ○ ○ ○
    Social Interaction ○ ○ ○
    Education ○ ○ ○
    Provisioning Service Food / Energy / Material ○ ○ ○
    Climate Regulation CO2 Sequestration ● ○ ○