Increasing the resistance of Mediterranean extensive green roofs by using native plants from old roofs and walls

While the use of extensive green roofs (EGRs) is increasing worldwide, Mediterranean conditions complicate EGR design due to their long, dry summers with intense solar radiation. To inform sustainable EGR design for Mediterranean regions, we explored the use of resilient, drought-tolerant species in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecological engineering 2022-05, Vol.178, p.106576, Article 106576
Main Authors: Esfahani, Razieh Ebadati, Paço, Teresa A., Martins, Diana, Arsénio, Pedro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aesthetic value
Antirrhinum
Coverage
Design
Drought
Drought resistance
Evapotranspiration
Flowering
Flowers
Green buildings
Green roofs
Indigenous plants
Indigenous species
Irrigation
Irrigation levels
Native organisms
Plants diversity
Roofs
Seed production
Solar radiation
Southern Europe
Sustainable design
Urban structures
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Summary:While the use of extensive green roofs (EGRs) is increasing worldwide, Mediterranean conditions complicate EGR design due to their long, dry summers with intense solar radiation. To inform sustainable EGR design for Mediterranean regions, we explored the use of resilient, drought-tolerant species in experimental EGRs. We selected four native species that are known to spontaneously establish themselves on urban structures, including roofs, in Lisbon, Portugal: Antirrhinum linkianum, Asphodelus fistulosus, Centranthus ruber, and Sedum sediforme. We evaluated growth and aesthetic value under two irrigation treatments (100 and 60% ETo, reference evapotranspiration). The presence of moss covering for the lower level of irrigation was also evaluated. Antirrhinum linkianum presented the highest number of flowers, most extended seed production duration, and the highest area coverage. Irrigation level did not significantly affect flowering and green coverage for any of the species. Antirrhinum linkianum is an ideal starting species for Lisbon EGRs. Irrigation costs can be reduced by starting at a 60%ETo irrigation level. •Native plants that grow spontaneously in urban areas can considered a suitable option in implementing green roofs.•Antirrhinum linkianum under 60% ETo produced flowers, seeds, and green coverage well.•There are no evident differences between irrigation levels 60% ETo and 100% ETo.
ISSN:0925-8574
1872-6992
DOI:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106576