You are here:
REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: URBAN GREEN ROOF APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPERATE CONTINENTAL CLIMATES
Description:
As a strategy for sustainable development, green roof technology is gaining acceptance in the U.S. However, widespread adoption in highly variable continental climates, such as the Upper Midwest (EPA Region 5), lags behind green roof use in cities with similar climates in Europe. Research to confirm its economic and environmental benefits can inform, even accelerate, green roof adoption. We will install a 1350 sq. ft. extensive green roof of native plants on an existing campus building. This installation supplements a college-funded, 300 sq. ft. container green roof constructed by students in 2006. Monitoring of both surfaces will investigate the economic benefits of green roof technology (energy conservation for HVAC systems, augmented roof membrane durability, and improved storm water management). Also, the research will examine the environmental benefits (reduced carbon emissions, minimizing storm-water discharge, and lowering the urban heat island effect). Measurement methods include infrared scanning to compare the insulation value of the green roof section to conventional surfaces and to calculate R-values. We will also monitor monthly fuel usage to measure fuel savings. Infrared scanning and the use of thermocouples to measure ambient air temperature will also establish how green roof technologies moderate the urban heat island effect. Finally, we will monitor both the flow and composition of storm water run off to determine how green roof technologies moderate the velocity and improve the quality of storm water. This project will be integrated into the curriculum through student independent research projects, with Professors Dosch and Hornbach. Placards describing the green roof installations will be visible to campus and community pedestrians. Additional signage explaining P3 concepts applied to the built environment will be visible from surrounding dormitories, raising the importance of sustainability on campus and emphasizing the practicality of P3 approaches. Artic explorer Will Steger has launched an environmental education project and will integrate this project, in multimedia format, into the curriculum and website.