Blue-green roofs can help with stormwater management

What is it about?

Did you know that rooftops offer a good opportunity to practice sustainability? For example, a “green roof” is a rooftop where plants are grown. These roofs provide insulation to the building and help reduce the building's carbon footprint. “Blue roofs,” on the other hand, are used to harvest stormwater. This stored water can be redirected for other uses or released into the environment. Combining these two kinds of roofs results in a “blue-green roof.” In a 2022 paper, an author talks about these roofs and how they can benefit the environment. The paper explores case studies and testbeds of blue-green roofs and the utility of their different designs. The author also gives suggestions for monitoring and automation systems to maintain blue-green roofs. The study concludes that while green and blue roofs are excellent options from an environmental viewpoint, they do affect the structural integrity of the building. Hence, they need to be properly planned and constructed. The waterproofing of these roofs is especially important. Also, buildings should be able to support the additional weight of the stormwater or plants and soil used in these roofs.

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Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash

Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Given the risk of global warming, introducing greenery in concrete jungles is essential. Rooftops remain largely unused but have great potential. They can be used to not only harvest solar energy, but also manage stormwater and grow plants. Green-blue roofs help achieve the latter. In fact, they can help grow useful plants (like edible crops). Hence, they can help control climate change. KEY TAKEAWAY: Blue-green roofs have a dual benefit. They can be used to provide green cover. They also help manage stormwater. These roofs build insulation and biodiversity. Lastly, they promote human health and well-being. They are, all in all, very useful, provided they are properly planned and constructed.