Volume 67, June 2014, Pages 48–59
Highlights
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- 8 plant traits are significantly related to frequently applied green roof plants.
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- 35% of the potential Mediterranean species list have an annual life form.
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- Sedum species and other plants already applied on green roofs score highest.
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- Designing green roofs with different life forms can increase biodiversity value.
Abstract
Green
roofs are increasingly popular in urban areas of NW Europe and North
America. However, greening roofs still needs incentives particularly in
countries with a Mediterranean climate. Although green roof benefits
such as cooling capacity and storm water retention would be even more
pronounced in this challenging climate with hot and dry summers,
vegetation stress on extensive green roofs will be enhanced, causing low
performance if the same species as in the temperate regions of NW
Europe and North America are used. In order to support further
development and application of green roofs in the Mediterranean climate,
new insights on suitable native species is an essential step. Using the
habitat template concept, specifically taking into account drought
adaptation and self-regulation, we developed a screening procedure using
both functional plant traits and utilitarian aspects. Plant traits of
two species lists (one resulting from an extensive vegetation study and
another one covering the successful plant species of extensive green
roofs in NW Europe) were analyzed. The results were incorporated into a
hierarchical multi-criteria screening tool. This tool can encourage
further experimental trials and inspire and guide the green roof
industry toward the most appropriate species for extensive green roof
design. As an example, the key was illustrated on a subset of plant
species from Mediterranean southern France, which identified 34 newly
potential green roof species. Interestingly, 35% of these species were
annuals, a promising life form that has until now rarely been considered
for extensive green roofs.
Keywords
- Green roofs;
- Multi-criteria screening tool;
- Mediterranean;
- Biodiversity;
- Plant traits
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
