Livingroofs.org article, Part One of a Four Part Series on Design Guidelines for designing green roofs in dry, hot and arid climates.
The information presented is tailored to nature irrigated green roofs and native plant species, however the design principles can be used to create all types of successful green and vegetated roofs, including rooftop permaculture and food gardens.
We cover all the most significant green roof design variables and inputs. Part Two to be published shortly! Be sure to read Part One - The Introduction.
You can click on the above link or use the following URL: http://ow.ly/3Ny75
Happy Green Roofing!
Kevin
Showing posts with label nature irrigated green roofs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature irrigated green roofs. Show all posts
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Nature Irrigated Florida Green Roof Panel 18 Months (no added irrigation) UF
Green Roofs can be designed to take advantage of nature-based irrigation. The following photos depict a green roof test panel constructed at UF and non-irrigated, except for precipitation and dew for 18 months. Planting density can easily be increased to add a more lush appearance.
Ultimately, the green roofing industry must address water shortage issues and adapt, like the Florida Friendly Landscape program, to reduced or zero-based irrigation.
The challenge will involve understanding air moisture content and how to capture dew. Additionally, looking at similar Florida ecosystems (such as the Glades type ecosystems) can help with plant specification. Engineered soils are important too! Having a soil that carries just enough water without keeping roots too wet is critical.
Then there is heat management and wind control issues to incorporate.
Stormwater too, is a vital concern for the Florida Green Roof industry.
It is possible to compound Florida's stormwater problem with green roofs if we design systems incorporating Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer and potable water for irrigation. Think of the algae problems in many of Florida's rivers from lawn fertilizers.
We may be only a step away from creating even a far worse problem with hastily thought through fertilized roofing systems.
Sustainability must define green roofing, along with community acceptance, cost-effectiveness and technical accuracy.
Feel free to tell us of project success and failures you've encountered.
As always, email me with your questions here.
Happy Green Roofing!
Kevin
Ultimately, the green roofing industry must address water shortage issues and adapt, like the Florida Friendly Landscape program, to reduced or zero-based irrigation.
The challenge will involve understanding air moisture content and how to capture dew. Additionally, looking at similar Florida ecosystems (such as the Glades type ecosystems) can help with plant specification. Engineered soils are important too! Having a soil that carries just enough water without keeping roots too wet is critical.
Then there is heat management and wind control issues to incorporate.
Stormwater too, is a vital concern for the Florida Green Roof industry.
It is possible to compound Florida's stormwater problem with green roofs if we design systems incorporating Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer and potable water for irrigation. Think of the algae problems in many of Florida's rivers from lawn fertilizers.
We may be only a step away from creating even a far worse problem with hastily thought through fertilized roofing systems.
Sustainability must define green roofing, along with community acceptance, cost-effectiveness and technical accuracy.
Feel free to tell us of project success and failures you've encountered.
As always, email me with your questions here.
Happy Green Roofing!
Kevin
 | |
| Nature Irrigated Florida Green Roof Panel 18 Months (no added irrigation) UF |
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Nature Irrigated Green Roofs and Dew Catchers
Green Roof irrigation, dew and alternative irrigation has been the topic of the last several posts.
And I have come to a realization today. I've been referring to green roofs designed as fully sustainable units requiring zero mankind provided irrigation as 'non-irrigated' green roofs.
Studying the dew catchers opened my eyes to the proper term for green roofs that do not have additional mankind provided irrigation.
'Nature irrigated green roofs' is the proper term.
Today I want to share a photo of a very effective, cheap to make and made from 100% post consumer recycled materials - Dew Catcher.
Yes, this simple dew catcher is highly effective.
A system of these dew catchers for a green roof or even an Urban Permaculture garden somewhere could save thousands and thousands of gallons of potable water from being used as irrigation water.
15 milliliters of water was collected from the dew catcher shown below on October 18th, 2010 at 8:00 am.
The dew catcher was placed on a piece of plastic wrap and set on a western exposure roof.
20 milliliters does not sound like much at first glance. However by placing 100 of the dew catchers (no cost - only your time and effort) you would collect approximately 2000 milliliters per morning.
2000 milliliters is equivalent to approximately 1/2 gallon, so you ask - 1/2 gallon - so what?
If you place one dew catcher per square foot then a ten thousand square foot roof would harvest approximately 50 gallons of water every morning where the dew point is sufficient for harvesting.
As we mentioned in earlier blogs, cooler months facilitate the formation of dew. Here in north Florida, as well as in many other world locations, cooler months are also the months where precipitation amounts are significantly reduced.
So just when the green roof needs additional water the most, nature provides dew.
50 gallons of irrigation water saved over hundreds of thousands of square feet of green roofs and gardens adds up to alot of water saved. Stewardship.
And possibly the key to understanding the proper design of a self-sustaining Nature Irrigated Green Roof.
So here is the photo.
Basic design is the top cut off of a plastic water bottle and slit down the side.
Arguments the unstable plastic will photo-degrade and leach plastics into the roof are probably valid, however there are plenty of other UV stabilized PPE's that would work just as well.
Recycled glass is another option as well as certain fabrics.
The important issue to remember though is that with a little ingenuity we can harvest air laden humidity and create sustainable irrigation systems if we choose.
50 gallons per day on a 10,000 SF roof offers 15,000 gallons per year potential.
Dew Catchers - Nature Irrigated Green Roofs!
As always, Email us with your questions here.
Happy Green Roofing!
Kevin
And I have come to a realization today. I've been referring to green roofs designed as fully sustainable units requiring zero mankind provided irrigation as 'non-irrigated' green roofs.
Studying the dew catchers opened my eyes to the proper term for green roofs that do not have additional mankind provided irrigation.
'Nature irrigated green roofs' is the proper term.
Today I want to share a photo of a very effective, cheap to make and made from 100% post consumer recycled materials - Dew Catcher.
Yes, this simple dew catcher is highly effective.
A system of these dew catchers for a green roof or even an Urban Permaculture garden somewhere could save thousands and thousands of gallons of potable water from being used as irrigation water.
15 milliliters of water was collected from the dew catcher shown below on October 18th, 2010 at 8:00 am.
The dew catcher was placed on a piece of plastic wrap and set on a western exposure roof.
20 milliliters does not sound like much at first glance. However by placing 100 of the dew catchers (no cost - only your time and effort) you would collect approximately 2000 milliliters per morning.
2000 milliliters is equivalent to approximately 1/2 gallon, so you ask - 1/2 gallon - so what?
If you place one dew catcher per square foot then a ten thousand square foot roof would harvest approximately 50 gallons of water every morning where the dew point is sufficient for harvesting.
As we mentioned in earlier blogs, cooler months facilitate the formation of dew. Here in north Florida, as well as in many other world locations, cooler months are also the months where precipitation amounts are significantly reduced.
So just when the green roof needs additional water the most, nature provides dew.
50 gallons of irrigation water saved over hundreds of thousands of square feet of green roofs and gardens adds up to alot of water saved. Stewardship.
And possibly the key to understanding the proper design of a self-sustaining Nature Irrigated Green Roof.
So here is the photo.
 | |
| Urban Permaculture Dew Catcher - Irrigation for Green Roofs |
Arguments the unstable plastic will photo-degrade and leach plastics into the roof are probably valid, however there are plenty of other UV stabilized PPE's that would work just as well.
Recycled glass is another option as well as certain fabrics.
The important issue to remember though is that with a little ingenuity we can harvest air laden humidity and create sustainable irrigation systems if we choose.
50 gallons per day on a 10,000 SF roof offers 15,000 gallons per year potential.
Dew Catchers - Nature Irrigated Green Roofs!
As always, Email us with your questions here.
Happy Green Roofing!
Kevin
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