Advantages of green roofs and their calculation

Abstract

The purpose of the study was was to calculate the benefits of a green roof. Methods. The information base of the research was a calculator of the advantages of a green roof, the source data of which was information about the type of building (residential), the number of floors (2), its area (240 m2), characteristics of the roof (area – 110 m2, angle – 5–150, type – broken, orientation – north), the area of the plot where the house is located (600 m2), as well as the area (50 m2) and the type of green roof (intensive). Estimates of benefits and costs are presented separately as one-time costs or benefits (e.g. increased property value), annual figures (e.g. energy savings) and range by category (to indicate potential variation from high or best option, moderate or medium to lowest or minimum based on data we have). The results. Using the green roof calculator made it possible to determine the estimated cost of an intensive type green roof – from £ 5250 to £ 15150; a number of environmental benefits for owners, residents and users of buildings: energy savings (92.73–695.45 kWh per year), reduction of carbon dioxide emissions due to reduction of energy consumption for heating and cooling (21.05–157.89 kg of CO2 eq year), carbon sequestration (2.5–125 kg СО2 eq year), improvement of atmospheric air quality by absorption of nitrogen dioxide (13.5–22 kg NO2 year) and solid particles (10.0 kg/h), delay of rain water (51–89%), reduction of heat absorption by an average of 1.1 0С, absorption of acoustic energy (2.5–23 dB); a number of financial benefits: increase in real estate value (by 2.1–5.5%) and rent (by 0.4–7.0%), contributing to the attractiveness of the building and providing access to recreational space, savings on traditional roof replacement (£142–£284), annual utility savings (energy use – from £15.3 to £114.75, drainage – £488.87. The calculator we used identifies just a few of the many benefits of installing a green roof. There are many more intangible benefits that he does not consider or quantify. The information provided in this study is approximate as the calculations are based on benefits reported from academic data and open sources. Above all, the given information is intended to help in the first stages of making a decision about installing a green roof. Conclusions. Green roofs are one of the most suitable types of green infrastructure for densely urbanized areas and dense residential development, as they can be incorporated either in new construction or added to an existing one during roof renovation or replacement. A green roof provides a number of environmental and financial benefits. Green roof installation costs will vary depending on its type, climate, and building codes. However, the long-term savings and environmental benefits can justify the initial investment. Green roofs provide a variety of financial benefits to the construction industry: increased energy efficiency, extended roof life, effective stormwater management, improved air quality, increased property value, and financial incentives. These advantages, combined with a positive impact on the environment, make green roofs an attractive option for environmentally sustainable construction projects. Given the above, green roofs play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of the urban environment.