Proposal of a tool for feasibility evaluation, design contens definition and performance assessment for the implementation of green roofs on existing buildings

The aim of the research carried out has been to create a technical tool to increase the spread of green roofs in the areas with a Mediterranean climate. In particular, it relates to the installation of green roofs in replacement of the finishing coats of traditional roof in the context of renovation of existing buildings. This instrument is divided into three sections. The first is part of the preliminary design and, in this context, the designer is guided in the landscape feasibility, urban and architectural evaluation, in the definition of the required levels of performance, up to the definition of the most appropriate design solution of green roof. Starting from the solution identified, the tool guides the designer in assessing the structural compatibility of the new installation of the green roof on the existing building. The second section refers to final design: it allows an evaluation of a performance set based on preliminary project design that includes the contribution of green roof to site regeneration and urban design, use of raw material resources, environmental loads, indoor air quality resulting from the intervention, quality of its maintenance, investment risk compared to more traditional envelope solutions. The third section focuses on the compliance of the intervention on the project targets and on the evaluation of implementation correctness. In this scope it has been intended to propose a set of rules and good practice standards aiming to the full achievement of performances expected in design phase, given the peculiarity of green roofs technological solutions compared to large application ones. The carried out contribution is part of a broader research scope that aims to increase green roofs and green facades as building envelope solution with high technological content, of which it is considered appropriate to encourage the spread.