Water Through Green Roofs

Abstract

How green roofs process water is a critical component of their func- tion and effective management. As green roof technology has spread from northern Europe’s relatively cool and humid climate, green roof designs have had to adapt to regional variations in the timing and availability of water. The development of regionally appropriate designs requires a mechanistic understanding of green roof water relations, plant eco-physiology and irrigation technology. Emerging designs effectively match environmental conditions, substrate characteristics, plant physi- ological traits, plant community interactions, and expert systems for applying sup- plemental water.