Front Cover

Nature Based Strategies for Urban and Building Sustainability

Copyright Page

Contents

List of Contributors

Introduction

References

I. Nature Based Strategies for Urban Environment

1.1 Introduction to Urban Sustainability Issues: Urban Ecosystem

Introduction: The Urban Ecosystem

Mental Health and Stress

Climate Change

Urban/City Climate

Water Management

Energy Management

Air Pollution

Conclusion

References

1.2 Ecosystem Services in Urban Environments

Introduction

Provisioning Services

Regulating Services

Cultural Services

Supporting Services

The Value of Ecosystem Services

Conclusion

References

1.3 Incentives for Nature-Based Strategies

Introduction

Definitions

Incentives

Incentive Zoning

Incentive Schemes by Category

Tree Planting

Surface Water Management

Introduction

Germany

United States

United Kingdom

Green Roofs

Netherlands

Germany

France

United States

Canada

Singapore

Japan

Planting for Pollution Abatement

Preferential Home Loans

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

II. Nature Based Strategies and Technologies

2.1 Vertical Greening Systems: Classifications, Plant Species, Substrates

Introduction

Extensive Systems—Green Facades

Intensive Systems—Living Wall Systems

Plant Species

Conclusion

References

2.2 Vertical Greening Systems: Irrigation and Maintenance

Introduction

Irrigation Systems

Drainage and Water Recirculation Systems

Efficient Water Management

Maintenance Operations

Fertilization

Living Wall Pruning

Pest and Disease Management

Weed Control

Conclusion

References

2.3 Green Roofs Classifications, Plant Species, Substrates

Introduction

Classification

Vegetation Layer

Substrate Layer

Filter Layer

Drainage Layer

Bottom Layers

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

2.4 Green Roofs: Irrigation and Maintenance

Introduction

Irrigation Equipment

Safety and Alarm Systems in Green Roof Irrigation Installations

Surface Irrigation Systems

Sprinkler Irrigation

Drip Irrigation

Subsurface Irrigation Systems

Subsurface Drip Irrigation

Subirrigation From Drainage Troughs

Irrigation Using a Perched Water Table

Wicking Ropes and Mats

Irrigation of Pitched Green Roofs

Irrigation of Reinforced Pitched Green Roofs

Irrigation of Modular Green Roof Systems

Plant Water Demands

Irrigation Quantity

Irrigation Frequency

Green Roof Irrigation Automations

Green Roof Irrigation Maintenance

Green Roof Maintenance

Conclusion

References

2.5 Green Streets: Classifications, Plant Species, Substrates, Irrigation, and Maintenance

Introduction

Street Trees

Domestic Gardens

Rain Gardens and Bioswales

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

III. Nature Based Strategies: Benefits and Challenges

3.1 Vertical Greening Systems to Enhance the Thermal Performance of Buildings and Outdoor Comfort

Introduction

Main Influencing Aspects

Differences Between Construction Systems

The Climate Influence

Plant Species Influence

Operating Methods

Main Research Findings

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

3.2 Green Roofs to Enhance the Thermal Performance of Buildings and Outdoor Comfort

Introduction

Main Influencing Aspects

Differences Between Construction Systems

Climatic Conditions and Plant Species

Growing Media

Drainage Layer

Operating Methods

Main Research Findings

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Further Reading

3.3 Green Streets to Enhance Outdoor Comfort

Introduction

Outdoor Comfort and Vegetation

Effects of Greenery on Microclimate

Air Temperature and Humidity

Air Movement

Mean Radiant Temperature

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

3.4 Vertical Greening Systems for Pollutants Reduction

Introduction

Main Influencing Parameters

Vertical Greening Systems and Particulate Matter

Vertical Greening Systems and Gaseous Pollutants

Indirect Effects

Conclusion

References

3.5 Green Roofs for Pollutants’ Reduction

Introduction

Air Pollutants and Particulate Matter

Carbon Sequestration and Storage

Improving Carbon Sequestration Potential

Conclusion

References

3.6 Green Streets for Pollutants Reduction

Introduction

Effects of Greening Solutions and Main Influencing Factors

Approaching the Numerical Modeling of Greenery Performance in Urban Streets

Modeling the Performances of Green Streets for Air Quality Improvement

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

3.7 Vertical Greening Systems for Acoustic Insulation and Noise Reduction

Introduction

Differences Between Construction Systems

Influence of Plant Species

Operating Methods

Main Research Findings

Conclusion

References

3.8 Green Roofs for Acoustic Insulation and Noise Reduction

Introduction

Green Roof Absorption Characteristics

Sound Diffraction Over Green Roof

Building Geometries of Interest

Diffraction Over Absorbing Surfaces

Numerical Analysis and Parameter Study

Double Diffraction Cases

Effect of Sound Frequency

Effect of Roof Cover Fraction

Effect of Substrate Layer Thickness

Road Traffic Noise Reduction of Flat Green Roofs

Effect of Roof Shape

Single Diffraction Case

Case Studies

Case Studies: Dry Substrates

Case Studies: Wet Substrates

Large Scale Effects of Green Roofs

Sound Transmission Reduction (Roof Insulation)

Conclusion

References

3.9 Green Streets for Noise Reduction

Introduction

Noise Shielding by Hedges and Greenery Barriers

Sound Absorption by Vegetation

Improvement of Urban Soundscape Perception by Vegetation

Conclusion

References

3.10 Vertical Greening Systems to Improve Water Management

Introduction

Water Use Efficiency

Rain and Gray Water Reuse

Cooling Effect; Evapotranspiration

Wastewater Treatment; Biofilters

Aquaponics

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

3.11 Green Roofs to Improve Water Management

Introduction

Hydrologic Performance

The Impact on Water quality

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

3.12 Green Streets to Improve Water Management

Introduction

Benefits of Streets Planting on Stormwater Management

Control and Treatment Components Featured Into Green Streets

Green Streets and Stormwater Management in Cities

Conclusion

References

3.13 Vertical Greening Systems as Habitat for Biodiversity

Introduction

Flora

Fauna

Local Drivers

The Landscape Configuration

Perspectives

Conclusion

References

3.14 Green Roofs as Habitats for Biodiversity

Introduction

Species Diversity Case Studies

Species Richness Results From Selected Case Studies

Connections Between Plant Species Richness and Faunal Benefits

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Further Reading

3.15 Green Streets as Habitat for Biodiversity

Introduction

Green Roofs & Green Walls

Rain Gardens

Street Trees/The Urban Forest

Hedges

Permeable Pavements

Swales or Seasonally Wet Ditches

Ponds

Verges & Grassland/Vegetated Areas

Benefits of Interconnected Greenery to Wildlife

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Further Reading

IV. Nature Based Strategies: Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability

4.1 Vertical Greening Systems: Social and Aesthetic Aspects

Introduction

Innovative Green

Vertical Green Perception in Singapore

A Case of Green Facade Perception Monitoring in Genoa, Italy

A Sustainable Metropolis

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

4.2 Green Roofs Social and Aesthetic Aspects

Introduction

Concise History of the Social and Aesthetic Aspects of Green Roofs

The Social and Aesthetic Benefits of Green Roofs

The MOER (Multiobjective Environmental Roof)

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

4.3 Green Streets Social and Aesthetic Aspects

Introduction

Impacts of Cities Green Streets on Human Health

Benefits of Vegetation and Natural Environments on Psychological Health

Importance of Everyday Perceived Living Landscape

Environmental Justice and Green Streets

Green Streets’ Recreational Value in Spatial Planning

Conclusion

References

4.4 Economic Benefits and Costs of Vertical Greening Systems

Introduction

Private Costs of Vertical Greening Systems

Installation Costs

Maintenance Costs

Social Costs of a Vertical Greening System

Private Benefits of a Vertical Greening System

Building Insulation

Plaster Renovation

Real Estate Value

Noise Isolation

Social Benefits of Vertical Greening Systems

Air Quality Improvement

Carbon Reduction

Urban Hydrology

Habitat Creation

Urban Heat Island

The Use of Sensitivity Analysis for VGS Economic Assessment

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

4.5 Economic Benefits and Costs of Green Roofs

Introduction

Individual Benefits of Green Roofs

Energy Reduction in Heating and Cooling

Membrane Longevity

Acoustic Insulation

Aesthetic Benefits

LEED Certification Bonus

Public Benefits of Green Roofs

Reduction of Stormwater Runoff

Improvement of Air Quality

Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect

Increment of Urban Biodiversity

Life Cycle Cost of Green Roofs

Initial Cost

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Cost

Disposal Cost

Green Roof Cost Benefit Assessment

Net Present Value and Payback Period

Scale of Implementation

Green Roof Policy Initiatives

Conclusion

References

4.6 Economic Benefits and Costs of Green Streets

Introduction

The Economic Benefit of Green Streets

Benefitting the World

Benefitting Local Areas

Valuation of Trees

Economic Benefits of Other Greenery in Streets

Conclusion

References

Further Reading

4.7 Life Cycle Assessment of Vertical Greening Systems

Introduction

Vertical Greening Systems Environmental Burden

Vertical Greening Systems Environmental Benefits

Environmental Impact Assessment

Conclusion

References

4.8 Life Cycle Assessment of Green Roofs

Introduction

LCA General Concept

LCA for Green Roofs

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Further Reading

Summary

Index

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