1. Antoine Gatt

2. Partners

3. LifeMedGreenRoof Project
High building density & lack of green infrastructure contribute to problems specific to urban areas.
This is having a negative impact on the quality of life of urban dwellers.
Urbanisation is contributing to health issues; reduced psychological welfare, increased respiratory illnesses and allergies.
Green roof contribute to sustainable urban areas.

4. LifeMedGreenRoof Project
Aims and objectives
Malta’s construction methods are ideal in accommodating green roofs, however the creation of a baseline study on green roofs would pave the way for further studies and provide the opportunity and know how for the technology to be replicated.
The project aims include:
Sourcing locally available material for use as growing media
Sourcing native plant species able to grow on a roof
Create standards for green roof construction
Propose the integration of green roof policies
Analyse the insulation potential for green roofs
Analyse flood mitigation properties
Disseminate the above findings
Construct a green roof for demonstration purposes

5. LifeMedGreenRoof Project
Problems targeted
The project will target environmental, and socio-economic issues:
Urban Heat Island
Localised flooding
Loss of biodiversity and reduction in ecosystem services
Reduction in the aesthetic quality of urban areas
Reduction is the carbon footprint of buildings
Lower3ing the heat accumulation inside buildings
Noise pollution
Air pollution
Health and well-being
Mental performance
Child development
Job creation and social interaction…

6. LifeMedGreenRoof Project Testing of green roof elements
Tests were carried out both in
a controlled environment as well as on site to verify plant performance and compatibility with substrate.

7. LifeMedGreenRoof Project Initial results – water
Lab tests show a delay in water run-off which would contribute to reduced local flooding.
Malta 1, depth 15cm
Rain event - 120mm/hr
Coefficient
Malta 1, depth 10cm
Coefficient
Coefficient of conventional roof – 0.7 to 0.95

8. LifeMedGreenRoof Project Initial results - water
Initial analysis of water run-off quality
pH was higher in M2 due to the presence of Biochar
Nitrates vary between 1.58mg/lt and 83.55mg/lt. Lower in M2 substrate due to biochar absorption of nitrates
Heavy metals, not a problem
Salinity, slightly high and needs further investigation
Biochar influences the performance of the substrate and water quality
No use of fertilisers was made during the course of the project.

9. LifeMedGreenRoof Project Initial results - Insulation

10. LifeMedGreenRoof Project
biodivedrsity

11. antoine.gatt@um.edu.mt - lifemedgreenroof@um.edu.mt