1. Green Roof Design Amanda Kuhnley

2. Gaia Principle Ancient Greece – holistic approach Gaia – primordial Earth goddess James Lovelock Gaia hypothesis (1979) A complex entity involving the Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soil; the totality constituting a feedback or cybernetic system which seeks an optimal physical and chemical environment for life on this planet

3. Gaia Foundation Founded in 1994 Development of models for sustainable societies Holistic approach to living Reflecting nature and Mother Earth Gaia principle (Gaia, 2007)

4. Malta Energy Situation Total reliance on fossil fuels Minimal exploration of alternative fuels Increase in oil prices left no other option than increase in electricity prices 40% total energy consumed in EU 2/3 in residential homes 70% - heating and cooling – inefficiency of homes Significance of EPBD (Warren, 2002)

5. Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) Reduce the consumption of energy in buildings in such a way that it will inspire more energy efficiency without impairing the level of thermal comfort of the occupants Malta is a full member of the EU and must follow the provisions set up (Buhagier, 2006).

6. Introduction Buildings change the flow of energy and matter Increase sound insulation Increase fire resistance Increase longevity of roof membrane Reduce energy required for indoor climate control Mitigate storm water runoff

7. Introduction Other potential benefits Green-space amenity Habitat for wildlife Air-quality improvement

8. History of Green Roofs Ancient roof gardens Hanging gardens of Babylon Intensive - investment http://www.skepticworld.com/ancient-monuments/

9. Green Roofs in Germany 1970’s Technology was quickly embraced Interdiscipinary research Incentives introduced Promote green-roof technology Improve environmental standards Building law requirements Green roofing in urban areas

10. Green Roofs in Germany Success 13.5 million square meters per year 14% all new flat roofs will be green Market increase - sloped green roofs Accessible green roofs – driving force behind neighborhood revitalization http://www.santamonicapropertybl og.com/wp- content/uploads/2009/02/green- roof-in-norway.jpg

11. Extensive Green Roofs Modern modification of the roof- garden concept Shallower substrates Require less maintenance More strictly functional

12. Extensive Green Roof

13. Simplest Design Insulation layer Waterproofing membrane Layer of growing medium Vegetation layer http://www.sierraclubgreenhome.com/cms/w p-content/uploads/green-roof-1.bmp

14. Green Roof Vegetation Challenges Moisture stress, extreme drought Extreme temperatures High light intensities High wind speeds Adaptations Compact growth Evergreen foliage Succulant leaves Water storage capacity

15. Green Roof Vegetation Thermal properties – monocultural types Maximizing Performance – diverse functional types (Kolb, 1993)

16. Ecosystem Services Provided Storm-water management Energy conservation Urban habitat provision

17. Storm-Water Management Make use of existing roof space Prevent run-off Store water during rainfall Rate of runoff Depth of substrate Slope of roof Type of plant community Rainfall patterns (Dunett, 2004)

18. Storm-Water Management Plan Bleu – Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (2008) increasing the storage and production of water from other sources through incentives aimed at encouraging the construction of rainwater harvesting cisterns and the introduction of grey water recycling facilties in households (Sapiano, 2008) Establishes tax-rebate for water savings appliances Could green roofs fall under this rebate?

19. Energy Conservation Reduce heat flux Promoting evapotranspiration Physically shading the roof Increasing insulation and thermal mass (Gaffin, 2006) Other technology

20. Urban Habitat Provision Discussion on biodiversity Invertebrate and avian communities Humans Aesthetic and psychological benefits Food production – economic and educational benefits Reduce sound pollution Absorb sound waves and preventing inward transmission

21. Optigreen

22. Blurring the line between landscape and building…

23. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Vivamus et magna. Fusce sed sem sed magna suscipit egestas.