Green roofs: a complete guide to combining ecology and construction

Living Roofs: A Complete Guide to Mastering Green Roofs

Green roofs, true jewels of the modern urban landscape, combine technical innovation with environmental concerns. This age-old concept, revisited to meet the challenges of sustainable construction, is at the heart of the project. Living Roofs by François Lassalle and Sophie Rousset-Rouvière, with the collaboration of Frédéric Madre. This work, presented by Éditions Eyrolles, is a reference for professionals and individuals wishing to understand and master the design of green roofs.

A multifunctional approach for buildings and the environment

Growing urbanization presents major challenges: protecting buildings, improving urban well-being, and addressing climate issues. Green roofs play a central role in this approach thanks to their impressive versatility.

1. Welcoming biodiversity: These roofs transform abandoned spaces into refuges for flora and fauna. In cities, they promote pollination and the presence of local species.

2. Thermal and acoustic insulation: Plant layers and substrates reduce heat loss in winter and protect against overheating in summer. They also reduce noise pollution.

3. Water management: They allow rainwater to be captured and regulated, thus reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas.

4. Well-being and health: Providing visual contact with nature improves quality of life, reduces stress and promotes productivity.

5. Protection of the building: By limiting thermal variations and direct environmental impacts, they extend the durability of roofs.

A variety of typologies for tailor-made projects

The guide Living Roofs explores the different forms that a green roof can take, adapted to specific needs and constraints.

• Extensive vegetation: Inexpensive and requiring limited maintenance, it is made up of mosses and sedums.
• Garden terraces: These intensive green spaces require a reinforced structure but offer a real elevated garden.
• Urban agriculture: An innovative approach where fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs find their place on rooftops.
• Brownroofs: Adapted to local biodiversity, these roofs imitate natural habitats.
• Biosolar roofs: Combining solar panels and vegetation, they optimize energy and ecology.

Each option is illustrated with exemplary implementations in the book, inspiring professionals to integrate these concepts into their projects.

The technical aspect: essential mastery

The second part of the book offers a technical notebook detailed, essential for project managers and architects. Here are the key points:

• Charges and materials: Understanding the weight and specific needs of plant complexes to ensure structural safety.
• Insulation and waterproofing: These determining elements ensure durability and thermal performance.
• Irrigation systems: A controlled water supply is vital for the sustainability of vegetation.
• Maintenance: Maintaining performance requires regular inspections, especially for intensive roofs.
• Legislative framework: National and local regulations guide greening projects.

The guide also offers the GreenRoofScore, a unique tool for evaluating the performance of green roofs based on environmental, economic and social criteria.

Know-how supported by recognized experts

The authors bring unique expertise to this work:

• François Lassalle, pioneer in France since 1989, has contributed to innovative projects around the world. He is co-founder of Adivet and the World Green Infrastructure Network.
• Sophie Rousset-Rouvière, general delegate of Adivet, brings together stakeholders in the sector to promote green infrastructure.
• Frédéric Madre, researcher and co-founder of Topager, enriches the work with his scientific and operational vision.

A necessary commitment to sustainable urban planning

Integrating green roofs into cities is more than just an aesthetic choice: it's a response to environmental and societal challenges. As regulations encourage their adoption, project owners and public decision-makers now have an educational tool at their disposal to help their projects succeed.

The book Living Roofs is part of a dynamic exchange between the worlds of construction and plants. It inspires, informs, and guides those who wish to reconcile innovation, ecology, and urban planning.