Green roofs for the energy and environmental sustainability of buildings

Green roofs are considered structural components that act as an insulating layer for buildings. Among the factors that influence the choice of this type of horizontal green there are: the geographical location, the climate, and the need to improve the thermal insulation of the flat roof. Some types of layouts are proposed for the sustainable construction of green roofs. In addiction the structural and vegetation components suitable for the realization of green roofs are also described. The energy performance of an experimental green roof prototype located at the ENEA Casaccia Research Center shown that the horizontal green layer improves the thermal insulation of the flat roof by over 40%. [Publisher's text].