Smartroof 2.0 Pilot – cool blue-green roof

Widely applicable roof system, tested for cooling action and water storage

Smartroof 2.0 is a new generation roof system that – in contrast to current green roofs – provides for long-term and optimal evaporation for cooling in the city. Surplus rainwater is held in the storage layer and then fed back by capillary action through special fibres to the substrate layer, whenever required by the plants. The passive irrigation system has been optimised in this project and supported with innovative monitoring of the water and energy balance, which is done using specially adapted lysimeters. Besides reducing the rainwater discharge and the cooling impact, the Smartroof 2.0 species-rich vegetation also contributes to a rich insect life.

The Smartroof 2.0 Pilot optimises the cooling properties of green roofs in the urban environment. The roofs can capture more water and contain a rich assortment of green. Heat stress is a growing problem in cities all over the world. Plants can contribute significantly to lowering the air temperature through the evaporation of the water. It has been demonstrated that a Smartroof is capable, among other things, of converting almost 50 percent more of the incoming (solar) energy into evaporation compared to conventional roofs. The cooling effect is therefore better sustained under lengthy heat and drought conditions. The innovative roof system helps make cities climate-robust.