Effects of Plant Management on the Thermal and Hydrological Performance of a Green Roof
Start Date
7-8-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
7-8-2026 11:45 AM
Location
ALT 203
Abstract
Green roofs consist of vegetation installed on rooftops and provide ecosystem services including stormwater retention, pollinator resources, and improved building energy efficiency. In this study, we observed a green roof with seven different plant and management treatments and four replicates of each. Treatments varied in plant composition (grasses only, grasses with forbs, and bare soil) and management (spring cutback, fall cutback, or no cutback). Measurements included leaf area index, soil moisture, soil temperature, and flower production. Preliminary results indicate that plant management does not significantly affect heat transfer to the building below. However, water retention capacity may be influenced by the different management practices.
Effects of Plant Management on the Thermal and Hydrological Performance of a Green Roof
ALT 203
Green roofs consist of vegetation installed on rooftops and provide ecosystem services including stormwater retention, pollinator resources, and improved building energy efficiency. In this study, we observed a green roof with seven different plant and management treatments and four replicates of each. Treatments varied in plant composition (grasses only, grasses with forbs, and bare soil) and management (spring cutback, fall cutback, or no cutback). Measurements included leaf area index, soil moisture, soil temperature, and flower production. Preliminary results indicate that plant management does not significantly affect heat transfer to the building below. However, water retention capacity may be influenced by the different management practices.
