Impact of green roofs on the energy demand of buildings

July 7, 2020

Recently launched project is the most extensive and long-term energy research into green roofs in the Netherlands to date.

Eindhoven University of Technology, Havensteder, Sobolt and Sempergreen will work together for a year to investigate the impact of green roofs on the energy demand of buildings. This makes the possible contribution of these roofs to the transition to energy-neutral natural gas-free buildings more transparent. It is the most extensive and long-term energy research into green roofs in the Netherlands to date. Based on the data obtained, parties are developing an advisory tool that helps building owners - including housing corporations - determine the suitability and impact of green roofs on specific buildings. Today, the project called Gasvrij Groendak has officially started.

Green roofs contribute to cleaner air, a reduction in waterlogging, more biodiversity and a longer lifespan of the roof. One advantage often remains underexposed: green roofs significantly reduce a building's energy demand. Green roofs require less cooling in summer and less heating in winter. For residents this means a lower energy bill - and therefore lower housing costs - and more comfort. The use of a green roof and solar panels reinforces each other, which makes green roofs a suitable means to prepare the built environment for a natural gas-free future.

Prof. Jos Brouwers of the department of Built Environment leads the project from TU/e.

Development of an advisory tool

The parties involved are investigating the impact of green roofs on the energy demand of buildings for a year. Eight Havensteder green roofs are used for this. The associated homes are equipped with measuring equipment, which continuously sends data to TU/e for processing. TU/e has comparable control roofs on a laboratory scale and models.

Based on the joint ambition to contribute to energy-neutral buildings in the Netherlands, the partners have set themselves the goal of making the choice of green roofs more accessible. As part of the project, an advisory tool is being developed for building owners, such as housing associations and municipalities. Whether a roof is suitable for 'greening' depends, among other things, on the year of construction of a building, the angle of inclination of the roof and the load capacity versus the load.

An analysis per roof is time intensive. The advisory tool makes it easy to determine the suitability and impact of green roofs for each specific building. This makes the contribution of green roofs to making buildings, neighborhoods and cities natural gas-free measurable.

Collaboration

TU/e is responsible for conducting the research. Within the partnership, initiator Sobolt - specialist in the field of geographical data, AI and statistical analyzes - focuses on the development of the advisory tool. The housing association Havensteder makes eight green roofs available, whereby homes are equipped with measuring equipment. Grower and green roof expert Sempergreen provides specific experience with and knowledge of green roof products.

The first research results are expected to be published in September. A prototype of the advisory tool will then also be ready.

Barry van der Meer
(Head of Department)