Abstract
Green roof performance reported in literature varies widely—the result of differences in green roof design and climate, as well as limitations in study design and duration. The need exists for full-scale studies under real climate conditions to inform the design, modeling, and planning of new green roof installations. The purpose of this study is to quantify hydrologic performance of a large green roof and characterize its dominant physical processes. To achieve this, a 5550 m2 extensive green roof in Syracuse, New York, designed to hold a 25.4 mm rain event, is monitored for 21 months. Over the monitoring period, the roof retains 56% of the 1062 mm of rainfall recorded. Peak runoff is reduced by an average of 65%. Eleven events exceed 20 mm and are responsible for 38% of the rainfall and 24% of the annual retention. Retention in the summer is lower than that in the fall or spring, as a result of greater rainfall intensity during the period sampled. Soil moisture during winter months remains high, reducing the ability of the roof to retain rainfall volume from new events. Comparison of seasonal data demonstrates the strong influence of rainfall intensity on runoff and the effect of initial soil moisture on event retention.
Highlights
Increases in impervious urban land cover have altered natural hydrologic processes, overwhelming urban drainage systems during wet weather [1]
Comparison of seasonal data demonstrates the strong influence of rainfall intensity on runoff and the effect of initial soil moisture on event retention
Pirro Convention Center owned by Onondaga County (OnCenter) in Syracuse, NY (43.04368◦ N, 76.14824◦ W)
Summary
Increases in impervious urban land cover have altered natural hydrologic processes, overwhelming urban drainage systems during wet weather [1]. This has resulted in occasional flooding with resultant loss of life and property [2]. In communities with combined sewer systems, the rapid runoff from impervious surfaces has led to the release of sewage to natural water bodies, which can damage ecosystems [3]. To reduce such problems, more regional treatment facilities, storage tanks, and other gray infrastructure have been constructed. These solutions are effective, but they are expensive, and they commit a community to use large amounts of energy and materials for the long-term future [2].
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