Multi-Scenario analysis of rooftop greening regulation on runoff effects based on adaptive Evaluation: A case study of Macau, China

Abstract

The reduction in internal ecological spaces within urban environments and the expansion of impervious surfaces have been identified as factors significantly increasing the susceptibility of cities to flood disasters. Rooftop greening, an essential component of urban stormwater management strategies, offers a versatile solution for augmenting permeable surfaces and delivering ecological services while seamlessly integrating with existing urban infrastructure. This approach has been proven effective in enhancing urban resilience against rainfall-induced flooding events. Hence, the precise identification of suitable building rooftops for green infrastructure within urbanized regions, combined with the simulation of runoff regulation effects brought about by these rooftop greening interventions, holds substantial practical significance. This study innovatively constructs a technical method for measuring the runoff control performance of urban-scale green roofs from identification, evaluation to simulation. Taking the Macao Special Administrative Region as an example, a green roof suitability evaluation index system that is consistent with urban characteristics has been constructed, integrating machine learning, comprehensive evaluation, SWMM simulation methods to evaluate the suitability of roof greening in urban areas and simulate the impact of multi-senarios green roof construction types on runoff regulation. Finally, a comprehensive strategy for rooftop greening construction in Macau is proposed, with the aim of amplifying the runoff regulation capabilities of such initiatives. The main findings of the research include the following: (1) The research area exhibits a notably high aggregate potential for rooftop greening, with suitable rooftop areas comprising approximately 34% of the total rooftop expanse. Notably, construction vintage and roof elevation are identified as the most substantive constraints on rooftop greening. (2) Discernible differences in rooftop greening construction scale exert a significant influence on runoff regulation capacity, with the magnitude of greening positively correlated with its runoff regulation efficacy. Distinct greening typologies elicit varying impacts on runoff regulation, with semi-intensive rooftop greening surpassing extensive approaches in runoff regulation performance. Disparate distribution patterns of rooftop greening engender dissimilar runoff regulation effects, with rooftop greening layouts situated distant from drainage outlets facilitating runoff mitigation, while those in close proximity to drainage outlets enhance peak flow reduction effects.