Green Roof Tile: Improving local biodiversity

By Jorrit Parmentier

World’s population of human species is increasing every year. Also, Dutch population is growing. More and more people are moving into urban areas. All these people are part of ecosystems of a city. These ecosystems are under stress because of global problems such as diseases, pests, and climate change. To make future cities a liveable place, ecosystems need to be healthy and resilient. Biodiversity of an ecosystem is a serious indicator of health and resilience. Therefore, nature needs to be included into building environment and form a natural symbiosis with people living in it. To do so, the right location needs to be divined, a place nature can grow without intervention of people. This location is above our heads, roofs, in particular pitched roofs.

This research is about the development of a green roof system, answering the following research question:

How can a green roof system improve biodiversity of pitched roof in Dutch cities? A green roof system implemented on pitched roofs can improve biodiversity by increasing habitat of living creatures and creating opportunities for population growth. Next to biodiversity, a green roof system reduces heat island effect, filters air, collects water, and extends lifespan of a roof.

Green roof tile and Green roof tile sideplate form a waterproof layer, connecting the whole system to conventional roof tiles and roof structure. These two products are designed to be integrated into roofs, independently from conventional roof tile type. One, ten or two hundred conventional roof tiles can be replaced by Green roof tiles, making it possible to anticipate on people’s budget.

On a green roof tile or sideplate, a planter, breeding box, and insect hotel can be connected. Through this, plants can grow, birds can breed, and insects can live on slanted roofs of the Netherlands. All products have identical hanging system, making it possible to interchange them during assembling, but in a later stage too.

Roof tile, planter, sideplate

Impression