Technologies for Green Roofs and Walls in Urban Environments: State of the Art, Benefits, and Future Perspectives
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Abstract
Contemporary cities face increasing environmental challenges, including the urban heat island effect, stormwater management, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines green roofs and green walls as strategic Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for urban resilience.
A systematic and narrative review of the international scientific literature was conducted, integrating experimental studies, meta-analyses, and policy papers. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and urban case studies, with classification of data by scale of application (building, district, city).
Evidence highlights measurable benefits: reduction of cooling energy demand by 10–40%, average summer urban temperature decreases of 1–2 °C, annual stormwater retention of 30–60%, and increases in urban biodiversity. Additional social (psychological well-being, community cohesion) and economic (property value +5–15%) benefits were also identified. However, barriers persist, including high initial costs, maintenance complexity, and lack of unified technical standards.
Green roofs and green walls are now mature technologies but still offer wide margins for innovation. Future perspectives point toward integrated systems (biosolar roofs, biofiltering walls), circular materials, and smart monitoring. The collected evidence reinforces the importance of including these solutions in urban strategies and climate resilience policies
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