The book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of best practice in sustainable adaptations to existing commercial buildings in respect of green roof retrofit. It offers new knowledge-based theoretical and practical insights and models grounded in the results of empirical research conducted within eight collaborative construction project team settings in Australia, the UK and Brazil.
The book's opening and concluding chapters set out a framework for a more holistic approach to assessing the issues surrounding the green roof retrofit decision. Other chapters cover specific benefits of green roof design, for example urban heat islands or bio-diversity. Changes delivered though green roof retrofit are illustrated and quantified here through empirical research so practitioners can be confident that their green roof retrofit solutions are based on real world evidence.
The data analysis presents findings from nine research studies across six countries, undertaken from 2012 onwards. These findings inform the template for decision-making which is posited in the final chapter. The book describes the multiple criteria which inform decision-making and how this provides a way forward for improved choices about green roof retrofit in different countries and climates.
Illustrative case studies and exemplars are drawn from countries outside the core researched areas (North and South America and Canada, Oceania, Asia and other European countries) to demonstrate the application of the knowledge more broadly. The emphasis throughout is on the application by practitioners of new knowledge to deliver practical, professionally relevant outcomes.
Green Roof Retrofit: Building Urban Resilience gives both students and researchers an overview of all aspects of green roof performance characteristics and the retrofit of existing buildings. And for practitioners at local authority, city and policy levels, the book facilitates informed decisions about whether a green roof is a good choice and if so, which type is best suited for projects - with empirical evidence to support that decision.
The book illustrates the processes undertaken to develop this new knowledge and thereby embeds a deeper level of understanding in readers. An appreciation of the implications of green roof retrofit is required in order to make the decisions and take the actions needed to mitigate climate change; this is a relatively new solution for building retrofit so both students and practitioners will welcome the high quality information based on real world research offered here, in order to upskill and update their knowledge base.
