Solar Rainwater-Storing Roofs

The KWR Water Research Institute has developed and tested a passive irrigation system that optimizes the water supply to the plants and enhances their evaporation, which in turn lowers the roof surface temperature and cools the surrounding air. This is referred to as a blue-green roof (BGR), which is a roof system that combines vegetation, rainwater storage, and solar panels to create multiple benefits for urban environments. The BGR also reduces rainwater runoff and allows for a greater diversity of plant species, which supports biodiversity and insect life.

The BGR has significant implications for sustainable architecture development, as it can help mitigate the effects of climate change and heat stress in cities. By integrating solar panels with vegetation, the BGR can also increase the power output of the PV system, as the plants reduce the overheating of the panels and improve their efficiency. Moreover, the BGR can reuse shower water to irrigate the plants, saving potable water and reducing wastewater discharge. The BGR is therefore a promising solution for creating smart and resilient buildings that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and provide multiple ecosystem services.

Image Credit: KWR Water Research Institute