c055178 - investigative project. proposal. 21-12-2010

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Foundation Degree / Certificate of Higher Education

Course: RCM/Hort Year : Part-time students Semester : 1

Module Code: FOT 104 Level: 4 Assignment Ref : IP1

Module Title: Investigative Project Assignment Title: Project Proposal

Learning Outcomes Assessed: K1 - K4, I1- I3, P1 and P3, T1,T2 and T4

Lecturer : Adrian Quinn Submission Date: 21/12/10

CAFRE Student No:C055178

By submitting this piece of work I declare that this is all my own work and does not contain unreferenced material copied from any other source. If it is shown

that material has been plagiarized, I understand that a mark of zero may be awarded and the reason for that mark will be recorded on my file.

ASSESSMENT DECISION

Mark Awarded:

Comments:

F eedback should include

comments on the

achievement of the learning

outcomes. Strengths,

weaknesses and areas for

improvement should be

highlighted

Assessors Signature:

Date



Investigative Project ProposalDecember 2010C055178

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Can local home owners improve the environment and enjoyeconomic benefits by installing living roofs?




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Abstract

Living roofs are widely anticipated to feature prominently in the urban design of the future. As ecological

multi-taskers they offer solutions to the ill effects of urbanisation and climate change. This study aims to

examine the cost of retro-fitting living roofs on residential homes in Northern Ireland. It sets the subject in

the context of the research and development already undertaken and highlights the sustainability objectives

of the UK and Northern Ireland governments. The report focuses on µextensive¶ living roofs;

vegetatedroofing systems designed to address environmental problems. The consensus around the

environmental benefits of living roofs is noted in the literature review where we learn that they are helping

to change the way we think about the built environment.

In addition the report will examine the cost differential between two types of extensive roof by pricing

materials and services locally. The research results will be used to discuss the benefits and affordability of

living roofs, compared to other µgreen¶ products such as insulation, solar panels, wind turbines or boilers.

Further discussion will examine the potential for cost reduction and asks what other factors will help

proliferate urban greening and living roofs in the UK. Finally, it will be asked, what economic benefits might

the horticultural and landscape industries derive from this; what part can they play in promoting living roofs?

Not to be confused with µ Intensive¶ roofs which include roof gardens and terraces with an amenity function.




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Contents

Introduction 4

Literature Review 6

Methodology 8

Timescale and Research Planning 11

References 12

Appendices




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Introduction

The effects of climate change and urbanisation have raised pertinent questions about how we use

resources, manage waste and behave as consumers. Global warming and the increasing frequency of

extreme weather events present formidable challenges worldwide. Urbanisation disrupts natural eco-

systems and requires massive energy inputs. A new paradigm of sustainable development in the urban

environment is emerging that seeks to reduce energy consumption, to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall,

air pollution and heat waves and to reintroduce species lost to development. Living roofs have been shown

to help cool buildings and cities, manage storm water at source and support biodiversity. Furthermore, the

greening of buildings is believed to have beneficial effects on psychological and social well-being(Getter

and Rowe, 2006).

Although extensive research shows that living roofs offer simple solutions to complex environmental

problems they are not yet widely employed in the UK. Government commitment to environmental

sustainability, underpinned by European law, is facilitating an emergent green economy. However in liberal

democracies creating favourable market conditions for a green economy is preferred to comprehensive

state intervention. Therefore an economic case has to be made for new ideas like living roofs which will

only become mainstream when accessible, affordable and well understood.

That living roofs initially cost more than conventional roofing systems is unavoidable. Therefore an

understanding of the relationship between the costs and benefits is critical in determining the value of living

roofs and ensuring their proliferation. This is important because it is recognised that µgreen¶ technologiesand practices have a key role to play in ensuring the future sustainability of the built environment. Living

roofs already offer opportunities to the horticultural based industries to develop new products and services




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There have been several public living roof projects in Northern Ireland in recent years and a little online

research finds that there are several businesses which offer living roof products and have experience in

installation. However living roofs are not commonly found in the UK and are mainly associated with new

buildings, or even with an outdated image of the hippy commune. Nevertheless, there is no reason why

environmental and cost benefits should not be gained from retro-fitting living roofs onto existing buildings

where this is feasible.

The study aims to test the accessibility and affordability of living roofs in the regional market. A quantative

costing for two types of living roofs for a residential building and a qualitative discussion of the costs and

benefits will follow.




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Literature Review

There is consensus that living roofs provide distinct advantages over conventional roofing systems. Storm

water management, energy conservation and habitat protection are recognised as key functions of living

roofs (Design for London, 2008). Living roofs provide ³ecosystem services´ (Gedge and Kadas, 2005)that

form part of a ³complex approach´ (Gedge, 2010a)to challenges in the built environment.

Living roofs are usually understood simply as a vegetative layer on top of a conventional roof (Green

Places, 2008). In addition they are comprised of layers of water proofing, drainage, growing media and

root repellent materials (Wachtel, 2007). These µextensive¶ roofs, designedfor their environmental function,

are distinguished from µintensive¶ amenity roof gardens and terraces (Dunnett and Kingsbury, 2008). Within

the µextensive¶ category, mass produced, modular, sedum mats differ somewhat from a more complex

µextensive¶system comprising a deeper substrate. Vegetated, with a complex mix of sedums, perennials

and grasses, ecologists prefer these because they support a variety of invertebrates and birds

(Brenneissen, 2006).

Germany has lead research and development in the field, producing globally recognised scientific

standards (Wachtel, 2007). With federal support, Germany has vegetation over 10% of its flat roofed

surfaces (Sonne, 2006). Living roofs are also well established in the United States(Getter and Rowe,

2006). In the UK there is no specific government commitment to greening roofs. However, The

µSustainability Strategy¶ of the UK government supports the ³protection and enhancement of the physical

and natural environment´ (DEFRA, 2010). A document published by The Mayor of London commits to

³encouraging green roofs´ (Mayor of London, 2009). Locally, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has

published its own µSustainable Development Strategy¶ (Northern Ireland Executive, 2010) and its Planning

Service aspires to sustainable urban drainage or SuDs (Planning Service, 2006).




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This is significant because living roofs retain up to 69% of precipitation and reduce peak flow, effectively

managing precipitation before it reaches the drainage system (Liptan, 2003). Energy savings resulting

from thethermal qualities of living roofs are thought to be as much as 73% (Bass, 2008).Air pollution

mitigation, carbon sequestration and increased longevity of the roof surface offer further advantages(Getter

and Rowe, 2006).

Despite the benefits there are some problems. Philippi (2006) asserts that in2006 a living roof cost ten

times more in the USA than in Germany.He refers to a µcost/benefit ratio¶ where increasing benefits and

lowering costs are the key to the German industry¶s success. Gedge(2010b) recognises some negative

perceptions related to roof maintenance and aesthetics.

This report will examine the costs and benefits of living roofs in Northern Ireland and suggest how they may

be reduced andmaximized respectively.




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Methodology

The proposal is for a quantitive costing for an µextensive¶ living roof on a private dwelling with a qualitative

analysis of benefits vs. cost.

Before installing a living roof on any building a structural survey must be carried out. Where possible,

estimates for materials and services will be obtained from businesses with links to College of Agriculture,

Forestry and Rural Education (C.A.F.R.E.). The objective is to obtain realistic cost information that can be

used in a discussion of the costs and benefits of living roofs in the local region.

Living roofs are constructed from some or all of the following:

1. Vegetation

2. Substrate

3. Filter mat

4. Drainage/water retention mat

5. Root Barrier

6 Waterproof membrane

Fig. 1. Components of a living roof(Triton 2010)




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Additional materials such as flashing, drainage pebbles and soil retaining mesh may also be required.

Fig. 2 below shows a living roof constructed on a flat roofed building similar to the one in this study.

Fig. 2. Section of a living roof on a flat roofed building (Liptan, 2006)

Two types of roof will be costed.

Roof 1. Pre-fabricated modular system with sedum matting. Supplied and installed.Roof 2. System constructed on site from component materials. Sourced locally from builders merchants,

waste management company (for crushed brick substrate) and nursery. Installed by landscaper and/or

builder.




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Tasks - Group 1

Risk assessment

Structural Survey

Measure roof and building

Photograph roof and building

Assess accessibility of roof

Draw scale plans of roof and building.

Design Roof 2. Choose component parts, thickness of substrate and type of vegetative materials.

Separately list products and materials required for both roofs.

Tasks ± Group 2

Obtain prices from surveyor, suppliers and contractors

Record prices in tabular form

Research comparative prices for solar panels, boiler upgrade, insulation etc

Total prices

Tasks ± Group 3

Write Report/Compare results and discuss




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Timescale and Research Planning

The Investigative Project takes place over the course of the second semester 2010/2011. Task Group 1

should be carried out quickly in order to allow several weeks to arrange and obtain cost information. One

month is allocated for writing up the report. Several other projects will be undertaken concurrently.

The visual below will aid good time management.

Fig. 3: Gantt chart showing timescale management with milestones.




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References

Anon (2008). Fancy Growing a Roof?. Green Places. October 2008, pp.14-16.

Brenneissen, Stephan (2006). Space for Urban Wildlife: Designing Green Roofs as habitats in Switzerland.Urban Habitats. Volume 4, Number 1, pp.27-36

DEFRA (2010). Sustainable Development [online]. [Accessed 2nd December 2010]. Available from:http://www.defra.gov.uk/sustainable/government/gov/strategy/index.htm>.

Design for London (2008). Living Roofs and Walls. Technical Report: Supporting London Plan Policy. 1st.ed. London: Greater London Authority.

Dunnett, Nigel and Kingsbury, Noel (eds). (2008). Planting green Roofs and Living Walls. London: Timber Press.

Gedge, Dusty (2010a). "Ecosystem Services, Green Roofs and Rain Gardens", lecture notes taken inpublic lecture. Irish Landscape Institute, Pearce St Public Library, Dublin on 21st October 2010.

Gedge, Dusty (2010b).LivingRoofs.org [online]. [Accessed 09/11/2010]. Available from: <http://livingroofs.org/2010030887/perceived-barrier/maintgreenbarr.html>.

Gedge, Dusty and Kadas, Gyongyver (2005). Green Roofs and Biodiversity. Biologist. Volume 52 Number 3, pp.161-169.

Gedge Couple of Questions. Email to: David Love Cameron. 14th November 2010 [14th November 2010b.]Personal communication. Getter, Kristin and Rowe, Bradley (2006). The Role of Extensive Green Roofs in Sustainable Development.HortScience. 41(5), pp.1276-1285.

Greater London Authority (2009, June). Leading to a Greeener London: An Environment Program for theCapital. London.

Available from: <http://legacy.london.gov.uk/mayor/publications/2009/docs/leading-greener-london-300709.pdf>. Accessed: 2nd November 2010.

Liptan, Tom (2003). Storm Water Monitoring Two Eco-roofs Portland in Oregon, USA. Fifth AnnualGreening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, 2003, Chicago. Portland, Oregon: City of Portland Environmental Services Bureau. pp.1 and 14.




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Philippi, Peter M (2006). How to Get Cost Reduction in Green Roof Construction. In: Fourth Annual

Greening rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, 11-12 May 2006, Boston. pp.1.

Planning Service Northern Ireland (2006, June). Planning policy Statement: Planning and Flood Risk. (15).Northern Ireland Available from: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/policy/policy_publications/planning_statements/pps15-flood-risk.pdf>. Accessed: 8th November 2010.

Sonne, Jeff (2006). Evaluating Green Roof Energy Performance. ASHRE Journal. February 2006, pp.59-61

Triton - Structural Waterproofing [online]. (2010) [Accessed 15Novemeber 2010]. Available from: <http://www.triton-chemicals.co.uk/prode1.php>.

Wachtel, Joshua (2007). Storm Water Management, Greeen Roof Style. BioCycle. May 2007, pp.42-46.




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Appendices

Table 1: Costing tools

Roof 1 - Costs

Product Service Quantity Unit

Measure

ment

Supplier Contact Details Unit

Cost

Co

Total




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Roof 2 - Costs

Product Service Quantity Unit

Measure

ment

Supplier Contact Details Unit

Cost

Co

Total




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Image 1: Subject Building(Author¶s photograph)

c055178 - investigative project. proposal. 21-12-2010

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