Green roofs in the tropics; design considerations and vegetation dynamics

Abstract

Chapter I of this thesis collects general information of green roofs and evaluates the principles of this topic. It covers GR description, design, potential benefits, and climate change. The chapter also includes information about the green roofs in the tropical zones around the globe, and more specifically in Puerto Rico. In Chapter II a vegetation analysis of 4 GRs in San Juan, Puerto Rico was undertaken. The International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) facilities were used as well as an older green roof located in the University of Puerto Rico. The IITF green roofs possessed the characteristic of being design specifically as a research platform with a variety of depths throughout the building which increased the number of distinct GR ecosystems in the project (Lugo and Rullán 2015). By the end of this study an initial approach to the topic would be available in terms of design considerations, a list of potential species for green roofs design, and an idea of information that is lacking could enlarge our knowledge of GR as novel ecosystems that serve as mitigation tools in our modern society.

Citation

Grullón–Penkova, Iana F. 2017. Green roofs in the tropics; design considerations and vegetation dynamics. Master's Thesis, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras. 66 p.