Ecological Benefits of Greening Building Envelopes

Abstract

Extensive urban development brings many adverse impacts which are reflected in degradation of quality of life and health of residents. Some of these impacts are related to increasing impermeable surfaces in city centers, made of concrete, asphalt, glass, etc. From environmental point of view, negative effects of urbanization include increased temperature and the effect of urban heat island which affects global warming, air pollution, flood risks and reduction of space for plants and animals. One of the ways to mitigate these effects is greening building envelope. This paper deals with ecological benefits which can be achieved by covering the building surfaces with greenery. Comparative analyses of buildings covered with greenery and with conventional materials were done based on data from certain studies conducted abroad. The results shown in the paper indicate a significant improvement in the living conditions in green covered buildings, and confirm that integration of vegetation represents a sustainable approach for the envelope of new and existing buildings. Key words: green roofs, green facades, urban environment, ecological benefits, sustainable design.