Vertical Forest buildings typologies, benefits, hazard-dependent risks and key parameters for renovation towards high-density urban greening
From Architectural, forestry and structural point of view regional to building level – suitable vegetation. Critical parameters for aesthetic and habitant satisfaction. Structural, forestry, energy and habitant satisfaction related resilience and risks towards holistic renovation.
Deliverables
D1.1 Catalog of plant species for VF buildings.
GREENERGY goes beyond the leading state of the art concepts in the area that aim mainly to produce nearly zero energy consumption and neutral carbon footprint within built environment in urban areas in order to promote the “green deal” while the real green nature itself is suppressed. Such an approach may satisfy merely mathematical indices and goals. However, it fails to revive natural growth in areas forests were once dominating, i.e. before urbanization. It holds down the decisive, that is natural mechanisms for sustainable environment of high air quality, controlled humidity, satisfaction and comfort for habitants.
GREENERGY envisions forest diffusion to alleviate extreme weather conditions impacts in coastal seismic urban regions and to optimize inclusive people-centric social engagement towards habitant comfort and satisfaction, through high-density urban forestation starting from green- renovated buildings. Based on the poor state of the art in the field of renovation towards vertical forests and the great necessity for their urgent development to really cope with detrimental climate change consequences and advance environmental resilience.
This document (D1.1) is developed within the framework of the first work package (WP1) of the project namely “Vertical Forest buildings typologies, benefits, hazard-dependent risks and key parameters for renovation towards high-density urban greening”.
Therefore, this Deliverable identifies the suitable vegetation and proposes a unified taxonomy for classifying the various VF buildings’ suitable vegetation and delivers a catalog of plant species for VF buildings.
Originally, the Deliverable includes an overview of plant requirements (both environmental and nutritional demands), traits and ecosystem services. In terms of ecosystems services, the air purification, thermal regulation, biodiversity enhancement, and aesthetical and cultural values, provided by plants used in green walls retrofitting are assessed.
Following a brief description of the green walls gardening systems, a detailed plant list of plants appropriate for extensive and intensive green walls is provided.
Subsequently drought-tolerant plants as well as native and endemic Greek plants are also presented.
For each plant identified, the following variables and information is recorded:
- Plant Name
- Common name
- Ecological Characteristics
- Flowering Period
- Flower Color
- Water Demand
- Height
- Plant image
D1.2 Assessment of benefits resulting from VF buildings
GREENERGY goes beyond the leading state of the art concepts in the area that aim mainly to produce nearly zero energy consumption and neutral carbon footprint within built environment in urban areas in order to promote the “green deal” while the real green nature itself is suppressed. Such an approach may satisfy merely mathematical indices and goals. However, it fails to revive natural growth in areas forests were once dominating, i.e. before urbanization. It holds down the decisive, that is natural mechanisms for sustainable environment of high air quality, controlled humidity, satisfaction and comfort for inhabitants.
GREENERGY envisions forest diffusion to alleviate extreme weather conditions impacts in coastal seismic urban regions and to optimize inclusive people-centric social engagement towards habitant comfort and satisfaction, through high-density urban forestation starting from green- renovated buildings. Based on the poor state of the art in the field of renovation towards vertical forests and the great necessity for their urgent development to really cope with detrimental climate change consequences and advance environmental resilience.
This document (Deliverable D1.2) is implemented within the framework of the first work package (WP1) of the project, namely ” Vertical Forest buildings typologies, benefits, hazard-dependent risks and key parameters for renovation towards high-density urban greening”.
This deliverable provides an extensive report on the potential benefits resulting from the integration of greenery into buildings, providing an overall assessment of the main benefits resulting from vertical forests and green walls and their potential contribution to a sustainable spatial planning and urban development strategy. These benefits can be divided into environmental, social and economic and contribute to sustainability and the reduction of the carbon footprint of urban ecosystems.
In terms of environmental benefits, vertical forests can help reduce air pollution by filtering pollutants through their leaves and bark, absorbing dust particles and air pollutants. This natural process is extended indoors, creating a healthier living and working environment for residents. At the same time, the natural shading provided by such infrastructure enhances the microclimatic conditions around the buildings and reduces the surface temperature, mitigating the urban heat island effect. In the context of energy efficiency, green walls reduce the energy needed to cool buildings and also act as natural insulation and improve the natural access of light into the building.
These buildings can also help prevent flooding and water scarcity, as they often incorporate stormwater management systems to manage stormwater more effectively. The presence of plants acts as a filter by improving groundwater quality and reducing contaminant loads in urban water bodies. The reuse of treated greywater is also promoted, contributing to the reduction of drinking water consumption and the sustainable management of water resources.
Through the integration of greenery into urban landscapes, important ecosystem services, such as pollination, are enhanced, which are vital for maintaining plant diversity in cities, as these buildings are wildlife refuges and can promote biodiversity. Vertical forests and green walls provide a bridge between natural and urban environments, offering aesthetic improvements that transform urban landscapes. As such, they contribute positively to the psychology of residents by providing emotional relief, reducing stress and a sense of security. At the same time, they act as insulators of urban noise and as places for social interaction.
From an economic point of view, the integration of greenery can protect buildings from harsh weather conditions and improve their resistance to temperature fluctuations, thus reducing the deterioration of materials and the need for costly repairs. Finally, the adoption of such practices enhances the branding and marketing initiatives of stakeholders such as contractors, businesses and municipalities. By strategically highlighting their environmental, social, and economic value, these buildings can gain a competitive edge, foster consumer loyalty, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
D1.3 Characteristic Structural Typologies of VF buildings
GREENERGY goes beyond the leading state of the art concepts in the area that aim mainly to produce nearly zero energy consumption and neutral carbon footprint within built environment in urban areas in order to promote the “green deal” while the real green nature itself is suppressed. Such an approach may satisfy merely mathematical indices and goals. However, it fails to revive natural growth in areas forests were once dominating, i.e. before urbanization. It holds down the decisive, that is natural mechanisms for sustainable environment of high air quality, controlled humidity, satisfaction and comfort for habitants.
GREENERGY envisions forest diffusion to alleviate extreme weather conditions impacts in coastal seismic urban regions and to optimize inclusive people-centric social engagement towards habitant comfort and satisfaction, through high-density urban forestation starting from green- renovated buildings. Based on the poor state of the art in the field of renovation towards vertical forests and the great necessity for their urgent development to really cope with detrimental climate change consequences and advance environmental resilience.
Against this background, this document (D1.3) is developed within the framework of the first work package (WP1) of the project namely “Vertical Forest buildings typologies, benefits, hazard-dependent risks and key parameters for renovation towards high-density urban greening”. The goal of the deliverable is to formulate a coded database of VF system solutions, categorized according to specific technical and constructional characteristics.
As described in previous deliverables, green walls offer a series of benefits both for the integration buildings as well as for their surrounding microclimate. Hence, seen as a measure of holistic large-scale renovation approach, green walls can function as vertical forests, enabling the transformation of the urban built environment towards holistic sustainability.
More specifically, this deliverable aims at highlighting the technical aspects of VFs, in terms of constructional, legislative and other technoeconomic aspects, based on their typological features. Thus, building on the results of D1.1 “Catalog of plant species for VF buildings” and D1.2 “Assessment of benefits resulting from VF buildings”, D1.3 presents the structural and technical features of VF types in order to create an extensive categorization. This categorization is crucial for further assessing VFs in terms of their static efficiency and large-scale implementation potential. The results of these further assessments will be presented in WP2 “Experimental dynamic assessment of physical model structure towards holistic renovation”, as well as WP3 “Digital twin model”.
D1.4 Recorded damages to common and VF buildings and lessons learned
The integration of greenery into building designs has gained popularity for its environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal. While traditionally, greenery in the field of architecture has predominantly served aesthetic purposes, contemporary justification for its integration includes ecological and economic factors as well, encompassing energy conservation, enhancement of urban climate conditions, promotion of biodiversity and others. However, these greenery-covered buildings have been subjected to various types of damage and failures that necessitate a detailed examination.
The main damages identified in greenery-covered buildings include structural deterioration, water leaks and stability issues. Planted vegetation is also exposed due to the differentiation of the growth conditions compared to the vegetation grown directly on the ground. Distorted growth and plant stress are the most common problems. Besides, inhabitants may experience undesirable implications of plants and facilities, such as safety and utility issues along with high living costs.
The failure mechanisms are primarily associated with design failures, poor installation practices, and inadequate maintenance. Improper structural materials to support additional weight, lack of proper waterproofing systems and non- adaptation of structural and fire regulations are some examples. Failure to regularly inspect and repair drainage systems, as well as neglected and dry plants exacerbates the risk of damage. Additionally, the selection of inappropriate plant species can damage the building’s structure and impose new challenges and risks.
Greenery-covered buildings offer numerous benefits but also present specific challenges that must be addressed to ensure their durability and functionality. A comprehensive approach involving careful design, proper installation, and diligent maintenance is essential to prevent damage and ensure the long-term success of these buildings. By addressing the identified failure mechanisms and implementing effective preventive measures, the advantages of greenery-covered buildings can be fully realized without compromising structural integrity.
Therefore, this deliverable focuses on the classification of potential and recorded vertical forest buildings damages and risks, identifying the physical damages and risks of the various common and vertical forest buildings, that are observed during hazards (past extreme events or harsh conditions like earthquakes, hurricanes, corrosion etc.). Further, a summary of some lessons learned is gathered, including the main causes of damage as well as the potential failure mechanisms for the various components of vertical forests from a structural, energy and habitant satisfaction.
D1.5 Definition of reliable damage measures and appropriate hazard-related intensity measures for holistic renovation towards VFs
Developing appropriate and reliable measures of damage precludes anything less than an integrated, multi-dimensional, performance evaluative approach that is seismic, energy efficiency, forestry, and occupant-derived metrics, which will all combine in establishing appropriate measures for the accurate derivation of all the components comprising VFs (Vertical Forests). The holistic approach will be helpful in ascertaining whether any chosen metrics of damage can, in reality, represent the complex interaction of various elements of performance and their eventual impact on the overall performance of the facility.
Intensive selections of IMs (Intensity Measures) examined for extreme and adverse scenarios in order to delineate prospected hazards proficiently. Such IMs are important proxies, enabling quantification and assessment of the intensity of the induced hazard that may affect the VF facility. Selection of appropriate IMs forms the very basis of developing a proper understanding of potential risks and their consequences for structures and operations in VF.
The combination of the proposed measures of damage with the measures of intensity gives a generic framework toward the assessment and enhancement of the resilience of VF facilities. This holistic consideration allows the stakeholders to explore in detail the interaction of the different environmental and operational stressors with the VF and the possible impact thereon of the VF components, thus supporting informed decision-making for holistic renovation approaches. It considers the damage assessment integrated with the hazard characterization in order to obtain a complete vision of issues and needs related to maintenance and improvement at VF facilities in diverse conditions.
