Main barriers to the adoption of green roofs

a literature review to avoid them in Brazil

Abstract

Green roof systems are sustainable practices for reducing the adverse effects of urbanization in dense areas, as they mitigate urban heat islands, retain rainwater and reduce its peak flow and runoff, improve urban air quality, absorb noise emissions, increase thermal efficiency and provide a pleasant aesthetic effect. Countries such as Germany, France, China, the USA, Canada and Japan encourage the installation of this technology in new buildings or by adapting existing buildings. However, its use is not widespread in many developing countries and regions, such as Brazil. Through a review of international literature, this research aims to analyze the causes that can hinder the adoption of green roofs and thus support the discussion on their application in Brazilian buildings, based on the experiences observed in other countries. The research used part of the Proknow-C methodology and revealed 19 major obstacles to the implementation of green roofs, divided into 4 groups: (1) barriers linked to technical aspects; of (2) economic nature; (3) alluding to the low dissemination of knowledge on the subject and (4) linked to the environmental approach.