Green Roofs to Enhance the Thermal Performance of Buildings and Outdoor Comfort

Abstract This chapter introduces the passive energy savings capacity of green roofs in reducing the heating and cooling demand, and in improving the urban heat island effect when implemented on building envelopes. The advantages or disadvantages between the different types of green roofs (extensive, semi-intensive and intensive) and the most important parameters that influence their thermal performance (climatic conditions, plant species, growing media, and drainage layer) are explained. Moreover, the most relevant findings of experimental research studies related to the parameters that affect directly the operation of green roofs for this purpose are presented to finish with some suggestions for further research.