Author(s)

K. Perini & M. Ottelé

Abstract

Contemporary architecture is increasingly focusing on vertical greening systems as a means to restore the environmental integrity of urban areas and sustainability. Despite the interest demonstrated by the European market and the international research on this topic, vertical greening systems are not yet fully accepted as an energy saving method for the built environment. This paper provides a perspective on vertical greening systems with respect to the possible improvement of the building envelope efficiency in the field of environmental sustainability. The several systems available on the market have different characteristics (layers involved, plant species, maintenance needs, etc.), which influence the cooling potential and the insulation properties besides their aesthetic effect, functional aspects, and the environmental burden produced during the their life span. The analysis of the different characteristics, advantages and critical aspects of vertical greening systems considers the complexity of these systems and the potential improvement of building envelope efficiency brought by vertical gardens. Keywords: green façade, living wall system, building envelope, thermal behaviour, energy saving, environmental sustainability.

Keywords

green façade, living wall system, building envelope, thermal behaviour, energy saving, environmental sustainability