Adapting Green-Blue Roofs to Nordic Climate

Abstract

This paper reviews research literature on the subject of the potential role of green-blue roofs within a Nordic urban environment, to find potential implications for stormwater handling of research carried out and knowledge gaps important for future research. The research carried out has been based on a scoping literature review using the most relevant databases and search engines. In addition, a climate adaptation mapping of the Nordic countries was worked out in order to establish key characteristics and major framework conditions specific to the region. The research literature on green-blue solutions in general was found to be rich. It proved more limited concerning the specific conditions of green-blue roofs relevant within a Nordic urban environment. Three main functions were found to be sought after when introducing green-blue roofs, notably vegetation, insulation and water retention. Knowl¬edge gaps were identified within all these three major areas of interest. The limited research on the topic within a Nordic context has rendered the establishment of proper guidelines difficult. In order to address the challenges to which green-blue solutions in general and green-blue roofs in particular are thought to solve, further research is needed within areas pointed out within this paper.