In legislative framework
The document underlines the importance of European policies in promoting green infrastructure.
The National Framework for Green Roofs and Walls focuses on incentive mechanisms to promote the adoption of green solutions in buildings.
Among the main initiatives are the “Green Bonus” which offers tax breaks for greening interventions in uncovered areas of existing buildings, and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)which allocates funds for environmental sustainability projects.
These measures aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce urban pollution and increase citizens’ well-being through the spread of green infrastructure.
Benefits of Green Roofs and Walls
Green roofs and walls offer different direct economic benefits. Among these, the reduction of energy consumption thanks to the improvement of thermal insulation and the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. These systems can extend the life of the roof covering and increase the value of the building, reducing at the same time the fire risk And improving the feeling of well being for the occupants.
From an environmental point of view, green roofs and walls contribute to the Noise reduction and to the grey water treatment. Furthermore, improve air quality reducing pollution and effectively managing storm water.
At the urban level, green infrastructure also helps to mitigate the heat island effect.
The different types of green roofs and walls
The report describes different types of green roofs and walls, including extensive and intensive roofs, green facades and living walls. Each type has specific characteristics and advantages that make it suitable for different applications.
Planning and designing green roofs and walls requires a series of technical considerationsincluding plant selection, drainage systems and maintenance solutions. It is essential to consider irrigation, plant nutrition and the structural strength of the building.
Green Roofs and Walls in Italy
Many Italian municipalities, including Milan, Genoa, Rimini, Turin and La Spezia, have established specific regulations for the promotion of green roofs and walls. These regulations include technical specifications and incentives to encourage building owners to adopt green solutions.
An example of success is represented by the green roofs of Bolzanowhere several projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of these solutions in improving energy efficiency and the quality of the urban microclimate. The RIE (Riduzione dell’Impatto Edilizio) project is particularly significant, having led to a significant reduction in CO emissions2 and improved the thermal comfort of buildings.
The ENEA Casaccia Research Center in Rome has created a prototype of a green roof and wall that serves as a model for future implementations. This project includes a microclimatic-environmental monitoring system that provides valuable data on the effectiveness of green infrastructure.