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 green­blue 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. Knowledge 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 blue-­green solutions in general and blue-­green roofs in particular are thought to solve, further research is needed within areas pointed out within this paper.