Standards for Green Roofs in Construction Projects

Introduction. The study seeks to form a structured classification of green roofs essential for systematic development of
practices of green architecture and natural urbanism in Russian development. The lack of a holistic approach to typologizing such solutions causes difficulties in designing and implementing environmentally oriented technologies. The system developed by the author covers four major characteristics and a set of sub-elements, which allows for a comprehensive description and differentiation of various types of green roofs. Such a classification can serve as an effective tool for
specialists engaged in the field of design, construction and landscaping.
Materials and Methods. In order to look into the topic, a set of theoretical studies has been conducted. Regulatory documents, including GOST and SNiP, as well as international standards LEED and BREEAM, were examined. The works of specialists, practical examples and publications in specialized sources were also analyzed. The study describes an analysis algorithm: the investigation of constructive solutions, environmental characteristics, principles of design and operation. Green roofs are roofing structures with vegetation. Depending on their purpose, they are divided into exploited (for recreation and activities) and non-exploited (environmental functions). The construction of green roofs is regulated by such standards as GOST R 58875-2020, GOST R 54964-2012 and GOST R 58709-2019. These documents define the types of green roofs, requirements for materials, structures, and indoor climate.
Research Results. Throughout the course of the research, a typology was developed includg extensive, intensive and semi-extensive roofs, as well as classifications according to operational, structural, social and environmental criteria. Examples of implementation in international and Russian practice are provided. The classification allows one to account for the human use, placement and level of landscaping of roofs, offering a comprehensive description system.
Discussion and Conclusion. The introduction of green roof standards represents a totally new approach to building lifecycle management, including not only construction, but also environmental improvement, energy conservation, and quality of life, which is a lengthy and controversial process requring time for analysis and adaptation. They contribute to energy efficiency, thermoregulation, improved microclimate, extended roof life, and the creation of new recreational areas. The concept of green roofs is a synthesis of architecture, ecology and technology that can ensure the sustainable development of cities and improve the quality of life. The ultimate aim of this study is to offer a universal tool for typological analysis of green roofs which can be applied domestically to improve the effectiveness of urban planning solutions and sustainable urban environment development. 

1. Weiler S, Scholz-Barth K Green Roof Systems: A Guide to the Planning, Design and Construction of Building Over Structure. NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2009. 320 p. https://doi.org/10.3368/lj.29.1.92

2. Oberdorfer E, Lundholm JT, Bass B, Coffman R Green Roofs as Urban Ecosystems: Ecological Structures, Functions, and Services. BioScience. 2007; 57:823–833. https://doi.org/10.1641/B571005

3. Osmundson T Roof Gardeus: History, Design and Construction. New York: W.W. Norton; 1999. 318 p.

4. Classification System Proposed for Green Roofs. URL: https://phys.org/news/2013-10-classification-greenroofs.html (accessed: 21.04.2025).

5. Kireeva TV Architectural and Landscape Design of a Green Exploited Roof. Moscow: TRIUMPH; 2019. 112 p. (In Russ.)

6. Kireeva TV History of the Creation of the "Hanging Gardens" of the Rockefeller Center. Forest Bulletin. 2018;22(4):18–26. (In Russ.) URL: https://les-vest.mf.bmstu.ru/les_vest/2018/4_2018/18-26.pdf (accessed: 21.04.2025).

7. Kireeva TV Hanging Gardens of London at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century. Modern High-Tech. 2018;5:91–66. (In Russ.) URL: https://top-technologies.ru/ru/article/view?id=36997 (accessed: 21.04.2025).

8. Kireeva TV Hundertwasser’s Green Roofs. Proceedings of the XVIII Scientific and Practical Conference "Landscape Architecture". Nizhny Novgorod: Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; 2020. pp. 44–47. (In Russ.)

9. Titova NP Roof Gardens. Moscow: OLMA-PRESS Grand; 2002.112 p. (In Russ.)

10. Bochkovskaya MA A High-Quality "Green Roof" Can Increase the Value of a Property by 6-15%. (In Russ.) URL: https://erzrf.ru/publikacii/kachestvennaya-zelenaya-krysha-mozhet-uvelichit-stoimost-obyekta-nedvizhimosti-na-615 (accessed: 21.04.2025).

11. Le Corbusier. Architect of the Twentieth Century. Moscow: Progress; 1977. 303 p. (In Russ.)

12. Gorokhov VA Green Nature of the City. Moscow: Architecture-C; 2005. 528 p. (In Russ.)