Life cycle energy (LCEA) and carbon dioxide emissions (LCCO2A) assessment of roofing systems: conventional system and green roof

Julia Santiago de Matos Monteiro Lira

Rosa Maria Sposto

ABSTRACT: With the increase of urban occupation and therefore the constant need of new buildings, the concern about its environmental impacts grows recently. Thus, is demanded the research on the concept of buildings considering the economy of resources, especially energy. Green roof is an ancient alternative to reduce the effects of heat islands and global warming, providing architectural, construction, aesthetic and environmental benefits. The efficiency of thermal performance of this system is already known, however, aspects related to energy and environmental sustainable, including CO2 emissions, are still poorly studied. Therefore, the study of sustainability of this alternative of roof is necessary, considering the full life cycle of it to evaluate the energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of a green roof compared to the conventional system made of concrete slab with ceramic tile. Green roof system used in the research is the modulate type with structure in solid wood beams and closure in structural plywood sheets. The comparison will be done through the life cycle energy (LCEA) and carbon dioxide emissions (LCCO2A) analysis in the extraction and processing of raw materials, transport, construction and maintenance phases. With the research results, the green roof confirmed the reduction of CO2 emissions the life cycle, but it has a higher embodied energy than the conventional system.

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