TELHADO VERDE: APLICAÇÕES SUSTENTÁVEIS

Abstract

This integrative review addresses the use of green roofs as a sustainable strategy to mitigate environmental impacts in urban areas. Urban expansion and the consequent soil impermeabilization contribute to the intensification of urban heat islands, increased surface runoff, and environmental degradation, demanding solutions that integrate ecosystems into built spaces. A green roof consists of a vegetative cover applied over buildings, composed of structural layers including waterproofing, root barrier, drainage, substrate, and vegetation. It can be classified as extensive, semi-intensive, or intensive, depending on soil depth and vegetation complexity. The analyzed studies indicate that this technique provides significant benefits, including thermal regulation, reduced energy consumption, rainwater retention, air quality improvement, biodiversity enhancement, and urban aesthetic appreciation. Hydrological simulations demonstrate efficiency in reducing surface runoff, while thermal measurements show decreased heat gains and losses in buildings. However, the adoption of this system presents limitations, such as high initial costs and the need for periodic maintenance. Municipal laws and incentives in Brazil have promoted the implementation of green roofs, reinforcing their role as a sustainable engineering tool and an instrument for enhancing urban resilience and quality of life.