The effect of vegetative (green) covered roofs on energy load in regions with different climate characteristics

In addition to the rapid population growth, the migration from rural settlements to urban areas has also increased the number of buildings in urban areas. As a result, urban regions now require more energy. It is stated that the energy consumed by buildings in these areas corresponds to 32% of the energy consumed in the world, and one-third of greenhouse gas emissions are provided by residences. On the other hand, it is reported that in our country, the energy consumed by residences is 20%, and 22% of electricity consumption occurs in residences. It has been emphasized that 60% of the energy consumed in residences is used for heating. Heating and cooling loads constitute a significant part of the energy consumption in residences. In this context, many researchers are making efforts to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling purposes in residences. One of these efforts is to cover the vertical facades and roofs of buildings with vegetative cover. With this application, as well as reducing the heating and cooling load, an active role is taken in limiting global warming by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions provided by residences. In this study, the heating and cooling load performances of traditional and 5, 10, and 15 cm soil layer vegetated roofs were compared in Mersin, Ordu, Ankara and Kayseri provinces located in the first, second, third and fourth-degree day zones. The TSE 825 calculation method and the cooling load temperature difference method (CLTD) were used to estimate the heating load and cooling load, respectively. The highest heating load gain with vegetated roof application in Mersin, Ordu, Ankara and Kayseri provinces was 7.83, 6.72, 1.58, and 4.72%, respectively. For these provinces, the maximum daily cooling load gain with vegetated roof application was 1.12%, 0.71, 0.36 and 0.28%, respectively.