Why Your Next Roof Should be Blue Roof

blue roof storm water management
“Blue roofs” are a sustainable stormwater management technique designed to mitigate urban flooding by temporarily retaining and managing rainwater that lands on rooftops. The idea is relatively new but has quickly been accepted as a viable urban flooding solution due to mounting evidence and reasoning to support their effectiveness in the real world:

Stormwater Management and Resilience: Blue roofs are designed and installed with various components such as storage tanks, flow control devices, and drainage systems to proactively detain and manage rainwater during heavy storms. This reduces the immediate flow of water into stormwater systems, alleviating the burden on municipal drainage systems and helping to prevent flash flooding. A growing number of studies have repeatedly shown this to be an effective method for urban environments.

Water Quality Improvement: In increasing cases, blue roofs are designed with features like vegetation or filtration systems that can improve the quality of the stormwater runoff by removing pollutants and similar impurities. This can benefit the overall water quality in urban areas, especially where such water may be relied on for storage and later use.

Modelling and Simulation: Researchers are using computer models and simulations to predict the performance of blue roofs in various scenarios. These models take into account factors such as rainfall patterns, roof design, and local conditions. They provide insights into how blue roofs can and have been reducing stormwater runoff and urban flooding.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of blue roofs can vary depending on the specific design, local climate, and the prevalence of other stormwater management practices. While there is mounting evidence supporting their effectiveness, ongoing monitoring and research are crucial to refine and improve their design and efficiency, and ensure they can mitigate urban flooding in various real world contexts.

Some example sources for the evidence cited.

K H Kok1, L M Sidek1, M R Z Abidin2, H Basri1, Z C Muda1 and S Beddu1 Evaluation of green roof as green technology for urban stormwater quantity and quality controls.  Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Lu, S., Zhang, P., Jin, X. et al. Nitrogen removal from agricultural runoff by full-scale constructed wetland in China. Hydrobiologia 621, 115–126
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