Design frequently involves a series of tradeoffs to obtain the “optimal” solution to a design problem. Green roofs have many different characteristics based on a variety of variables. Designers typically weigh the impacts of these characteristics in an implicit process based on intuition or past experience. But since vegetated roofing is a relatively complex and comparatively new technology to ...

The built environment contributes around half of total greenhouse gas emissions and with 87% of residential buildings that we will have by 2050 already built, it is vital to adopt sustainable retrofitting practices. The question is: what are the viable solutions? One answer may be green roof retrofitting. The environmental benefits include reduced operational carbon emissions, reduced urban hea...

Green roofs are used worldwide to mitigate the impacts of extensive urbanization, bringing benefits on social, economic, and environmental levels. In order promote facilitate construction green by private investors, many countries have developed specific legislative requirements incentives. However, there still where is not properly addressed in legislation, no incentive mechanisms developed.&a...

This paper addresses green roof maintenance in Mediterranean areas. A field survey is presented, describing building and roof systems of eleven case studies in Portugal, anomalies, causes and maintenance actions. The most affected system components were the vegetation layer, followed by the drainage system, substrate and paths. All inspected green roofs have regular maintenance, mainly concerni...

The application of phase change materials (PCMs) in green buildings has been increasing rapidly. PCM applications in green buildings include several development models. This paper briefly surveys the recent research and development activities of PCM technology in building applications. Firstly, a basic description of phase change and their principles is provided; the classification and applicat...

INTRODUCTION Two patients (one with neurofibromatosis type 1) presented with unilateral ocular pulsation. METHODS A CT scan of the orbits revealed extensive dysgenesis of the orbital roof with herniation of the frontal lobe into the orbit in both cases. PASCAL dynamic contour tonometry was performed. RESULTS The ipsilateral ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) was greater than the contralateral sid...

An easy usable system for the semi automatic acquisition of detailed D building descriptions from a multitude of images is provided This approach tackles robustly and e ciently most of the problems of D building reconstruction namely occlusions inverse mapping and noise The D modeling is based on Con structive Solid Geometry CSG and various automated and supporting tools Our experiences on the ...