Application of coastal vegetation to green roofs of residential buildings in Taiwan

Green roofs can alleviate the environmental impacts of reduced green areas resulting from rigorous urban developments. In Taiwan’s hot and crowded urban environment, green roofs are indicative of green buildings. Rooftop plants must be able to withstand harsh natural environmental conditions. Coastal vegetation has a high level of tolerance. Therefore, this study selected the seashore coastal region seashore vegetation with landscape scenic features as well as drought, wind, and temperature resistance characteristics as materials for a green roof. Based on the records and analysis of vegetation characteristics provided by the Flora and Vegetation of Taiwan, this study selected coastal hilly plants, as well as coastal beach herbaceous plants, such as plant species for green roofs in Taiwan. A 10 m × 20 m reinforced concrete flat roof structure was selected and designed as the demonstration site to present the coastal vegetation rooftop garden.