نقش تنوع گونه‌های گیاهی بام سبز در بهینه‌سازی مصرف انرژی: مطالعه موردی مدرسه شکوه بابل

The increasing global demand for energy consumption and the depletion of non-renewable resources have made energy optimization in various sectors, particularly in public buildings such as educational institutions, a critical challenge for sustainable development. Educational buildings, due to their extensive and continuous use of heating, cooling, and lighting systems, account for a significant share of energy consumption. In this context, green roofs have emerged as a sustainable and innovative solution, capable of reducing thermal loads, enhancing insulation, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This technology not only contributes to energy conservation but also promotes a healthier environment and reduces the urban heat island effect, thereby supporting environmental sustainability. However, the impact of plant species diversity on the energy efficiency of green roofs, particularly in temperate and humid climates, has received relatively little attention. This study aims to investigate the effect of different green roof plant species on energy consumption and environmental sustainability in a temperate and humid climate, with a focus on a school building in the city of Babol. The primary objective is to identify optimal plant species for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in educational buildings.

To achieve this goal, DesignBuilder software was employed as an advanced tool for simulating energy performance. This software enables precise analysis of thermal loads and energy consumption under various conditions. In this study, four plant species—Sedum, Creeping Thyme, Crassula, and Frankenia—were selected and evaluated against a baseline scenario (without a green roof). These species were chosen for their adaptability to temperate and humid climates, resilience to environmental conditions, and thermal insulation capabilities. The simulations included analyses of energy consumption for heating, cooling, and total energy use in the building. Additionally, the impact of these species on roof surface temperature and carbon emissions was assessed.

The simulation results revealed that Sedum exhibited the best performance among the studied species, achieving a 17.7% reduction in total energy consumption (equivalent to 25,651 kWh), a 17.8% reduction in cooling energy, and a 17.4% reduction in heating energy. This performance can be attributed to Sedum’s unique characteristics, such as its high moisture retention and thermal insulation properties. In contrast, Frankenia demonstrated a significant 28.7% reduction in heating energy consumption, making it a suitable option for colder seasons. Crassula and Creeping Thyme achieved reductions of 17.2% and 17.3% in total energy consumption, respectively, indicating satisfactory but less effective performance compared to Sedum. From an environmental perspective, the use of Sedum reduced the roof surface temperature to 20.11°C and decreased carbon emissions by 7.5% (equivalent to 29,984 kg). This reduction in carbon emissions contributes to improved environmental quality and mitigates the adverse effects of global warming.

This study, focusing on a temperate and humid climate, provides practical and actionable solutions for designing green roofs in educational settings. The findings demonstrate that selecting appropriate plant species, particularly Sedum, can significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability. These results can serve as a guide for architects, engineers, and policymakers in designing sustainable buildings. It is recommended that future research explore the combined effects of plant species and complementary technologies, such as smart irrigation systems, to further enhance the efficiency of green roofs.