Nature-based Solutions for the building system

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) applied to the building system represent a key strategy to address urban environmental challenges while improving the quality of life and guiding the planning, design and sustainable management processes of future cities. NbS play a fundamental role in the climatic and environmental balance of urban areas and are an indispensable component of the ecological transition. The integration of NbS in roofs and walls offers multiple ecosystem benefits and are fundamental tools for increasing biodiversity, climate adaptation and ecological integration of the built environment, contributing to the transition towards more resilient and liveable cities. In this chapter we analyse and present NbS for the building system with a specific focus on their indicators towards biodiversity enhancement and other societal challenges. In the case of roofs, different types of green solutions are analysed: 1) extensive green roofs, which are light and low-maintenance; 2) intensive green roofs, characterised by a greater depth of substrate and more diverse vegetation; 3) semi-intensive roofs, which combine features of both; 4) biosolar roofs, which integrate vegetation and photovoltaic panels to maximise energy yield; 5) biodiverse green roofs, designed to host native species and promote urban habitats; and finally 6) blue-green roofs, which combine water tanks and typical green roof built-up improving the water management aspect. Regarding walls, the solutions analysed include 1) green facades which consist of climbing vegetation on supports; 2) green walls which integrate modular systems with plants rooted in artificial substrates; 3) planter green walls that are systems installed in containers integrated into the building façade, and finally 4) habitat walls designed following animal life cycle and providing nests and foods. The mentioned building related NbS are synthesized in factsheets containing a) general description, b) technical and design parameters for the adequate implementation, and c) indicators for biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, and health, well-being and air quality.