1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The objective of the intervention "is simple: to transform an urban heat island through a refreshing and soothing “green canopy”—in effect, making the area a more pleasant place to live. To this end, the initiative works to educate residents about green roofs and their capacity to reduce temperatures" (Ref. 2).
Quantitative targets
It is unclear whether quantitative targets were defined prior to the launch of the project. However, Ref. 3 considers how certain plant types (epiphytes or lithophytes) were focused on for inclusion onto the green roofs, with Ref. 2 further detailing how vegetation was chosen based on its being "adapted to Brazil’s tropical climate—“plants that resist heat.”".
Ref. 2 further considers how "the research and development phase [of the project] was important", with various techniques being experimented with "to achieve the best possible results", and Ref. 3 further highlights how "given the common uses of cement or metal...the development of specific techniques and materials [were required] to allow for the growth of vegetation while keeping the overall weight low for safety".
Ref. 2 further considers how "the research and development phase [of the project] was important", with various techniques being experimented with "to achieve the best possible results", and Ref. 3 further highlights how "given the common uses of cement or metal...the development of specific techniques and materials [were required] to allow for the growth of vegetation while keeping the overall weight low for safety".
Monitoring indicators defined
The assertion that research and development of specific techniques were undertaken "to achiever the best possible results" (Ref. 2) suggests that monitoring indicators focused on the growth of vegetation and the overall weight of the roofs (Ref. 3). Ref. 3 further highlights how it was recognised that "plants growing on the green roof showed a consistent performance, as measured by various physiological parameters, compared to plants of the same species growing on the soil".
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The project focuses on "guid[ing] residents in the process of creating green roofs—from acquiring materials to building the roof. In addition, one of the initiative’s main activities is educating children in the community about the importance of respecting plants, and more broadly, the environment" (Ref. 2). Cassiano, the individual behind the project, describes how “Most children in the favela have no interaction with the forest and do not respect it… It’s a culture of destruction. We must educate them, slowly,” (Ref. 2).
Type of NBS project
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
This NBS can be considered an infrastructural intervention as it focuses on encouraging the development of green roofs within the Parque Arará favela.
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Inspiration for the project was reportedly derived from "models implemented in European countries such as Germany, where the benefits of green roofs are widely recogni[s]ed", however, whilst a similar intervention model was pursued by Cassiano and Resende, it was adapted to include vegetation which was suitable for Brazil’s tropical climate (Ref. 2).
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
