Knauf Insulation Experience Center
Slovenia
Location
Škofja Loka, Slovenia
Green Roof System used
Extensive green roof: Urbanscape® Green Roof HIGH Premium
Quantity (m²)
118
Architect
Protim Ržišnik Perc d.o.o.
Photos:
KI archive and D. Bevk
Project
Research project on the diversity of pollinators on Urbanscape® Green Roof system – KIEXC Skofja Loka
The research study was performed as a collaboration between Knauf Insulation Green Solutions and the National institute of Biology, Slovenia, in 2019
Challenge
Knauf Insulation, Green Solutions, performed research on biodiversity on Urbanscape green roofs in collaboration with the National Institute of Biology, Slovenia, in 2019. The key focus of the research was to determine how Urbanscape® green roofs can contribute to pollinator abundance and diversity, as well as to determining their potential as a quality habitat in urban and industrial areas.
The research project is in harmony with the EU Pollinators Initiative which aims to improve scientific knowledge about insect pollinator decline, tackle its main known causes and strengthen collaboration between all the actors concerned.
Solution
Results show high importance of Urbanscape® green roofs for pollinators. It shows that green roofs are important not only for the domesticated honeybee and beekeeping but also in the aspects of nature and biodiversity conservation. A range of insects was found as well, including wild bees, bumblebees, hoverflies, wasps, butterflies, flies, ladybirds, beetles and moths…
The densities of pollinators were surprisingly high. The highest recorded density of pollinators investigated was 11 pollinators / m2, calculated on a typical private green roof that equates to 2,750 pollinators on a small private green roof, and calculated on our biggest green roof on a commercial building in France, it equates to almost 92,000 pollinators on a green roof – 5 small bee families (Bevk et. al, 2019).
Benefits
Green roofs with other elements of green infrastructure can further improve the natural conditions needed to sustain thriving pollinator habitats. Green infrastructure is contributing to biodiversity as it provides nature-based solutions and revitalises urban and industrial areas. Green roofs and green walls act as a refuge habitat for pollinators and allow pollinators to move and disperse within urbanised areas. Together with parks, gardens and by connecting to natural and semi-natural areas in the countryside, they support a network of pollinator habitats in the wider landscape. Regional and local authorities should be encouraged to invest in such solutions.
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