Fire safety on green roofs: analysis of plant species and sustainable solutions for the Brazilian context.
such as thermal comfort, reduction of urban heat islands, energy efficiency and promotion of sustainable development. However, their implementation brings challenges, especially with regard to fire safety, since plants can increase the fire risk and spread due to their flammability and interaction with other building materials. This article investigates fire safety in buildings with green roofs, focusing on the conditions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research analyzes plant characteristics, such as density, moisture content and leaf structure, which directly affect their combustibility. Dry plants with volatile compounds have a higher flammable potential, while those with thick leaves and higher moisture content are more fire resistant. The study proposes guidelines to mitigate fire risks, suggesting the use of plants with low flammability, such as succulents and woody shrubs, in addition to the implementation of efficient irrigation systems. The article also recommends that green building projects should consider adequate safety measures, such as the careful selection of plant species, to ensure that the sustainability of green roofs does not compromise fire safety, offering a solution that combines environmental benefits and risk protection.
Authors
- João Paulo C. Rodrigues
- Lais Alves (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0543-2374)
Publication Details
- Journal
- CIB Conferences
- Published
- 2025-06-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7771/3067-4883.1936
- Primary Topic
- Urban Arborization and Environmental Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais
- Ministério da Educação
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais