The roof of a logistics property

In the past, the roof's sole function was to protect against the weather and its impermeability to water is a quality feature as well as a cost factor after many years of use, which can reach a considerable level if a total replacement is necessary. The right choice of materials, correct processing and ongoing maintenance can significantly extend the service life. Monitoring systems can make a valuable contribution here. 

But the roof can do much more: 

🔴 it can generate electricity with the help of solar panels and wind rotors,

🔴 it can collect rainwater,

🔴 it can contribute to biodiversity through greening and

🔴 it can provide parking space.

The electricity generated can currently be consumed in the building itself, fed into the public grid or sold via electric charging stations. However, this only works in times of sun and wind. When installing solar panels, a roof load of up to 60 kg/m² must be provided.

Electricity can be stored in batteries and could also be converted by electrolysis and stored as hydrogen. Spring loaded accumulators could also be used, which use energy to generate a spring force that can be called up at different times. The water tower principle could also be used by pumping water upwards and using gravity to drive a generator. All storage options are currently either very expensive or not yet sufficiently developed. #WarehouseAsAPowerbank

Collecting rainwater relieves the burden on the public sewage system, especially during heavy rainfall, which has occurred more frequently in the recent past, and also forms a reserve for phases of prolonged drought, which have also occurred more frequently in the recent past. The stored water can also be used to store energy, as described above. However, this requires considerable capacity in the form of water tanks. #WarehouseAsAWaterBuffer

Green roofs provide thermal insulation in winter and act as a heat shield in summer. Green roofs store rainwater, slowly evaporate it again and provide permanent habitats for animals and plants that need resting, feeding, nesting and breeding opportunities. They also increase the efficiency of PV systems. Green roofs filter out fine dust and air pollutants as well as CO2, which are bound in the substrate, broken down and absorbed by the plants. The roof loads must be designed for up to 200 kg/m². #Warehouse4Biodiversity

The roof surface can also be used for parking spaces - with appropriate ramps - but leisure facilities such as a soccer pitch are also conceivable and have already been realized. This eliminates the need to seal the area. #Warehouse2ZNLT

Author: Thomas Dr. Steinmüller

Afilog Diana Diziain Claude SAMSON Vincent Kirklar Maryne Gouhier BMI Group Damien SOLER WIND my ROOF Antoine LE BART Antoine Brichot WarehouseAsAPowerbank WarehouseAsAWaterBuffer Warehouse4Biodiversity Warehouse2ZNLT Servane Haycraft Solutiance Jonas Enderlein Uwe Brodtmann brandgroup Björn Schroer