reclaiming
the rain
LOOKING TO THE roofTOPS
Blue, Green and Brown Roofs
The spaces on top of our homes, offices, factories and other buildings are rarely used, but with some simple changes we can make the most of these areas to help build our water resilience, along with increasing biodiversity and improving the air we breathe. These roofs reduce surface water flooding in heavy rain and storms by slowing the flow of water
GREEN ROOF
Green roofs are partially or completely covered with vegetation
Vegetation is carefully installed and maintained
They provide insulation and improve air quality
They increase biodiversity in urban areas
They Improve water quality by naturally filtering pollutants
BLUE ROOF
Blue roofs are designed to capture and control the release of rainwater into sewers, waterways and river systems
Water is temporarily stored and can be diverted to a water treatment facility before discharge
so what is rain water collection and re-use?
01. rainwater falls on the roof, collects in the gutter and travels to a water butt through a downpipe
02. diverter on the downpipe lets water fill the water butt
03. taps are fitted on the bottom of a water butt for easy reuse of the water
04. hoses can be used with small holes in them for slow water disperal in the garden
05. water butts with a slow release provide temporary storage of run off slowing the flow. it also keeps space available in the water butt in case of a storm event (with a slow release, the household is still able to use the lower part of the butt for reuse).
OTHER WAYS WE CAN RECLAIM THE RAIN
natured-based solutions
INFILTRATION STRUCTURES
let’s talk
climate change
The global problem with local consequences