Developing building roofs as an entry point to a sustainable economy (Case study: Jannah residence in New Damietta)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Faculty of Engineering at Horus University in Egypt

Abstract

Building rooftops are an integral part of a building's envelope, and their environmentally conscious use stands out as a prominent practice aimed at achieving sustainability in buildings globally. The research problem emerges from the fact that cities in Egypt, especially coastal areas such as Damietta, suffer from a lack of green spaces, negatively impacting the environment, human health, and contributing to pollution, climate change, and global warming. Health issues in buildings are further exacerbated by inadequate thermal comfort for residents on top floors, leading to the sick building syndrome. The proposed rooftop solution contributes to energy savings through improved thermal insulation quality. Additionally, the model proposed in this study enhances environmentally friendly sanitation systems for water usage and recycling, supporting the growth of pesticide-free edible plants and healthy fish consumption. The problem also lies in the lack of utilizing residential rooftops for plant cultivation, fish farming, or solar cells, depriving residents of numerous sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits

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