Chris Schwarz, graduate student, will defend his master's degree thesis at 9 a.m., April 20 in Hardin Hall, Room 901.
Schwarz's thesis is titled, "Green Roof Energy Balances for Native Grasses and Sedum." His advisers are Ken Hubbard and Betty Walter-Shea.
Abstract:
Green roofs offer a possible solution to reduce urban heat island effects caused by urbanization. Conventional green roofs use sedum for plant cover; however, native species are being considered as an alternative cover. More information is needed to understand the potential of native species for green roof use. This study was conducted from July 2013 through October 2013 to quantify the energy balance components and the microclimate for native grasses and sedum on a Midwestern green roof. The results provide evidence that native species are an appropriate choice for Midwest green roof use.