For the project H2pOweRietland has built a combination of different types of reed fields in an urban environment. Because there is little space in an urban environment, an aerated reed field was built underground (Phytoparking) and a drainage field on the roof. The Phytoparking which dates back to 2018, treats the wastewater of 40 employees on a surface of 2 parking spaces (25m²). The purified wastewater is then pumped to the roof where it is post-treated in a flow field or bankside plant roof. Via this FACTSHEET H2pOwer find more information about the water cycle at building level.
Through subsidies from VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), the water quality was investigated by the University of Ghent. VITO was called in to draw up an energy balance. After all, 3 green roofs of 50m² were installed on the roof of the office building: extensive green roof, intensive green roof and bankside plant roof. With thermographic photos and sensors, the impact of the various green roofs on cooling the environment in the summer and the benefits for the indoor climate in the building throughout the year is investigated.
The H2pOwer project looks at the benefits of natural solutions with a focus on circular water use and energy and investigates why these solutions are difficult to gain acceptance in the construction sector. Look at these video for a brief introduction.
