Advantages
The Hanging Water Tank water system has multiple advantages on different scale levels. A building provided with HWT contributes to peoples health and well-being and to the image of companies. When applied to a substantial percentage of the buildings, the city itself will become a better and more safe environment. The different advantages on the scale of city, building and people are:
City
Less flooding damage, such as washed away roads and flooded cellars.
Less public space needed for surface water to retain rain water, the space is free for other public functions or allotment.
Higher economic values in the city, like productivity, health, real estate values, due to the examples mentioned.
Building
Improved quality and sustainability of roofing.
Lower energy bills by decreasing use of airconditioning and heater.
Lower bills for drinking water by increased efficient use of drinking water.
Higher economic values of real estate due to examples mentioned before.
People
Better image of companies and governments by application of HWT.
Building
Less use of airconditioning, due to the cooling effect of using water on the roof and the facade.
Less heating necessary due to extra isolation by water on the roof.
City
Reduced use of drinking water for irrigation.
Less use of sewage system by rainwater.
Decrease of unnecessary water transport to and from sewage treatment plants.
Building
Less use of drinking water by using water of roofs, which is stored under pressure. Intended use: industrial processes, cleaning and maintenance of terrains.
City
Increased resistance of the urban system against flooding during heavy showers.
Higher safety level underground, for example in tunnels.
Building
Increased fire safety by omnipresence of water.
City
Increased control of ground water level.
Prevention of dehydration and improvement of retention capacity in soil due to control of rainwater drainage.
Improved water level control in rivers: rainwater can be used to raise the water level and increase passing of ships.
People
Visible water system has educational values.
Improved ambiance higher social security level by increase of public involvement in urban space.
Contributing to a sustainable way of living for the future of the world gives a good feeling.
City
Prevent loss of ecological values by overflow of polluted sewage water to surface water.
Improve ground water quality, decrease pollution and salinization.
City vegetation can grow the natural way, without additional irrigation.
Increase biodiversity by improving the quality of vegetational areas.
Building
Intensive Green Roof provides a building with additional ecological value: the roof garden is a functional space.
City
Better air quality due to more vegetation in public space.
Decrease of urban heat island effect.
Building
Better indoor environment.
People
Less indoor outdoor temperature shocks by combination of decrease of urban heat island effect and reduction of airconditioning use.
City
Increased amenity due to expanding natural areas in the city.
Building
Intensive Green Roof and U-block facade offer extra spatial quality for the building: a roof garden is a new living area, the green facade increases the amenity of the building.
People
Comfortable surroundings due to increased amount of vegetation in the neighborhood.