Living in Clover

The Living in Clover project explores the potential of clover (Trifolium spp.) as a versatile and sustainable option for living roofs. While traditional green roofs offer benefits like insulation and carbon capture, our research investigates how clover's unique properties can provide additional advantages for urban environments.

Why Clover?

Clover has several distinctive qualities that make it an excellent candidate for living roofs:

• Nitrogen fixation: Unlike most plants, clover can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, naturally enriching the soil without fertilizers.
• Drought tolerance: Many clover species have excellent drought resistance, requiring less irrigation than traditional green roof vegetation.
• Pollinator support: Clover flowers provide valuable nectar sources for bees and other pollinators, enhancing urban biodiversity.
• Low maintenance: Clover typically requires less maintenance than grass or other green roof options.
• Soil regeneration: At the end of its lifecycle, clover can be incorporated into the soil as green manure, contributing to circular economy principles.

Research Questions

Our research addresses several key questions:

1. How can clover-based living roofs be optimized for water retention, thermal insulation, and biodiversity enhancement?
2. What clover species or species mixes perform best in different urban roof environments?
3. Can clover living roofs be designed to function as both environmental enhancement and potential protein sources?
4. What are the technical and economic barriers to implementing clover roofs at scale?
5. How can end-of-life roof materials be repurposed as soil amendments to create a circular system?

Methodology

Our research employs a mixed-methods approach that combines:

• Experimental test plots: We've established several test roof sections with different clover species and growing medium compositions.
• Environmental monitoring: Data collection on temperature regulation, water retention, and biodiversity metrics.
• Nutrient analysis: Assessment of clover as a protein source and soil amendment.
• Economic modeling: Cost-benefit analysis and lifecycle assessment of clover roof systems.
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborative workshops with architects, planners, and building owners.