Green roofs consist of living plants installed on top of conventional roofs. Properly designed, green roofs are stable, living ecosystems that replicate many of the processes found in nature while providing economic, environmental and social benefits to a companies and communities. Prevelant in Europe for decades, green roofs are starting to catch on in the U.S.
Today’s Novelty. Tomorrow’s Standard.
Companies and communities are looking for ways to become more environmentally friendly. Green roofs provide an easy, compelling and visible solution.
Green roofs are a natural fit with the move toward LEED certified buildings, so they will be ubiquitous in the near future. An additional benefit is that green roofs cost less to install than other energy efficient systems. They can be included as part of new construction or retrofitted to existing buildings.
Typically, a green roof consists of a layer of soil and a drainage layer, applied directly to a roofing membrane.
Economic Benefits
Extends the life of the roof
Plants and soil act as a protective shield from the sun, rain and wind.
This means no U.V. radiation/photo degradation of roofing components and Minimal thermal contraction and expansion which can double and in some cases triple the roof life.
Reduces energy costs
The evapotranspirative effect of the plants and four inches of growing medium typically reduces indoor temperatures 6 to 8 degrees during warm/hot weather and can reduce air-conditioning costs 25 to 50 percent in single story buildings. This not only allows for ongoing cost savings but an initial reduction in the size of the required air conditioning equipment.
Reduced roof maintenance costs
Because of the protective nature of green roofs, there is no longer a need to resurface a roof every 3-5 years.
Provides Tax Credits
Green roofs score points with city planners and government officials. This is oftentimes rewarded with zoning that allows for more intensive development. Building with green roofs may also receive tax credits or municipal grants.
Environmental & Social Benefits
Reduces Environmental Impact
Green roofs reclaim green space which in turn increases the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere. Green roofs also reduce the impact of each new building on the municipal storm drainage system and su
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
The urban heat island effect is the temperature difference between urban areas and their rural surroundings. The temperature differential causes air currents and dust, and even contributes to violent weather events within urban settings.
Water Conservation/Reduction of Storm Water Runoff
The soil in green roof systems acts like a sponge and absorbs excess rain water. Research has shown that extensive green roof systems can reduce runoff by up to 95% following a 1” rain. Green roofs reduce the impact of each new building on the municipal storm drainage system and surrounding watershed.
Improved Green Image
Many consumers are becoming more selective in who they’ll do business with. Green roofs are visible evidence that you stand behind your sustainability commitment.
Green roofs are much better looking than asphalt or tar. Natural views create more productive, healthy, happy, creative, relaxed people. Green roofs expand the usefulness of buildings via patios, gardens and vistas.
More Attractive Than Tar
Green roofs beautify the urban landscape and are more attractive to look at.
About Green Roofs:
Green roofs not only help to improve the environment, but they can help your bottom line as well. Contact us for a cost/benefit analysis.