Grasses, shrubs, moss, and trees are things you’d normally only find on the ground. Now, however, cities are starting to see the many benefits of bringing all that greenery up to the rooftops of buildings. From reduced energy usage and sustainability to aesthetic improvements and stormwater management, green roofs offer many advantages.
Roofs account for almost 20-25% of urban surface areas. Green roofs are a key piece of a sustainable future, and these are some reasons why.
Green Roofs and Energy Savings
Many roofs are poorly insulated, especially in older buildings. Green roofs add an extra layer of insulation to buildings, which can increase the efficiency of air conditioning and heating and make the building more energy efficient. This both reduces costs and benefits the environment! The National Research Council of Canada found that extensive green roofing lowered the energy requirements for air conditioning in the summer by over 75%.
Green Roofs for Temperature Control
Not only are green roofs great for keeping buildings cool in the summer, but they are also excellent heat insulators in the winter. The plant life on the roof uses a process called evapotranspiration to keep buildings cooler: this process uses heat from the air to evaporate water on the rooftop. In the winter, the extra insulation prevents heat from escaping upwards and keeping it in the building. This temperature control is great for energy efficiency and costs.
Green Roofs for Stormwater Management
Plants provide a natural way to manage stormwater. Green roofs are able to absorb water into the soil and plant life until it can be returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation, and they’re capable of reducing stormwater runoff by over 25%. With changing climates and unpredictable weather combined with urbanization, the risk of flooding increases with every downpour. When done right, green roofs are an optimal green infrastructure option for stormwater management and flood reduction.
Green Roofs for Beauty
There’s a reason people flock to nature, whether they’re visiting local gardens and parks or heading out into the wilderness. Greenery is beautiful, and green roofs are no exception. Green roofs are gaining popularity around the world, both for their environmental benefits and their beauty.
Are you ready to build yours?