Green roofs can be striking sights – futuristic, beautiful and unique. It turns out that they are also great for the environment and the buildings they cover. A green roof can conserve water, save you money and be gentler to the environment. If you’re thinking of installing a green roof, here are 7 reasons why it might be the best decision you make this year:
- Energy Conservation – In the winter, you lose the most heat through your building’s roof. In the summer, roofs conduct the hottest temperatures. A green roof does a better job of regulating temperature, whether it’s through heat conduction in the summer or thermal insulation in the winter.
- Lower Bills – Say hello to lower energy bills. A green roof does a better job of reducing the amount of heat flow into and out of the surfaces it covers.
- Enhanced Stormwater Management – Stormwater can place great stress on a city or town’s sewers. But a green roof retains way more water, and slows the flow of rain. When it rains, that’s less water requiring wastewater treatment, and less water rushing into storm sewers. Your overall imprint on the city’s stormwater infrastructure is reduced.
- LEED Accreditation – The U.S. Green Building Council developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credentials to encourage green buildings. LEED compliance saves money, builds credibility for companies, and sets up an ethical framework for sustainability. If you install a green roof, you’re more likely to become LEED accredited.
- Improves Air Quality – Green roofs lower polluting air particles. Your green roof is helping to produce more oxygen, and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Numerous green roofs in one area can reduce the urban heat island effect.
- Extends Life of Roof – Roof degradation occurs for many reasons. Most frequently, roofs are worn down by intense sunlight exposure or swings in temperature that physically erode the roof and render waterproofing ineffective. The roof is less exposed to sunlight when covered in plants, and is less vulnerable to temperature changes. Plants and soil also act as fire retardants. A green roof can sometimes last up to twice as long as a non-green roof.
- Interior Sound Barrier – Soil, plants and trapped layers of air provide an effective sound barrier. Sound waves are absorbed and deflected, adding tranquility to your space.
Check out this video to see a green roof installed on a fast food restaurant in Northern California.