Green Rooftops

What are they?

• Instead of covering a rooftop with shingles or leaving it exposed with concrete, covering the roof with plants and vegetation

Where can they be used?

• On any rooftop, but usually easier to install on flat roofs

What sectors commonly use them?

• High Density Residential buildings
• Residential
• Commercial

How do they work?

• Vegetation has a high natural capacity to store water

Benefits

• Retains storm water (70-90%), which a traditional roof does not
• Filters water
• Reduces heat of surrounding area as opposed to traditional, dark, heat absorbing building materials
• Makes use of typically unused space
• Decreases cost of building materials, since it reduces wear on roofing, heating, and air conditioning systems (due to improved insulation)
• Reduces smog
• Improve air quality
• Soundproofing
• Increase biodiversity, especially in urban areas

Challenges

• Need to care for the plants on the roof, which may be difficult in some locations
• Requires planning and for larger installations, some more advanced materials

Other Information

• Costs between $10-$24 per square foot depending on a wide variety of factors