Buildings that breathe: Green roofs as a beautifully beneficial system

“Will the roofs of new buildings be vegetated? If not, why not?”

-Tom Turner. Landscape designer

Green roofs have existed in some form throughout history, either by choice or due to the nature of certain dwellings which were carved into the landscape for insulation of structural purposes. But in the modern age, it has become more of a way to replenish the resources we have so greedily depleted and to ease some of the problems which buildings may bring to their landscape. The technology of green roofs has advanced to the point where a building is able to provide its own mini ecosystem, as is the case in The California Academy of Science in San Francisco California.

PIONEERS OF GREEN: Scandinavian green roofs have existed for centuries

Scandinavia is known for being one of the first places with extensive green roof practices. Sod roofs were born out of a necessity to insulate in this historically cold region. The thick layer of soil and local plants was a super effective and safe way to retain heat with a gorgeous aesthetic. Some of these buildings are still in existence and have essentially become one with their surroundings.

GREEN ROOFS OF TODAY: Environmental problems trigger solutions

New Zealand is a great example of a country who has fully recognized the problems that buildings can cause. Interestingly, one one of the major contributors of increased temperatures in our cities is the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI) As we replace virgin soil with a building, the entire building, particularly the roof act as mirrors which reflect existing heat. Large cities are significantly hotter than they need to be because of bare roofs and poor design practice.New Zealand has made it mandatory for every new large building to have a green roofs, and in some cases, green walls.

Green roofs have many benefits, not only for reducing the temperature of our cities, but for energy conservation as well. Below Is a list of some benefits:

BENEFITS OF GREEN ROOFS

Reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI) . Plants absorb heat and also release cooling though evaporation.

Cleaner Air. Plants not only provide us with more oxygen, but they capture dust particles from the air.

Storm-water management. In events of heavy rainfall, typical roofs create toxic runoff due to the mechanical systems typically places on those roofs. Increased runnoff also damages a building over time. Green roof absorb this water and slow down the process. Also, water can be filtered through the green roof and processed in a water treatment space within the building.

Replacing lost space. Roofs are usually wasted space. The ground we build on remains suffocated below the building. Green roofs create more usable space, mainly on large buildings and skyscrapers, which can be used by the public. Residential green roofs can also double as a private garden.

Energy Efficiency. Insulation provided by green roofs greatly reduces the need to use air conditioning and heating systems. In the long term, savings are in the thousands.

Fire Retardation. One of the least talked about benefits is the fact that a green roof will make a building burn more slowly and possibly even aid in stopping the fire depending on the magnitude and source.

Reduction of Electromagnetic Radiation. Amazingly so, green roofs have the potential to reduce cancer causing radiation.

Noise Reduction. Green roofs, coupled with green walls are excellent sound barriers. The use of plants as a sound barrier is often used in large landscape architecture projects near busy streets and freeways.

Urban Agriculture. The capability to grow vegetables, spices and herbs is a huge benefit of green roofs. In some cases, even fruit trees can be planted. This impressive conceptual rendering shown below, illustrates a retirement home plan with gardening capabilities.

A more private gardening solution

Increased aesthetic.

If you were to tell me these are not beautiful buildings, we have a problem :) Green roofs are so attractive, they increase the market value of any building significantly.

OKAY, TIME FOR SOME EYE CANDY.

IN CONCLUSION, GREEN ROOFS SIMPLY KICK ASS.