Green Roofs - Not Just For Commercial Buildings

April 29, 2008 by Christiane · Leave a Comment

Green roofs are finally catching on in North America. These roof have been widely used for more than two decades all over Europe, in both commercial buildings as well as residential homes. They can make a major contribution to reducing heat islands in town and cities, as well as provide fabulous places to relax and enjoy the view, even in downtown areas.

Green Roof In Downtown Chicago Green Roof On The Downtown Chicago City Hall
(credit: Katrin Scholz-Barth)

Green roofs require slightly sloped to flat roofs. Soil is placed on top of a water-proof membrane and locally appropriate vegetation is planted. The soil and vegetation of the green roof provide additional insulating value and shading for the building.

Plants also naturally absorb CO2, which is the main contributor to global warming.

Earth berm homes have green roofs, since these types of homes are built into a sloped ground. And these types homes have been around in the US for many years now.

Green architecture can incorporate a flat roof for either optimal location of solar collectors or to feature a green roof.

Plants grown on green roofs can range from grass (sedum, a hardy grass) to bushes and even small trees. The growing depth is the determining factor as to what plants can be grown on a green roof. The more and bigger the plants that are grown, the heavier the load and the stronger the roof structure. Which means more materials used. That in turn is not necessarily in alignemnt with building eco-friendly homes. So chosing the plants that you’d want to grow must take the roof structure into consideration.

Why a Green Roof?

Green roofs serve several purposes:

- Reduced air pollution
- Reduced rainwater run-off
- In cities/towns: reduced heat islands, therefore reduce cooling requirements
- Add areas in the cities where people can spend time in nature

Reduced air pollution and reduced water run-off are the two benefits of green roofs that apply to individual residential green homes.

Green roofs require an architecture with a flat roof. Ideally, this green roof is easily accessible to be used as a patio. Growing an herb garden and/or some sun-loving vegetables on a green roof can be additional benefits. A roof garden, especially one with an unobstructed view, can become your favorite place.

Roof gardens also give home owners in cities with small house lots an opportunity to have some greenery and relax outside, surrounded by nature.

An entire neighborhood with homes featuring green roofs will have a big positive impact on the environment. And it is also esthetically pleasing, I think.

Today, MSNBC.com had a front page article on the increasing popularity of green roofs. And at the end of April, a 3-day conference will be held in Baltimore, MD about green roofs.

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