Green Roofs Literal Meaning

These trendy roofs bring a new literal meaning to the word cool as a recent study from the energy and buildings journal suggests that white roofs are up to three times more effective than green roofs at fighting climate change.

Green roofs literal meaning.

A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane it may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. Traditional black roofs absorb heat and lead to the overall increase of the city s temperature known as the urban heat island effect. They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive. Green roofs have traditionally been categorised as extensive or intensive.

The initial expense of green rooftops often turns away prospective clients. Extensive green roofs are lightweight with a shallow layer of growing substrate of less than 200 mm deep requiring minimal maintenance. Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs. They generally have lower water requirements and use small low growing plant species particularly succulents.

Some green roofs incorporate urban agriculture and include herbs and vegetables that can be harvested for use by the building s occupants or the community. Because green roofs require professional design careful structural analysis and multiple layers and systems even extensive green roofs usually start at 8 per square foot significantly more expensive than the 1 25 per square foot for built up roofs burs source.