Green Roofs

Green Roofs are also known as Vegetated Roofs,
Eco-roofs or Living Roofs. 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. Green roofs have been recorded in history as early as 600 BC – the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In most cities, roofs account for 40-50% of the impermeable surface area.1

This white paper presents a summary of the following:

•   The research being done on green roofs
•   The requirements and design features for successful plantings
•   The best practices for designing, building and maintaining these systems
•   The financial and economic benefits
•   General costs of the systems
•   And the positive effects of green roofs on the environment and the community.

  This paper will also present the differences present in various green roof systems and how those systems are appropriate for differing needs.