the benefits

Stormwater management/ Sustainable Urban Drainage

Green roofs act as a stormwater management device, quite simply because they replicate the open space previously at ground level. Vegetated roofs play an important role in modern urban drainage because of their ability to slow down and reduce runoff response. Unlike some other best management practices, green roofs may be able to offer controls and improvements in both the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff.

Improved insulation

Green Roofs moderate and minimise temperature variations within the building. Any heat loss or heat gain through the roof creates a demand for energy. By installing a green roof the building is better insulated. Each layer of the Green roof has an insulating effect; even the soil itself has a low insulating property. The soil and the plants absorb the energy from the sun and store it. A Green roof is more effective at reducing heat gain rather than heat loss. Therefore it is sensible to consider the benefits from an annual perspective taking into account the variance between summer and winter.

Sound insulation

The growing medium or soil substrate acts as a noise barrier and reduces the transferred noise by up to 18Db.

Moderating the Urban “heat island “ effect

In cities the buildings, pavements, car parks etc are all impervious surfaces. This can mean that on warm summer days the temperature in the city is several degrees higher than in surrounding rural areas. This is particularly noticeable at night, when urban areas take longer to cool down and the air quality is poor. Green roofs increase vegetation in urban areas .The plants cool the air and add moisture through ’evapotranspiration’ Green roofs also shade the heat absorbing surfaces, thereby reducing the albedo effect.

Improved biodiversity and ecology

Green roofs provide a habitat for birds, insects and wildlife; they replace the land lost to development. Specifically designed Green roofs can focus on providing habitats for species native to the local environment.

Improve Air Quality

Green roofs take up CO² and filter dust and pollutants from the air and also from the rainwater that they hold. This means that the quality of the runoff is improved as well as the air that we are breathing.

Reduce energy consumption

Because homes and buildings absorb the sun’s energy, heat islands can increase the demand for summertime cooling and raise energy expenditures. For every 1° F (0.6° C) increase in summertime temperature, peak utility loads in medium and large cities increase by an estimated 1.5–2.0%. On hot summer days, the surface temperature of a Green roof can be cooler than the air temperature, whereas the surface of a traditional rooftop can be up to 90°F (50°C) warmer. In Germany, studies have estimated the electricity savings to be £5.20 per m² per annum if you have a green roof.

Addressing Climate change with Sustainable roofing.

It is important to address the issues of climate change on all our current and future developments. Green roofs are best placed to deal with the potential effects of increased rain fall, and stronger and more frequent winds.

Aesthetic appeal & Psychological benefits of contact with nature

Green roofs naturally improve the outlook for the surrounding buildings. Health research has demonstrated the healing affects of nature and the general calming effects of having greenery to look out at.

Increased open space

Using the roof tops for Roof gardens, that are accessible, opens up a whole potential of open space for use as a public& recreational amenity. In towns and cities where land is at a premium roof gardens can address the needs of both housing and industry.

Aid planning applications.

The intention to install a green roof can assist and speed up a planning application, by alleviating environmental policy issues. National Planning guidance states that local authorities should promote resource & energy efficient buildings. Several councils are considering policy options for green roofs.

‘Green’ awareness

Installing green roofs is a very visual statement of environmental awareness. Green roofs can score highly on environmental business rating schemes. Everyone can make a contribution to combating climate change, by installing a Green roof.

Extending the life of the roof

When you install a Green roof, it protects the roof and the waterproofing from the degradation caused by extreme temperature fluctuations, and the effects of Ultraviolet light. This protection extends the life of the roof itself, eliminating the replacement costs and cutting down the use of resources.