Why Green Roof?

With all the expense, preparation and planning required for a green roof, even before the arrival of the flatbed trailer truck and crane required to install it on our 10-bay carport, it is worth asking, “Why?” 

Green roofs, also sometimes called ‘eco-roofs’, consist of a waterproofing membrane, growing medium (soil) and vegetation (plants) overlying a traditional roof. They are used to achieve environmental benefits including reducing stormwater runoff, energy use, and the heat island effect. An irrigation system helps it to get started, but over time, the low-maintenance and drought-resistant succulents will require little attention.

More detailed reasons from Emory Knoll Farms: 

Stormwater Management – Green roofs help mitigate the problems caused by increased impermeable surfaces in built-up areas that change the natural flow of rainwater. 

Longer Life for the Roof Membrane – A green roof will protect the roof membrane from the damaging UV light of the sun. Instead of replacing a roof in 15 years, it may not need to be replaced for 30 years +. 

Mitigation of the Urban Heat Island Effect – Heavily built urban areas store more heat than natural areas. This can cause public health and comfort issues as well as costly increased energy consumption. Green roofs can help reduce this effect.

Biodiversity and habitat – Green roofs can increase biodiversity and create habitat in areas that are not usually hospitable to pollinators, birds, or other wildlife.

Amenity and Aesthetics – Can provide better views from other buildings, overlooking the roof. At Green Grove, it will also help provide insulation for the ten storage units constructed below it (one for each household and one shared by all).