Green roofs can boost energy efficiency and benefit the environment

Green roofs can save people money on energy bills and benefit the environment at the same time, according to property management company FirstPort.

Also known as a living roof, you can make a green roof by partially or fully covering the top of a building with self-sustaining vegetation, such as moss, grass, sedum or small flowers.

Usually found on large residential developments in cities, they can promote wildlife, boost the environment and minimise carbon emissions.

According to FirstPort’s Sustainability manager, Christian Phipps, green roofs are also a great source of insulation which could help to combat the cost of living crisis: ‘Green roofs are not only good for the winter by offering an extra layer of insulation to keep heat in a building but conversely, they can also cool buildings in the summer and reduce urban heat islands.

‘Plants also naturally absorb harmful pollutants, which some studies have linked to some 40,000 early deaths in the UK a year, so there’s clearly health benefits too. And if green roofs can also help to reduce the cost of living in any way, then it’s a win-win.

‘We want and will be looking to create more green roofs, or even green walls which are better for air purification and cooling at a ground level.’

FirstPort have already put this measure into practice on one development, Greenland Place in Lewisham with 700 apartments, workspace, retail space and a self-sustaining green roof terrace.

Development Manager George Proctor believes the space is beneficial to mental health and sees it as an effective measure for warming the building.

He said: ‘It reinsulates the building and gives you another six inches of insulation material, so it keeps the heat in the building. There are so many benefits, and it is so low maintenance.’

In related news, a report by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has warned the government must reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry if net zero targets are to be met.

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