The Wide Ranging Benefits of Green Roofs

With the constant progression of urban growth and increased levels of density in cities across the world have created, and continue to create, “urban jungles”. Such a concentration of structures and people can often lead to a sense of oppression, stark, noisy, unnatural blocks of concrete and glass.

Aerial shots of cityscapes show up vast swathes of flat roof and concrete decks – empty, ugly, impermeable wasted space.

The benefits of constructing a green roof include:

• Improving the local environment by providing wildlife habitats
• Absorbing CO2, pollution and particulates from the atmosphere
• Improving sound and vibration insulation
• Improving thermal insulation
• Reducing the amount and speed of rainwater run-off by around 50% and forming part of a SUDS design
• Reducing the “heat island” effect in built-up areas and helping to improve air quality and environment
• Protecting the structure and waterproofing membrane from:
  • UV light and heat from the sun
  • impact and abrasion
  • environmental elements including extremes of temperature
  • plant and bird infestation
• Ballasting inverted waterproofing systems
• Optimising the structural footprint by:
  • Increasing space – providing new and attractive natural amenity areas
  • Adding floor space in often high-density developments
  • Adding focal points
  • Decreasing energy costs
  • The increasing value of the development
  • Properties with green roofs sell/rent faster rate than naked buildings
• Making the planning process easier
• Money-saving