The Benefits of Green Roofing

GREEN ROOF BENEFITS A green roof is the extension of an existing roof thatincludes a water proofing and roof repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and several plants PUBLIC BENEFITS AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT Green roofing has long been promoted as a strategy for beautifying the environment WASTE DIVERSION Green roofs contribute to landfill diversion by prolonging the life of the associated materials STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Water is stored and used by the plants, retaining 70-90% of water that falls on them V MODERATION OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT Due to the daily dew and evaporation cycle, plants cool cities during hot summers IMPROVED AIR QUALITY Plants on the roof capture airborne pollutants, filter noxious gases and reduce CO2 PRIVATE BENEFITS V ENERGY EFFICIENCY The National Research Council of Canada found that a green roof reduced AC energy by 75% INCREASED ROOFING MEMBRANE DURABILITY A green roof reduces the exposure of waterproofing membranes to outside weather conditions FIRE RETARDATION Green roofs have a lower burning heat load than a conventional roof and follow local fire codes NOISE REDUCTION An extensive green roof can reduce outside noise by 40 decibels REDUCTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION Green roofs are capable of reducing electromagnetic radiation penetration by 99.4% www.ESSENTIALFLATROOFING.COM Sources: http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/greenroofbenefits http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/aboutgreenroofs