Green Roofs

Solution: Green Roofs What is a "green roof?" Partially or completely covers roof
vegetation and a growing medium
Also known as living roofs Benefits?? Provides Insulation
Keeps building cool in Summer
and Warm in Winter
Therefore efficiently managing energy Creates habitat for wildlife Most Importantly~~ Helps to lower urban air temperatures
a.k.a. "heat island effect" Traditional building materials soak up the sun's radiation and re-emit it as heat, making cities at least 7 degrees Fahrenheit (4 °C) hotter than surrounding areas. Becoming more common in cities like
Chicago, Atlanta, Portland, and other United States cities Chicago City Hall green roof
*one of the earliest and most well known
examples of a green roof in the United States Asphalt and concrete can radiate heat to dangerous levels
Heat Island Group: "costs the LA area $100 million per year in energy costs Not to mention~ Lowers the production of associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing demand for air conditioning Vegetation can also remove air pollutants and greenhouse gases A concern... Initial cost is slightly more than traditional building materials for roof
$10 - $25 per sq ft Can easily offset cost of building by reduced energy costs and the longer lifespan of green roofs compared to traditional roofs