What Are the Benefits of Green Roofs?

Green roofs, sometimes called living roofs or sedum roofing, are rooftops that are partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane. Green roofs provide a variety of environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits that make them a popular sustainable building option.

Key Environmental Benefits of Green Roofs

One of the main advantages of green roof systems is that they provide various environmental benefits, especially in urban areas.

• They help to improve air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants like nitrous oxide and particulate matter. Additionally, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is beneficial for the environment. 
• Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff by 50-90%, lowering the burden on drainage systems. The vegetative covering helps to absorb and retain rainfall.
• By covering rooftops with plants, green roofs significantly cool surrounding areas in summer, which helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• They provide habitat and food sources to attract pollinators and wildlife to cities, increasing biodiversity.

Energy Saving Potential

In addition to eco-friendly benefits, green roof systems offer excellent insulation for buildings, leading to energy savings.

• Green roof layers protect the roof membrane from temperature fluctuations and UV damage. This insulation regulates indoor temperatures.
• Owners can save on costs for heating and air conditioning due to the improved insulation.
• One study showed energy demand lowered by over 75% for cooling and reduced heat loss by over 90% in winter.

Aesthetic and Economic Benefits

Beyond environmental and energy impacts, sedum roofing offers aesthetic enhancement and financial benefits:

• They make urban areas more visually appealing by adding swathes of greenery to rooftops. This softens the harsh lines of buildings.
• Green roofs provide additional outdoor living space to enjoy. This is especially true for flats and apartments.
• They can reduce outside noise by up to 20 decibels, creating more peaceful spaces.
• Green roof systems can increase the lifespan of the underlying waterproof membrane by 2 to 3 times by protecting it from UV radiation and extreme temperatures.
• They have been shown to boost property values. One study found a sales premium of over 16% for homes with green roofs.

Things To Consider Before Installing Green Roofs

While very beneficial, it's important to note that green roofs have higher upfront installation costs and require routine maintenance. The roof structure must be able to bear the additional weight load of soil, vegetation, and drainage components. Proper underlying waterproofing is also crucial.

Green roofs are an eco-friendly way to enhance buildings with natural beauty, sustainability benefits, and financial rewards. If you’re considering a green roof, be sure to check out our guides and tips section for more detailed information on costs, installation, and maintenance. It’s a great resource to help you make an informed decision about this eco-friendly option.