GREEN ROOFS

Green roofs are roofs that are partially or fully covered with plants, ranging from lightweight grasses to full gardens and trees. Green roofs filter, absorb, and store rain before it falls to the ground. Green roofs usually include plants in a layer of special soil on top of structural components such as waterproof membranes, insulation, and geofabrics. This design helps to improve water quality, reduce runoff, prevent flooding, and reduce flows to sewers and storm drains. Green roofs can also provide better building insulation to reduce the energy needed to heat and cool buildings. Green roofs planted with trees can also increase shade, which decreases the heat in areas that have less trees and more pavement and concrete.