It's not just for hobbits anymore. The logic of green roofs is becoming more apparent. We can minimize our bills while maximizing the beauty of the urban landscape. And every day it's becoming a little easier to live in a house that just happens to have plants growing on it.
Vegetated roofs, or green roofs have a layer of living plants on top of the structure and the waterproofing elements. There are really two types of green roofs, intensive and extensive.
Intensive green roofs often have a soil depth of a foot or more, and
require substantial structural elements to support the weight of the
whole roof. Intensive roofs can sustain a wide range of plant species
and typically require a fair amount of regular maintenance. Because of
the additional demands they impose, intensive
roofs are much less common
than extensive roofs.
Extensive roofs are much shallower, typically only 2 to 4 inches deep, and are planted with particularly hardy plants. Over the last 50 years or so, this kind of roof has been developed, especially in Europe,. But now they are becoming increasingly common in the United States.
Why are green roofs such a great idea?
First, they help to reduce roof
stormwater runoff. In some cases, this can help reduce the size of
stormwater pipes, and the amount of stormwater that needs to be
treated by municipal water treatment. In a light rainfall, a building
with a vegetated roof can have no stormwater runoff at all.
Green roofs also protect the roof membrane from sunlight, which breaks down the roofing material. Having even a couple inches of soil helps to greatly extend the life of the roof, and a longer lifespan means less material ends up in landfills from re-roofing buildings after the membranes have failed.
Green roofs keep the roof cooler, which helps to reduce the heat-island effect, which contributes to cities being hotter than the surrounding countryside. This can be beneficial to the building in reducing its summertime cooling load.
A green roof is also a source of oxygen and provides a habitat for some birds. Birds and insects can find homes much more readily in the living environment of a green roof, where an ordinary roof is nearly barren. And yes, it's even possible to graze goats.
What is a green roof made of?
Starting from the top, an extensive green roof has a layer of plants,
which are typically sedums. These are low-growing, shallow rooting,
drought tolerant plants. There are many different varieties of sedum,
with different different coloration and different flowerings, so that a
roof can have a varied appearance, rather than looking like an entire
crop of a single variety. The plants are in a growth medium, an
engineered mixture of lightweight soils, vermiculite, and other
materials that provides a good environment for the sedum.
The shallow depth of the soil aids in keeping weeds from establishing themselves on the roof, since most weeds cannot survive in the arid and shallow soil conditions on a vegetated roof. Local plants that can survive in that environment may establish themselves on the roof, as well. Underneath the soil are several membrane layers, rather than just a single membrane roof. There is also a drainage layer (to allow excess water to move freely, rather than lifting the soil and having it flow off the roof in a mudslide, and a root barrier layer, which keeps the roots from penetrating the roof. The roof membrane sits on the roof deck, insulation, or structure of the building much like a conventional roof.
Can I put a green roof on my house?
Green roofs make sense for residential use as much as for commercial
buildings. However, retrofitting a green roof onto an existing house is not a
simple matter because of the extra weight a vegetated roof adds. Most
roofs are not structurally strong enough to support a vegetated roof
without some reinforcement. Green roofs also work best on lower slopes.
They can be installed on steeper pitched roofs, but the design and
installation is more difficult and requires additional care.
The added cost of a vegetated roof versus a conventional shingle roof, and the relatively small number of contractors familiar with installing them are probably the biggest limiting factors. A house with a suitably pitched roof would still likely need structural evaluation from an architect or engineer before going ahead with a retrofit, and some structural reinforcement is likely to be needed.
Does a green roof have to be mowed?
A sedum covered roof is naturally self limiting in size. Most sedums
grow only a few inches tall. As mentioned above, it is also fairly self
weeding, due to the inhospitable environment it offers to most weed
species. An extensive roof planted with prairie grasses on the Ducks
Unlimited National Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba uses a controlled
burn of its upper roof every three years to repropogate the prairie
plants. The 16 inches of soil protects the building from any damage
while the grass fire helps remove weed species and assists prairie
species which need periodic fires as part of their life cycle.
We were excited a while back to announce Toyota's green roofing tile. These modular, interlockable grass tiles make green roofing an absolute cinch.They're a lot lighter than other methods, and installation is a breeze. At about $34 per tile, they're still expensive, but prices would of course drop if demand were to increase.
And,
second, I and many others would like to see Friedenreich
Hundertwasser's vision of every horizontal surface being returned to
nature:
The true proportions in this world are the views to the stars and the views down to the surface of the earth. Grass and vegetation in the city should grow on all horizontal spaces - that is to say, wherever rain and snow falls vegetation should grow, on the roads and on the roofs. The horizontal is the domain of nature and wherever vegetation grows on the horizontal level man is off limits; he should not interfere. I mean taking away territories from nature, which human beings have always done.
Green Roof Resources:
The EPA on Green Roofs
GreenRoofs.com
Green Roofs on Wikipedia
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Image Key:
1. Hundertwasser's Waldspirale, Austria...From WikiMedia Commons2. Green Rooftops from Swishphotos on Flickr from the Faroe Islands
3. Grass Roof in Oswego Illinois, USA, from Greg Robbins on Flickr
4. Solaire Green Roof in Battery Park City, NY from Birdw0rks on Flickr
5. Goats on a Roof in Wisconsin, from Driftless Media on Flickr
6. Grass Roofs in Iceland from Pietroizzo on Flickr
7. Green Roof in Tokyo from Dissonanc3 on Flickr
8. Toyota Roof Tiles from Toyota Roof Garden
9. Hunderwasser's village model, on display at Kunsthaus in Vienna.
Hits: 277913
Comments (82)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by Strange-but-True, August 22, 2007
The Waldspirale is brilliant, unfortunately I just don't see planners having the imagination to put through applications of that sort, especially in the UK where they run a mile from anything that's not a two up-two down redbrick draught factory. Still, I shall keep my fingers crossed that they have a change of heart.
-
- -1
-
-
written by EV, August 22, 2007
In Fairfax County, VA, there is an elementary school with something a bit more intensive than an intensive roof. The school is literally buried under dirt, except for the entrances. You can walk up the side of the lawn and onto the roof quite easily. It's covered in grass and mowed periodically. I think they built it in hte 1980's. I think it's called Terra Centre.
-
- +1
-
-
written by Joe, August 22, 2007
Now if we could just combine the ideas of greenroofing with local food production...we could have urban farms which would help reduce habitat destruction, as well as food transportation costs.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Marilyn Terrell, August 22, 2007
@Joe: I read in Popular Science about a microbiologist at Columbia U. who envisions urban farms in skyscrapers in 5 to 10 years-- they look pretty cool too: http://www.popsci.com/popsci/e...drcrd.html
-
- +0
-
-
written by vtforlife, August 22, 2007
I work for a company that puts up new buildings all over the country. These green roofs are becoming more and more popular all over VA.
-
- +1
-
-
written by Alex, August 22, 2007
It's a good concept, but I'd much rather see solar panels on a rooftop.
However, at least aesthetically, this is nicer.
However, at least aesthetically, this is nicer.
-
- -2
-
-
written by Mary, August 22, 2007
I love the hundertwasserhaus! It's in the third district in Vienna and is actually public-housing (although apparently you have to bribe some pretty high-up people to get on the list to live there). His roofs are also rather super-intensive. As I recall, there are actual trees involved.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Maria, August 22, 2007
Hank:
Interestingly enough, my brother, an architect in Minneapolis, just today sent me this link to a YouTube video which he's in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_eaF2ITPO4
His colleague is demonstrating how to do a green roof in 7 minutes while he lists all the advantages. For your readers in Minneapolis who are interested in green roofs, go to www.roofbloom.org to get more information or help in starting your own.
Interestingly enough, my brother, an architect in Minneapolis, just today sent me this link to a YouTube video which he's in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_eaF2ITPO4
His colleague is demonstrating how to do a green roof in 7 minutes while he lists all the advantages. For your readers in Minneapolis who are interested in green roofs, go to www.roofbloom.org to get more information or help in starting your own.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Egbert, August 22, 2007
Is the green roof idea ok for tropical countries- watering the roof during summer would be a major problem. What about snakes and other creepy reptiles crawling all over.
I thought we'd need silver or white painted roofs down here in India
I thought we'd need silver or white painted roofs down here in India
-
- +0
-
-
written by Leonardo C., August 22, 2007
The Boiler Green Initiative is a club trying to get green roofs at Purdue's main campus.
That is all.
That is all.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Daniel, August 22, 2007
Cooling of the house? Would the plants not attract more heat from the Sun and thus heat up the roof? Perhaps cause a slight greenhouse effect?
I would also be concerned with the weight of the water sitting on the roof after absorption.
Lastly, it would be difficult to implement this here in Israel for many reasons. There is absolutely no rainfall (nor clouds to block direct sun) during the summer months and the plants in the article would quickly shrivel up and die. Any aesthetics would be nonexistent. This would limit the houseowner to only certain plant species. :-(
I would also be concerned with the weight of the water sitting on the roof after absorption.
Lastly, it would be difficult to implement this here in Israel for many reasons. There is absolutely no rainfall (nor clouds to block direct sun) during the summer months and the plants in the article would quickly shrivel up and die. Any aesthetics would be nonexistent. This would limit the houseowner to only certain plant species. :-(
-
- +0
-
-
written by David B, August 23, 2007
Green roofs are a tried and tested building technology, as demonstrated in photo #6, which is from a well-known cluster of Viking settlements in Iceland. Those buildings have survived for more than 1000 years. The technology is not new. If done correctly, there are no concerns to speak of - the roofs work great and have many aesthetic, environmental, and economic benefits.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Craig, August 23, 2007
That roof with the goats may be from a restaurant in Door County, Wisconsin. I thought that was very cool as a kid and I still do as an adult.
-
- +1
-
-
written by luis, August 25, 2007
Great post!
If the economics don't work, recycling efforts won't either.
As our little contribution to make this economics of recycling more appealing,http://LivePaths.com blogs about people and companies that make money selling recycled or reused items, provide green services or help us reduce our dependency on non renewable resources.
If the economics don't work, recycling efforts won't either.
As our little contribution to make this economics of recycling more appealing,http://LivePaths.com blogs about people and companies that make money selling recycled or reused items, provide green services or help us reduce our dependency on non renewable resources.
-
- +0
-
-
written by jungle, August 27, 2007
That top picture (the Waldspirale) is a work of genius.
I seriously doubt that it's really environmentally friendly in the slightest (it took two years to build!), but the fact that someone had the guts to build a twelve storey building that wildly insane in an unremarkable German town is just hilarious...
I seriously doubt that it's really environmentally friendly in the slightest (it took two years to build!), but the fact that someone had the guts to build a twelve storey building that wildly insane in an unremarkable German town is just hilarious...
-
- +0
-
-
written by Noadi, August 27, 2007
I think Daniel may have a point about it's practicality in a hot dry environment. There may just not be enough plants hardy enough to completely cover a roof in that circumstance.
However everywhere else, if it's easy to have plant cover on the ground then it'll be no problem to grow it on a roof. As for weight an intensive roof may require a house to be reinforced for the weight, however I can't imagine 3-4 inches of soil and grass being much heavier than a slate or tile roof even when soaked with water.
As for heat, it's a basic principle of building that insulation doesn't just keep you warm in cold weather but also keeps you cool in hot weather and soil is a natural insulator.
However everywhere else, if it's easy to have plant cover on the ground then it'll be no problem to grow it on a roof. As for weight an intensive roof may require a house to be reinforced for the weight, however I can't imagine 3-4 inches of soil and grass being much heavier than a slate or tile roof even when soaked with water.
As for heat, it's a basic principle of building that insulation doesn't just keep you warm in cold weather but also keeps you cool in hot weather and soil is a natural insulator.
-
- +0
-
-
written by marye, August 27, 2007
that is amazing. I hadn't seen that before. thanks for posting!
-
- +0
-
-
written by Jeff, August 29, 2007
EV - Terra Centre may be the same way, but I went to Terraset, which is an elementary school in Reston, VA (Fairfax County, as well). It also has a green roof and, at one point, had solar panels. Neat place to go to school for a kid -- it was great to be able to run up the side of the school and play on top.
http://www.fcps.edu/TerrasetES/history/bldhist.htm
http://www.fcps.edu/TerrasetES/history/bldhist.htm
-
- +0
-
-
written by Dorothy Stahlnecker, August 29, 2007
Very interesting concept. It'll be great to follow the popularity and issues related over time.
Regards, Dorothy from grammology
http://grammology.com
Regards, Dorothy from grammology
http://grammology.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by Jennifer, August 29, 2007
Housing and building practices should be tailored to local conditions. Green roofs work in temperate conditions - other buildings would work better for arid conditions. There is no one-size-fits all solution to any problem.
I imagine that as more green roofs are installed, more knowledge will be gained. I believe that human beings are nurtured by beautiful surroundings and that anything that introduces more "green" to urban environments is a good thing.
I imagine that as more green roofs are installed, more knowledge will be gained. I believe that human beings are nurtured by beautiful surroundings and that anything that introduces more "green" to urban environments is a good thing.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Danni, August 29, 2007
I think it's a fabulous idea and has all the right reasons to work, however the cost factor is tremendous and very dibilitating, the government should come up with some sort of rebate or cut on taxes for people living in these houses so that it is more practical for the everyday working man and not just another star-trend due to the big bucks involved.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Raul, August 30, 2007
Nice but tell us how they water proof the roof. As it is I have to seal the roof at least once every two years. Plus roots have a way to go through everything, even the tiniest cracks.
Tell us....
Tell us....
-
- +1
-
-
written by STDs, September 02, 2007
I'm glad the world's people are SLOOOOOOOOOWLY changing their ways to help the planet......even though its too late to reverse the damage we've already done 
-
- +2
-
-
written by ogawa ryan, September 04, 2007
i've got a fun-time while designing for my studio's assignment because i use greenroof and my model was soo... green... love it... thanks for the info i got here! ^o^
-
- +0
-
-
written by Matthew Nichols, September 06, 2007
My Dad and I did a few small projects with the same idea in mind. I think it will be part of the future.
-
- +1
-
-
written by Grace, September 08, 2007
Lovely collection of green roofs and good information. Thank you for this beautiful page. Gorgeous and inspiring.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Sky, September 09, 2007
Why wouldn't you just make the house in the ground? That would provide even more insulation. Considering the average temp would be about 70 year round it would cut down on energy costs by allot. Oh well at least this is a small step in the right direction.
-
- +0
-
-
written by tilly, September 11, 2007
i imagine if everyone built their houses underground it would mess with the water table?
-
- -1
-
-
written by Brian, October 01, 2007
Greenandsave.com is the first site to offer ROI rankings for home improvement projects that not only save you money but also help save the environment
http://www.greenandsave.com
http://www.greenandsave.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by James Conway Jr, October 06, 2007
I hate to admit to not knowing about this idea before. I really enjoyed learning through this piece.
However, I can't see myself ever being able to afford a retrofit. But if by some chance I build a new home you can be assured that I'll try to fit one into the building costs...
However, I can't see myself ever being able to afford a retrofit. But if by some chance I build a new home you can be assured that I'll try to fit one into the building costs...
-
- +1
-
-
written by Brian, October 09, 2007
plants don't "attract more heat." Nothing attracts any more heat than anything else, its all a matter of absorption. Plants absorb energy from the sun, but not nearly enough to heat the area around it... so it would cool the building in the summer as an insulator from the heat.
-
- +1
-
-
written by Troy Wagner, October 28, 2007
Most green roofs I see weight to much and have to large a carbon foot print. My green roof has no roofing (not needed), wieghts only 10 Lbs. per Sq ft. which can be put on anyones roof without engineering and so simple anybody can install it. I will try to send pictures
-
- +0
-
-
written by katie, November 09, 2007
hii bbz i like grass i have it grown on my roofs alot
i fink sheep is a good idea livin onto of ur home cuz u can get free milk and im going to go to homebase to get sum grass and sheep
i fink sheep is a good idea livin onto of ur home cuz u can get free milk and im going to go to homebase to get sum grass and sheep
-
- -1
-
-
written by Aulida Valery, November 14, 2007
I don't know who have this opportunity to leave in a nice area like that.
I really appreciate the project.
Thanks for the team.
I really appreciate the project.
Thanks for the team.
-
- -1
-
-
written by Giorgos, December 14, 2007
We are developing a web portal for promoting greenroofs in Greece at http://www.greenroofs.gr
There is a complemetary facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6410103349
There is a complemetary facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6410103349
-
- +0
-
-
written by car rent Israel, December 26, 2007
A green roof can only be implemented in certain areas. I don't see people in Alaska using it. But still, half the world could go for hat
-
- +0
-
-
written by 6th Grade Teacher, December 28, 2007
I dig green roofs for their energy-saving properties. Perhaps a green roof fit with solar panels that stand above the green would be good? who knows. Too bad it's still expensive. But my main concern is roots, pests, and vermin.
-
- +1
-
-
written by suboxone detox, March 13, 2008
What about groundhogs? Or ants and spiders? Ok, the groundhog part was a joke, but the ants... I'm not sure I'd like them crawling around my kitchen table or finding them in my bed.
-
- +0
-
-
written by leroy, April 01, 2008
im doing a school project and this site is fucking retaded 
:- 
:-
-
- +0
-
-
written by Drug Rehab Clinic, April 25, 2008
Do you worry about ants? What about the humidity that will probably give you a kidney problem? Yes, humidity affects your kidneys and your lungs too. It is beautiful to watch but the truth is that green roof isn't a viable option.
-
- -1
-
-
written by nate, June 06, 2008
to "Drug rehab clinic": not to be suspicious of your comment but who made you an expert?
-
- +0
-
-
written by willg, July 11, 2008
What a great collection of pictures and details about green roofs!
I have found a lot of information on http://www.cleanerairforcities.blogspot.com
Keep writing about this topic, as it is fascinating!
I have found a lot of information on http://www.cleanerairforcities.blogspot.com
Keep writing about this topic, as it is fascinating!
-
- +0
-
-
written by Permanent Roof, August 13, 2008
These are some nice pictures of garden roofs. my company also installs these and other green and eco friendly type roofs. Glad to see that other places are implementing this wonderful technology. Thanks for posting this.
www.permanentroof.com
www.permanentroof.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by robert, September 10, 2008
:- don't think its that cool but defiantly environmental friendly
-
- -1
-
-
written by Pam, September 15, 2008
Before human beings came to the land with their hacking saws and pollution we didnt have a green house effect because the world WAS all green. It's the man-made pollutants that is causing the change in the climate...not nature itself. I think green roofs are a splendid idea. Furthermore I believe that if we have the ability to destroy it, we also have the ability to repair it.
-
- +0
-
-
written by jamalhughey, September 30, 2008
Ha whoeva girl see this my name jamal im 14 im preety cute holla at me at 706 447 2480 call, love you im preety cute bye
-
- +0
-
-
written by tistocky, October 26, 2008
hey, i'm cute too and i rock. u're not the only one jamal
-
- -1
-
-
written by shannon, November 02, 2008
this is an awesome site if you are doing a sicence project!!! 
-
- +1
-
-
written by Will Engel, December 12, 2008
We are planning to build a new structure in the new year, a artists studio/ retail space/ cold storage room. I've been looking into a green roof, and stumbled upon your site, great links and lots of info thanks!
come see us
http://www.splitzvillefarm.com
come see us
http://www.splitzvillefarm.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by greengirl, December 27, 2008
Thanks for this article. I am on a team at my school that is trying to build a green roof for our school. I found this article (and people's comments) to be very inspiring. Thanks!!
-
- +0
-
-
written by hyrinen, January 12, 2009
Me and my friends were researching on green roofs but we couldn't find any nice info. But this article helped a bunch! Thanks for the article, though I'm no green geek, I just have to do this for school.
XD XD XD XD XD XD XD
XD XD XD XD XD XD XD
-
- +0
-
-
written by Ashley Farquharson, February 02, 2009
The web site is great and lots of good info.
We also install Green Roofs and Build structures. If you would like any more info please contact Kray Roofing Ltd
01234 712 512 or 07738 976675
We also install Green Roofs and Build structures. If you would like any more info please contact Kray Roofing Ltd
01234 712 512 or 07738 976675
-
- +1
-
-
written by pest control az, April 21, 2009
Great article, but I wonder if this creates a habitat for unwanted pests.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Mike S, April 30, 2009
@ Pam
Before humans started releasing pollutants into the atmosphere the earth was not greenhouse gas free, carbon dioxide in particular has been released by naturally for quite some time via volcanoes and the ocean. Carbon dioxide dissolves deep in the oceans due to hydrothermal vents, after a certain amount of carbon dioxide has been dissolved in the water the density of water becomes less dense than the surface water, and begins to rise. As the water rises the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases and it is released, in huge quantities. There has been at least one major "belch" of carbon dioxide in the past and had released more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than humans have to this point.
Before humans started releasing pollutants into the atmosphere the earth was not greenhouse gas free, carbon dioxide in particular has been released by naturally for quite some time via volcanoes and the ocean. Carbon dioxide dissolves deep in the oceans due to hydrothermal vents, after a certain amount of carbon dioxide has been dissolved in the water the density of water becomes less dense than the surface water, and begins to rise. As the water rises the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases and it is released, in huge quantities. There has been at least one major "belch" of carbon dioxide in the past and had released more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than humans have to this point.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Student, May 11, 2009
i think the green roof thing is a great idea!!!!! =] they should have more of itt!!!!!!!!!-Student in school
-
- +1
-
-
written by Rob, June 21, 2009
Just to note the Hundertwasser's Waldspirale is in Darmstadt Germany, and the bar at the top is one of the best in town.....
-
- +0
-
-
written by Narasimham PVSL, July 22, 2009
It is the need of the day to go Green in most of the areas and Green rooftop is agood concept and in developing countries like our's India,we need to implement as pollution levels are very high.
We need to have experts who can guide in our areas.
Let us hope
We need to have experts who can guide in our areas.
Let us hope
-
- +0
-
-
written by flora, August 14, 2009
to cooli love going green i have had a green thom cens i was nee high from a grashoper.
i love going green i have had a green thom cens i was nee high from a grashoper.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Andrew Michael Clements, September 12, 2009
Greek Treasury Green Roof saves 5,630 euros in energy bills in one year.
The "green roof" created on the roof the economy and finance ministry building in Syntagma Square has resulted in savings of 5,630 euros a year, the ministry announced on Tuesday. The savings arise from a reduction in power used for cooling, amounting to 3,600 euros a year, and a reduction in fuel used for heating by 2,030 euros a year.
The green roof was created in July 2008 and covers about 650 square metres, or roughly half the surface at the top of the building.
Measurements carried out by the applied thermodynamics laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) mechanical engineering department have shown that the difference in temperature between the areas of the roof with plants and those without are 18C, with the former reaching 37C and the latter 55C, respectively.
The measurements also confirmed that the energy savings from the planting amount to 9.6 percent for cooling and 4.4 percent for heating. For the top floor of the building, especially, the energy costs for cooling can be more than halved.
The finance ministry noted that the project was initiated to help improve the environment in central Athens, save energy and reduce the buildings operating costs, as well as acting as a model that might encourage initiatives by other private and public organisations.
http://www.oikosteges.gr
http://media.causes.com/ribbon/568189
The "green roof" created on the roof the economy and finance ministry building in Syntagma Square has resulted in savings of 5,630 euros a year, the ministry announced on Tuesday. The savings arise from a reduction in power used for cooling, amounting to 3,600 euros a year, and a reduction in fuel used for heating by 2,030 euros a year.
The green roof was created in July 2008 and covers about 650 square metres, or roughly half the surface at the top of the building.
Measurements carried out by the applied thermodynamics laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) mechanical engineering department have shown that the difference in temperature between the areas of the roof with plants and those without are 18C, with the former reaching 37C and the latter 55C, respectively.
The measurements also confirmed that the energy savings from the planting amount to 9.6 percent for cooling and 4.4 percent for heating. For the top floor of the building, especially, the energy costs for cooling can be more than halved.
The finance ministry noted that the project was initiated to help improve the environment in central Athens, save energy and reduce the buildings operating costs, as well as acting as a model that might encourage initiatives by other private and public organisations.
http://www.oikosteges.gr
http://media.causes.com/ribbon/568189
-
- +2
-
-
written by cake recipes, September 22, 2009
I think this is an amazing innovation and that we'll gain a lot from green roofs. It helps the planet and it looks good! The world could produce enough food, the problem is how we do things, same stuff for our houses roof, why not go green when we can! Sure there are technical problems, like the weight, the moisture but we went on the moon (well i think we did), so we can solve 1-2 problems to make this reality, can't we.
-
- +0
-
-
written by wholesale from china, October 13, 2009
The savings arise from a reduction in power used for cooling, amounting to 3,600 euros a year, and a reduction in fuel used for heating by 2,030 euros a year.
-
- +0
-
-
written by solar panels for sale, December 12, 2009
They say that if roofs in major cities had grass growing on them that the temperature would drop in the summer by several degrees. That alone seems like it would be worth it
-
- +0
-
-
Write comment
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
AUG 21
"My cousin developed a building with a roof like that as a part of his ..."
View all Comments