Green roofs: Why are green roofs important to our future?

Even though a green roof is an ancient concept, many of us fail to realise the importance of green roofs and what exactly they are. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that our climate is dramatically changing and that we need to do something about this. Green roofs are a solution. So, why should we go green?

Most of us live in the concrete jungle, what is also referred to as an urban environment: a nice and sophisticated term for something rather dull. We have been living in such an environment that we forgot what a green space is, and we find it more difficult to understand the significance of having a green space. That is my opinion anyway…

So why a green roof?

· Green roofs improve insulation: reduce heating and cooling (green roofs could decrease urban temperature)
· Green roofs are known for their ability to reduce storm water run off: storm water run off carries contaminants, including hazardous heavy metals from paved surfaces and rooftops. Storm water run off has been identified as a major source of water pollution.
· Filter pollutants and CO2 (carbon dioxide) out of the air
· Green roofs can even lengthen the life span of roofs resulting in decreased maintenance and savings in replacement costs (economic benefit)
· Green roofs reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect: Conventional building materials absorb the sun’s radiation and reflect it back as heat, making cities hotter than surrounding suburbs. Reductions of the Urban Heat Island Effect will also minimise the spreading of dust and production of smog. This, in turn, can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
· A green roof provides habitat for plants and animals
· Leisure facility for building users
· Sound insulation
· Aesthetic appeal
· Green roofs can increase the value of the property and marketability