Benefits of Green Roofs
As more and more people live in dense urban areas, the need to have some outside space becomes ever more of an issue. Many people are in accommodation which is unsuitable for Green Roofs as they do not have exclusive ownership of their roof, however those that do may look to adopt a Green Roof to provide the sought after outside space many in urban areas crave.
Social Benefits
Green Roofs may be an oasis of green, peaceful harmony, acting in the same fashion as the average garden, thus providing occupants with a means to get away from it all, and relax amidst the bustle of urban life. Intensive Roofs provide spaces which can be enjoyed by many, allowing activities normally associated with the garden to be enjoyed.
They add to the urban environment, which if maintained and looked after may improve the urban aesthetics, reducing the homogenous grey and dull appearance of tall skyscrapers and rows of inner city terraced housing. Green Roofs applied to buildings in more rural woodland areas help to disguise the property in its surroundings, minimising the visual impact of the property on the landscape.
Green Roofs provide the ‘wow’ factor for homes, making the property stand out from the crowd, whilst screaming positive environmental credentials, to the envy of neighbours. They are ideal for those wishing to project a green image, and as such are recommended for potential business investors, owners and corporations alike.
Environmental Benefits
There are significant environment benefits with Green Roofs, as by absorbing CO2 and other contaminants; they help to improve the quality of air, and making a healthier environment in which to live. By their very nature, being plants, if used widely, may play a big part in countering the effects of Global Warming, whilst intensive roofs provide a range of ecosystems from sedum to woodland habitats and assist in improving biodiversity of plants and animals.
Green Roofs contribute to reducing the harmful Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI) which results in higher temperatures in more densely populated urban locations due to absorption and conversion of heat from impermeable concrete and bitumen surfaces.
Economic Benefits
They can also provide significant cost savings, as they act as a thermal and acoustic insulating layer for the spaces below, with the layers of soil and plants acting to absorb heat and deflect sound waves.
The lifespan of Green Roofs is up to twice as long as conventional roofing materials, as the sedum layer offers protection against UV radiation, reduces the surface temperature and provides protection against extremities of the weather.
Depending on the type of Green Roof chosen, they may reduce or eliminate the need for storm water drainage, as 70-90% of precipitation is retained in a Green Roof. This may diminish the load on the local drainage infrastructure, with consequence of a reduced flood risk; see Building on Floodplains in light of Global Warming
Although relatively a new phenomenon, it is expected that if a property owner installs a Green Roof, they will benefit through increased value of their property, although it needs to be borne in mind, this depends on the condition, and if unmanaged/ maintained may have an adverse effect on value.
Overview
Overall it is recommended that homeowners consider conversion of their roof to a Green Roof, from which there are many varieties and options, the choice of which should reflect the homeowners desired use, budget and building type.