Annex 1: Benefits of Green Roofs

Annex 1: Benefits of Green Roofs

Public Benefits

AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS

§ Urban greening has long been promoted as an easy and effective strategy for beautifying the built environment and increasing investment opportunity.

WASTE DIVERSION

§ Green roofs can contribute to landfill diversion by: o Prolonging the life of waterproofing membranes, reducing associated waste. o Using recycled materials in the growing medium. o Prolonging the service life of heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems through decreased use.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

§ With green roofs, water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation. § In summer, green roofs can retain 70-90% of the precipitation that falls on them. § In winter, green roofs can retain between 25-40% of the precipitation that falls on them. § Green Roofs not only retain rainwater, but also moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for any of the water that happens to run off. § Green roofs reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and also delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in decreased stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods.

MODERATION OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT

§ Through the daily dew and evaporation cycle, plants on vertical and horizontal surfaces are able to cool cities during hot summer months and reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The light absorbed by vegetation would otherwise be converted into heat energy. § UHI is also mitigated by the covering some of the hottest surfaces in the urban environment - black rooftops. § Green roofs can also help reduce the distribution of dust and particulate matter throughout the city, as well as the production of smog. This can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting urban areas to a future climate with warmer summers.

IMPROVED AIR QUALITY

§ Plants on green roofs can capture airborne pollutants, atmospheric deposition, and also filter noxious gases. § The temperature moderating effects of green roofs can reduce demand on power plants, and potentially decrease the amount of CO2 and other pollutants being released into the air.

NEW AMENITY SPACES

§ Green roofs help to reach the principles of smart growth and positively affect the urban environment by increasing amenity and green space and reducing community resistance to infill projects. Green roofs can serve any number of functions and uses, including: o Community gardens (e.g. local food production or co-ops). o Commercial space (e.g. display areas and restaurant terraces). o Recreational space (e.g. lawn bowling and children's playgrounds).

Private Benefits

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

§ The greater insulation offered by green roofs can reduce the amount of energy needed to moderate the temperature of a building, as roofs are the site of the greatest heat loss in the winter and the hottest temperatures in the summer. § For example, research published by the National Research Council of Canada found that an extensive green roof reduced the daily energy demand for air conditioning in the summer by over 75%.

INCREASED ROOFING MEMBRANE DURABILITY

§ The presence of a green roof decreases the exposure of waterproofing membranes to large temperature fluctuations, that can cause micro-tearing, and damage by ultraviolet radiation.

FIRE RETARDATION

§ Green roofs have much lower burning heat load (the heat generated when a substance burns) than do conventional roofs.

REDUCTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

§ Green roofs are capable of reducing electromagnetic radiation penetration by 99.4%.

NOISE REDUCTION

§ Green roofs have excellent noise attenuation, especially for low frequency sounds. An extensive green roof can reduce sound from outside by 40 decibels, while an intensive green roof can reduce sound by 46-50 decibels.

MARKETING

§ Green roofs can increase a building's marketability. They are an easily identifiable symbol of the green building movement and can act as an incentive to those interested in the multiple benefits offered by green roofs. § Green roofs, as part of the green building movement, have been identified as facilitating

o Sales o Lease-outs o Increased property value due to increased efficiency o Easier employee recruiting o Lower employee and tenant turnover o Design specific benefits

INCREASED BIODIVERSITY

§ Green roofs can sustain a variety of plants and invertebrates and provide habitat for various bird species. By acting as a steppingstone habitat for migrating birds they can link species together that would otherwise be fragmented. § Increasing biodiversity can positively affect three realms:

o Ecosystem § Diverse ecosystems are better able to maintain high levels of productivity during periods of environmental variation than those with fewer species. o Economic § Stabilized ecosystems ensure the delivery of ecological goods (e.g. food, construction materials, medicinal plants) and services (e.g. maintain hydrological cycles, cleanse water and air, store and cycle nutrients).

o Social § Visual and environmental diversity can have positive impacts on community and psychological well-being.

IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

§ The reduced pollution and increased water quality that green roofs provide can decrease demands for healthcare.

§ Green roofs can serve as community hubs, increasing social cohesion, sense of community, and public safety.

URBAN AGRICULTURE

§ Using green roofs as the site for an urban agriculture project can reduce a community’s footprint through the creation of a local food system. § These projects can serve as a source of community empowerment, give increased feelings of self-reliance, and improve levels of nutrition.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

§ Green roofs on educational facilities can provide an easily accessible site to teach students and visitors about biology, green roof technology, and the benefits of green roofs.

Endnotes

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