Green Roof Introduction

Green roofs are rooftops equipped to grow gardens.

Green roof introduction.

Green roof development involves the construction of a vegetative layer on top of a human made structure or building adding green space to areas that would otherwise be unused. Green roofs are emerging technologies that can provide a wide range of tangible and intangible benefits to communities interested in enhancement of their environment. Vegetation on green roofs is planted in a growing substrate a specially designed soil substitution medium that may range in depth from 50 mm to more than a metre depending on the weight capacity of the building s roof and the aims of the design. All green roof codes of practice globally are based on the german fll.

There are two types of green roofs. A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane. A green roof is a roof that has media and vegetation planted above a roofing system. Biosolar green roofs where solar energy and green roofs are combined to provide renewable energy and deliver biodiversity the planning implementation and maintenance of all these types is covered in the uk green roof code of practice known as the gro code.

Green roofs have traditionally been categorised as extensive or intensive. The different components and wide variety of benefits is dependant upon the type and complexity of the green roof system. They can grow produce boost and attract biodiversity or create specific landscapes and aesthetic styles. Living roofs have a wide variety of environmental and financial benefits.