Transcript Document

Green Roof Technology
By: Abby Roemer
Did you know…
America's 81 million buildings consume more energy than any other
sector of the U.S. economy, including transportation and industry?
Why is this fact relevant?
 “The Heat Island Effect”
Heat radiates from city surfaces, industrial processes, and automobiles raising the immediate
atmospheric temperatures. Higher temperatures create atmospheric instability, increasing
chances of rainfall and severe storms. Also, high temps stir up dust, it gets trapped causing
smog
 High energy bills
 Unsafe air quality
 Sewer system flooding and water
contamination
 Sound penetration
Green roof technology is capable of alleviating these problems
Presentation Preview:
I.
Defining a green
roof
II. The 2 main
types
III. Function and
Benefits
• A green roof is:
Vegetation cover on a roof surface.
(Yeang, 2006)
• 2 main types:
Extensive and Intensive
Type 1: Extensive
• Shallow depth (typically 2-4
in.)
• Low growing, often broad
leaved plants
• Plants with ability to
withstand harsh weather
conditions
• Extremely low
maintenance
• Minimal weight load
Type 2: Intensive
• Depth of 1ft. or more
• Involve high maintenance
plants such as trees and
shrubs
• Irrigation system often
necessary
• High maintenance
• Considerable weight load
• Less common
• Commonly accessible by
public
Basic System Layers
(example of a company’s system that includes additional layers)
Filters, Cleans, Cools, and releases cleaner air and water
Environmental, Economic, &
Psychological Benefits:
• Reduced Rain Water
Runoff = less chance of
contaminated water or
storm sewer flooding (a
major issue)
• Cleaner Air Quality
• Improved Insulation =
lower heating and
cooling costs
• Water Purification
• Provides a Habitat for
various organisms
• Sound Absorption
• Cooler air = less smog
(Urban Heat Island
Effect)
• Aesthetic Appeal
• Extended roof life (by
20 years or more!)
• Recreational Space
• Potential to Recycle
Wastewater
• New Jobs (horticulture
specialists,manufacture
rs, installation experts,
etc.)
Resources