Transcript Green Roofs - Scarsdale Public Schools

Green Roofs
By The Edgemont
Environmental Club
What are green roofs?
• Roofs that are either
partially or completely
covered with plants are
considered green roofs.
• Green roofs contain the
following basic components:
waterproofing membrane,
root barrier, drainage and
water retention layer,
growing medium, plants.
• Are grown on top of actual
roofs (do not replace roofs)
An Old European Concept
•Green roofs have been used in Europe for decades where green space and
water have long been in short supply
•Increased environmental awareness here in North America has given rise
to increased popularity of green roofs.
•Germany leads the planet both in number of green roofs as well as green
roof technology
What are the specific benefits for
the environment with green roof
technology?
•Reduction of urban heat island effect- The urban heat island effect
occurs when the temperatures in urban areas rise above those in
surrounding communities. Dark surfaces such as rooftops, which
absorb more heat, contribute to the problem. Vegetation can help
provide shade and cool the air.
•Stormwater retention- Stormwater runoff creates urban water
pollution because surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and
streets do not soak up excess stormwater. As a result, the
stormwater is polluted by debris, dirt, and chemicals and then
returns to bodies of water untreated. Green roofs can retain up to 75
percent of one-inch rainfall and help alleviate the problem.
What are the specific benefits for
the consumer with green roof
technology?
•Increased lifespan of roof- Green roofs can extend the roofing
membrane by protect roofs from exposure to UV rays, which cause
degradation. While most normal roofs have to be replaced every
15 to 20 years, some green roofs in Germany have lasted as long
as 40 years without needing to be replaced.
•Decreased heating and cooling costs- The absorption of heat by
green roofs during the summer and the insulation provided in the
winter can reduce heating and cooling costs.
•Increased property value- Green roofs can increase property
value by as much as 15 percent while driving up the marketability
of the building as a whole.
What are the specific benefits for
the environment with green roof
technology?
•Improved air quality- Green roofs absorb heat and filter airborne
particles moving across their surfaces. Through the process of
photosynthesis, plants supply humans with oxygen.
•Energy conservation- Green roofs impact the heat gain and loss of
a building. Working in conjunction with other urban vegetation,
green roofs could alter the climate of a city and thus reduce the
need for electricity.
Increased roof life span- They shield the membrane from
damaging ultraviolet rays maintaining a consistent membrane
temperature and limit freeze- thaw cycling.
Green Roof Blocks
What do they look like?
Green roof block
What is the environmental club
doing about this?
• Due to school restrictions, we weren’t able to
make an actual green roof at Edgemont.
Instead, we made green roof planters! We
bought green roof blocks and created wooden
boxes to put them in. We then decorated the
sides of the boxes by creating mosaics with
used plates and ceramics.
• Though the benefits of this project are limited
due to the fact they’re not on roofs, we still gain
improved air quality. We also use this project to
educate students and our community about
green roofs. We hope that through promoting
awareness of green roofs we can increase
environmentally conscious lifestyles. We also
will collect data and study the green roof blocks.
More pictures!!!
Researching the Benefits
Roof Temperature Reduction
Southern Indiana State University Research Project
Temperature Data
0
5
0
Air Temp. (°C)
5
Soil Temp. (°C)
Temp. Under Box (°C)
Temp. Directly Above Box (°C)
0
5
0
1
2
3
Date
4
5
Plant Growth Rate as of 9/18/07
30.00
25.00
20.00
(cm) 15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
Pl #1
Pl #2
Pl #3
Bx #1
Pl #4
Pl #5
Pl #1
Pl #2
Pl #3
Bx #2
Pl #4
Pl #5
Pl #1
Pl #2
Pl #3
Bx #3
Pl #4
Pl #5
Pl #1
Pl #2
Pl #3
Bx #4
Pl #4
Pl #5
Rating (0 - 5)
Plant Performance
4
3.5
3
2.5
Box 1
2
Box 2
Box 3
Box 4
1.5
1
0.5
0
1
2
3
Date
4
The End
The Environmental
Club asks you hug a
tree and tell people
about our project!