BOSQUES URBANOS has partnered up with internationally renowned green roof expert JÖRG BREUNING from GREEN ROOF SERVICES LLC, presenting GREEN ROOF TECHNOLOGY, a key player in the Green Roof global market, with unrivaled experience of more than 30 years. Check out his landmark projects all over the world at www.greenrooftechnology.com.
While Green Roofs have been around since the dawn of civilization, the modern green roof (often referred to as a “living roof”) has only been around since the late 70’s. Historically, green roofs were earth-covered structures consisting of sod roofs, hollowed out hills, or patio roof gardens. What makes Modern Green Roofs different is their specially designed drainage and root protection components along with their engineered ultra-lightweight growing media. There are many different types, benefits, and standards for Modern Green Roofs. To learn more about modern green roofs scroll down.
History
Modern green roof technology began in the early seventies in Germany when the first green roof systems were developed and marketed on a large scale. Unlike former “green roofs” this first approach offered reliable technology that provided sophisticated irrigation and protection against root ingress for rooftop gardens.
The second big step was the development of Extensive Green Roofs in the late eighties. The goal was to create lighter and cheaper systems, which could be applied to large flat roofs. The main motivation for extensive green roofs was the restoration of nature and protection of the roof membranes from the elements and temperature fluctuations.
As extensive green roofs became subjects in scientific research, additional benefits began to gain importance. Today, ecological benefits such as reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling, storm water retention, and heat island mitigation are the main reasons for the growing popularity of Modern Green Roofs. Other benefits include habitat restoration, filtration of acid rain and air pollutants, noise pollution reduction, and the therapeutic effects found from being in the presence of nature.
Benefits
- If designed and executed properly, green roofs offer multiple tangible and quantifiable benefits, not only to the building structure itself but also to your environment and community:
- Extends the life of the roof up to 60 years, through protection from UV sunrays.
- Reduces ambient, internal and external temperatures, reducing energy costs for climatization.
- Filters storm water, lowering contamination from nitrogen in our rivers and coasts.
- Retains up to 90% of storm water;
- Combats island heat effect through evo-transpiration;
- Grants up to 15 LEED credits;
- Sequesters carbon monoxide;
- Improves visual contamination of the surroundings;
- Creates habitats for native species and biodiversity;
Green Roof Systems
No two green roof projects are alike, which is why every green roof projects needs to be tailored to the specific needs of the roof, location, climate and the environment. To learn about the different green roof systems available click here, download our technical data sheet.