Green roofs have been a part of building for over a thousand years. The current green building movement has, however, had the greatest impact on the growth of the green roofing industry. A green roof is commonly defined as a roof that consists of vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. There are two basic types of green roofs: (i) an extensive roof, which has a few inches of soil cover; and (ii) an intensive roof that has two feet or more of soil for a variety of grass, trees, bushes and shrubs. Green roofs are used in a multitude of buildings, including industrial facilities, commercial offices, retail properties and residences. The benefits of a green roof include reduced storm-water runoff, absorption of air pollution, reduced heat island effect, protection of underlying roof material from sunlight, reduced noise, and insulation from extreme temperatures. A green roof can thus be a critical design element for a green building. As more properties across the country are attempting to obtain LEED certification, it is worth noting that a green roof can help a property obtain over a dozen LEED credits, including credits for reduced site disturbance, landscape design that reduces urban heat islands, storm water management, water efficient landscaping, innovative wastewater technologies and innovation in design. The increase in green roofs and the green building movement is also resulting in an increase in liability resulting from errors in the design, installation or maintenance of green roofs. As a result, owners, design professionals and contractors should carefully consider ways to mitigate the potential risks involved with building a green roof.
Tag Archives | green building products
Green Building Statistics: Demand is High, Design Experience is Low
While it’s true that statistics don’t always tell the whole story, some recent figures from XL and NAHB have important risk management implications for green building industry stakeholders.
Sales Tax Exemption Proposed for Garden State Green Building Products
Pending legislation in New Jersey could provide the country’s first sales tax exemption for green building products.
Governor Paterson Looks to Turn New York State Greener
A new Executive Order has created the New York State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program, which aims to boost the Empire State’s purchase of environment-friendly products and services.
Big Box Stores Jump on the Green Bandwagon
Big box retailers are seeing increased demand for green building products and materials.
The State of Sustainable Building: Ten Notable Green Quotables
We select ten of the most compelling quotes from the 2007 BD+C Green Buildings White Paper to frame a glimpse of where green building stands at the start of 2008.