Green Roof Technology

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Green Roof Technology

• By Abby Roemer

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Did you know America's 81 million buildings
consume more energy than any other sector of the
U.S. economy, including transportation and
industry?
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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.
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Presentation Preview

1. Defining a green roof
2. The 2 main types
3. Function and Benefits

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A green roof is

• Vegetation cover on a roof surface.
• 
  (Yeang, 2006)
• Extensive and Intensive

• 2 main types

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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

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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

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Basic System Layers
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(example of a companys system that includes
additional layers)
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Filters, Cleans, Cools, and releases cleaner air
and water
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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,manufacturers,
  installation experts, etc.)

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Resources