Building Rooftop = Waste Of Space 

Think about it, a large area of real estate used by virtually no one but birds and occasional jumpers. Can this be it for the commercial rooftop? Not if modern trends have anything to do with it; and they do. 

Green roofs are becoming a new and popular way for businesses to better utilize their wastes of space and help the environment at the same time. A green roof does not mean a roof that is painted or shingled green, however, its color is often that shade of color. A green roof is a building which is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or some sort of growing medium and planted over a layer of waterproofing. Why is this a great idea? Let’s consider the benefits… 

Green roofs can provide a space for employees or building users to go and enjoy, such as a park or garden 
They can grow fruits, vegetables, and/or flowers 
They reduce heating and cooling loads 
They reduce the urban heat islands of cities 
They increase life span of an otherwise non-green roof 
They reduce the run off from storm water 
They filter pollutants and CO2 out of the air as well as heavy metals from rainwater 
They increase the habitat area for wildlife in areas where there would not otherwise be any room 

The only disadvantages that I could find were the added load such a roof can add to the structural integrity of a building (meaning that some buildings cannot be fitted unless they are reinforced) and the cost. It seems, depending on the type of green being “installed” that a green roof can run somewhere in the ballpark of between $15.00 and $35.00 a square foot. This seems like quite a bit, but in the long run, I believe the advantages well outweigh the disadvantages. 

To find out more about green roofs or to see a directory of manufacturers, suppliers, professional services, organizations, students, and resources, check outhttp://www.greenroofs.com/directory.php. 

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http://www.greenroofs.com/directory.php 
birds 
jumpers 
ballpark 
wildlife