Sludge Watch ==> Green Roofing available - turf on your roof

[Maureen Reilly]

http://www.xeroflor.ca/freeform_2.html


Green roofs provide a variety of benefits and ecological services:




Stormwater Management

Green roof systems have been shown to retain 60-100% of the rainfall they 
receive. Stormwater retention relieves excess volume from overburdened sewer 
systems and filters stormwater pollutants. By replacing the footprint of 
vegetation that was removed by buildings and associated impermeable pavement 
surfaces, green roofs mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff from urban 
development.






Thermal Load Reduction

An ecologically and economically important benefit of green roofs is rooftop 
insulation to reduce the amount of energy used for building air 
conditioning. Green roof systems act as a barrier to thermal transfer of the 
sun’s energy through the roof by absorbing and deflecting incoming solar 
radiations. Through evapo-transpiration, the green roof plants release heat 
and moisture thereby preventing the thermal loading the roof surfaces. This 
natural cooling process reduces air conditioning needs and when implemented 
on a large scale, green roofs can significantly allieviate urban heat island 
effect.






Membrane Protection

Daily and yearly temperature fluctuations place significant stress on a 
roofing system. Green roof technologies protect the waterproofing membrane 
by sheltering it from harmful UV rays and excessive heat which may cause 
premature degradation. The protection provided by living roof systems 
typically extends the membrane's lifespan by 2 folds.

Air Quality

Through the process of photosynthesis, the plants absorb carbon and release 
oxygen thereby enhancing the local air quality.

Biodiversity

Living roofs provide biodiversity to these under-utilized urban 
real-estates. The substrate and vegetation provide an habitat which supports 
a variety of insects, butterflies and birds by providing pollen and nesting 
grounds.

Acoustic Buffering

Unlike concrete, pavement and other hard surfaces, green roofs absord the 
surrounding noise pollution contributing to a pleasant urban environment.

Community Beautification

The aesthetic and environmental benefits of living roofs enhance the local 
quality of life of a neighbourhood and the well being of its citizens. 
Additionally, green roofs are recognized property improvements which may 
contribute to increased property values.