Green Roofs 101
Who said plants could only be on the ground? Social and economic trends continue to lead to an increase in city dwelling. More business = more buildings; more buildings = more pollutants and energy consumption. The development of buildings in close proximity to one another is driving the urban heat island effect up and clouding our fresh water bodies. Installing a green roof on a building helps to combat these effects by absorbing heat instead of attracting it, lowering energy consumption, retaining water, decreasing storm water runoff and reducing our overall carbon footprint. Green roofs also extend the lifespan of the roof itself, maximize usable space, encourage urban wildlife and have shown to improve office productivity and health.
Read more about the Green Roof Initiative HERE.
Green Walls
Living walls add aesthetic creativity while bringing cost benefits to the owner and increased well-being for occupants. Interior or exterior green walls can aid in air-purification through natural plant processes and create a thermal air barrier, allowing heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently. Similar to accessing sunlight in our workplace, having plants in sight can increase morale, reduce noise and create a more peaceful sanctuary resulting in higher productivity.
Learn more about designing LEED Buildings HERE and WELL Buildings HERE
Storm Water Regulations
Policies to regulate rainfall runoff are imperative to preserving our cities’ health. Cities are working daily to implement incentive programs, such as tax abatement programs and grants, to mitigate the financial burden of installing a green roof.