Green Roofs By The Edgemont Environmental Club

What are green roofs? Roofs that are either partially or completely covered with plants are considered green roofs. Green roofs contain the following basic components: waterproofing membrane, root barrier, drainage and water retention layer, growing medium, plants. Are grown on top of actual roofs (do not replace roofs)

An Old European Concept Green roofs have been used in Europe for decades where green space and water have long been in short supply Increased environmental awareness here in North America has given rise to increased popularity of green roofs. Germany leads the planet both in number of green roofs as well as green roof technology

What are the specific benefits for the environment with green roof technology? Reduction of urban heat island effect- The urban heat island effect occurs when the temperatures in urban areas rise above those in surrounding communities. Dark surfaces such as rooftops, which absorb more heat, contribute to the problem. Vegetation can help provide shade and cool the air. Stormwater retention- Stormwater runoff creates urban water pollution because surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and streets do not soak up excess stormwater. As a result, the stormwater is polluted by debris, dirt, and chemicals and then returns to bodies of water untreated. Green roofs can retain up to 75 percent of one-inch rainfall and help alleviate the problem.

What are the specific benefits for the consumer with green roof technology? Increased lifespan of roof- Green roofs can extend the roofing membrane by protect roofs from exposure to UV rays, which cause degradation. While most normal roofs have to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, some green roofs in Germany have lasted as long as 40 years without needing to be replaced. Decreased heating and cooling costs- The absorption of heat by green roofs during the summer and the insulation provided in the winter can reduce heating and cooling costs. Increased property value- Green roofs can increase property value by as much as 15 percent while driving up the marketability of the building as a whole.

What are the specific benefits for the environment with green roof technology? Improved air quality- Green roofs absorb heat and filter airborne particles moving across their surfaces. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants supply humans with oxygen. Energy conservation- Green roofs impact the heat gain and loss of a building. Working in conjunction with other urban vegetation, green roofs could alter the climate of a city and thus reduce the need for electricity.  Increased roof life span- They shield the membrane from damaging ultraviolet rays maintaining a consistent membrane temperature and limit freeze- thaw cycling.

Green Roof Blocks

What do they look like? Green roof block

What is the environmental club doing about this? Due to school restrictions, we weren’t able to make an actual green roof at Edgemont. Instead, we made green roof planters! We bought green roof blocks and created wooden boxes to put them in. We then decorated the sides of the boxes by creating mosaics with used plates and ceramics. Though the benefits of this project are limited due to the fact they’re not on roofs, we still gain improved air quality. We also use this project to educate students and our community about green roofs. We hope that through promoting awareness of green roofs we can increase environmentally conscious lifestyles. We also will collect data and study the green roof blocks.

More pictures!!!

Researching the Benefits

Roof Temperature Reduction Southern Indiana State University Research Project

The End The Environmental Club asks you hug a tree and tell people about our project!