Green Roof

 What is a "Green Roof" and what does it do?

Green roofs may vary by region and goal, but generally:

• A green roof consists of:
  • a waterproof layer
  • drainage system
  • light-weight growing medium
  • plants
• Green roofs provide:
  • Aesthetic appeal 
  • Insulation 
  • Reduction of Urban Heat Island effect,
  • Water filtration
  • Water infiltration - reduced stormwater runoff during peak flow periods
  • Outside noise reduction
  • Increased economic value to the building/home

• Green roofs can be used as:
  • Community gardens
  • Parks
  • Restaurant terraces
  • Wildlife habitat

 

 

 

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 Want to see first-hand the differences between a traditional (shingled) and a green (planted) roof?

On USU Campus, the western end of the Quinney College of Natural Resources, USU Water Quality Extension has a display  where observers can see for themselves!

 

The graphs in the two posters below illustrate the benefits of increased surfaces allowing water to soak into ground (or roof). 

Read more about the display at USU Today or the Herald Journal.

 

For other green infrastructure ideas, click here.