A green roof is a tried, tested, and proven technique for urban greening. It has been gaining prominence across the globe and India has been very much a part of it. With increasing eco-consciousness architects, engineers, and clients are coming forth with the need for such solutions. Here are a few reasons why green roofs are being opted for.
Extends The Lifespan Of A Roof
Green roofs protect the membranes of the top from thermal stress, solar radiation, and the mechanical impact of activities on the roof. This increases the lifespan of the waterproofing layer.
The average lifespan of a water-proofing membrane increases from 15-17 years to 40+ years. This has been documented across a number of independent studies
Regulates Building Temperature
Evapotranspiration is a process in the irrigated water retained in the growing medium of the green roof and loss of water from the plants (transpiration) during high temperatures reduces the heat absorbed by the roof.
Terrace gardens also reduce the load on the HVAC system and help reduce energy consumption
Mitigates Urban Heat Island Effect
This follows the same science as that of evapotranspiration to cool the building but on a collective scale.
By implementing more green roofs in a region, the urban heat island effect can be reduced. This also improves the air quality of that area and improves the quality of life of the residents of that area.
Alleviates Effects Of Noise Pollution
Roof gardens or green roofs reduce frequencies of sound entering the building, offset the need for other sound-dampening technologies and provide economic benefits if noise pollution happens to be an issue for lower property value.
Increases Property Value
By increasing the aesthetic value of a building, green roofs, and terrace gardens increase the property value. Green roofs also provide a functional area that can further be used in numerous ways to add value to the premises
Reduces Stormwater Run-Off
Stormwater run-offs can be a cause of flooding and water-body contamination in many cities. Green roofs can reduce the sudden increase in the discharge of rainwater draining from the roof-tops.
The growing media has the ability to retain the rainwater for a certain amount of time, this holding period is important as it reduces the load of sudden influx on the drain system. The frequency and intensity of rainfall in each city are to be understood before the stormwater run-off benefits of a terrace garden can be calculated.
All said and done, green roofs are needed on each building for the numerous benefits
Improves Solar Panel Efficacy
The process of evapotranspiration of a green roof reduces the temperature of the surrounding area. Solar panels’ efficiency is reduced when the temperatures are high.
The reduced temperature due to evapotranspiration improves the efficiency of the solar panels. Hence, a combined solution of solar panels and green roofs is an ideal marriage for green building rooftops.
Creates A Usable Functional Area, Amenity Space, Or For Revenue Generation
To fully utilize a property space, the rooftop needs to be converted to a green roof. Not only does a well-designed terrace garden provide a functional space for amenities, but the rooftop garden can also be utilized for urban farming. Opening parks, cafes and rooftop lounges also provide alternate revenue generation streams for the building.
While the advantages of green roofs are numerous, the design and construction of a green roof should be done by an agency with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training.