Atlanta High Museum of Art's Green Roof

Greenroofs.com

 

CNN did a video report on the green roof at the Atlanta High Museum of Art. The story highlights not only the heating and cooling benefits, but also how the roof will collect storm water runoff. The city of Atlanta believes that the roof system will absorb 60-90% of the storm-water runoff, thus lessening the load on the sewer system, as well as reducing the tax paid by the building owner.

Green Roofs Save Money!

One of things I find I like so much about green roofs is that they save money for the owners. When discussing "green" technology, many of them are not cost effective or economically efficient. On another blog I frequent, called Dollars and Sense, found at http://www.economicefficiency.blogspot.com, they discuss whether certain technologies make economic sense.

In my opinion, if a solution to a problem isn't cost effective, it just won't take off and gain widespread acceptance.

In an article found on AIArchitect (AIA.org) I found the most relevant quote:

"...Green roofs last two to five times longer than traditional roofs, require less maintenance, save energy by regulating temperature variations, reduce sound pollution, lower stormwater utility fees, receive energy tax credits, and increase property values."

Clearly, this type of roof is a money-maker for the owners and the tenants, as well as contributing to the common good. The article also points out how this green roof is not a roof garden, with up to 6 inches of soil, but rather a true green roof. True green roofs require very little soil, no additional water, and use local plants.

Did I mention this was from 2004? Green roofs are good for the environment, and good for your wallet!

Mexico City Plants Green Roofs to Fight Pollution

Mexico City is one of the most air polluted capitals in the world, if not the most polluted in city in North America. Much of its pollution is caused by the tens of thousands of cars that flood the streets each day. The volume of exhaust, whether CO2, carbon monoxide, or just plain soot, fouls the air. $20 Off AeroGardens

According to Reuters, as found on greenroofs.org

"The smog-choked metropolis plans to replace gas tanks, clothes lines and heat-reflecting asphalt on 100,000 square feet (9,300 square metres) of publicly owned roof space each year with grass and bushes that will absorb carbon dioxide."

The other benefits, as found in the Chicago experiments with green roofs are by planting green roofs, the urban heat island effect is reduced, as well as fine particulate pollution. Additionally, storm water runoff is reduced, as the green roof absorbs and retains much of the rain. Water Barrels and Storage

Green roofs offer Mexico City an economic way of improving their air quality, water quality, and quality of life for its citizens and visitors. Green roofs may be more expensive than traditional roofs, but are definitely cheaper than the most modern pollution-reducing devices used in modern, Western factories.

Green Roofs in the UK

sedumsupply.co.uk

Green Roofs aren't just an interesting topic in the US, they are also found in Europe. Livingroofs.org is an organization based in the UK that is leading the charge in promoting green roofs. Their site makes an excellent point:

"In the UK, the increased pressures on urban land and increased density levels are likely to have adverse impacts on drainage, water abstraction, biodiversity, accessible green space, and local climate conditions."

This statement is strongly applicable to cities such as Beijing, Mexico City, and others that suffer from choking air pollution and difficulty managing storm-water runoff. Storm water runoff is a major pollutant to drinking water sources. Green roofs can capture that rain and filter it through the soil instead of dumping it into reservoirs and over-taxed water treatment plants.