Green Roofs are Energy Efficient and Environmentally Clean

Long-Term Cost Savings

A green roof is one that can sustain living vegetation, yet still protect a building from the elements. The initial costs of installing a green roof are higher than more traditional roofing methods. However, the long-term benefits of a green roof produce savings and have the added benefit of protecting the environment. Specifically, the plants and greenery absorb the sun’s UV rays as well as other elements (e.g. storm water), resulting in:

• Lower cooling costs (less demand on air conditioners),
• Slower rate of deterioration (extended roof replacement cycle),
• Reduced erosion surrounding the base of a home, and
• Less damage to landscaping.

Environmentally Clean and Energy Efficient

In addition to these money-saving benefits, there are a number of other advantages:

• The impact on the environment as an offset to the loss of trees and vegetation can only be positive.
• The effect of urban heat islands can be somewhat abated, offsetting the impact of large buildings, metal, concrete and asphalt absorbing large amounts of heat.
• Noise reduction as green roofs aid in dampening the sound from outside a home and acts as an insulator in keeping sounds that are inside a home from getting out.
• Air quality can also improve as pollutants from rainwater are absorbed before they evaporate back into the atmosphere.