Green Roof ConsultantsMEGAN GRAHAMMASD STUDENTINTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FALL 2015

history • Green roofing… living roof… eco roof• Germany pioneered the green roof movement in the 1970’s• As a way to add greenery to urban areas• The movement spread throughout Europe and the United States• Gaps still remain in the knowledge of green roof technologies & effect

US adoption

core components• Green roofs constructed using a multi-tier design -• Waterproofing membrane that protects the roofing

materials • Root barrier layer provides added protection to the roof • Insulation is then added to protect from heat gain & loss • Drainage & retention layer for efficiently rainwater

processing• Filter fabric protects from transference of growing medium. • Growing medium is a low organic content light weight mix • Erosion control blanket protects against water & wind• Plants are perennial, shallow-rooted & drought-tolerant • The native plants of Minnesota have adapted to bedrock

areas are perfect choices for green roof installations

benefits• Extended life of the roof • Air quality is improved as a result of the vegetation on the roof• Softens the appearances of residences• Low maintenance• Comparatively low cost • Lessens the need for supplemental heating and cooling methods which

can equate to energy and cost savings• Decreased runoff from storm water • Micro environment creation for beneficial birds and insects to live and

feed

sustainability challenge • Marketability of green roofing can be impacted by perception of

the implementation & it’s durability• Concerns with the aesthetic are valid as weeds and additional

animals can be a concern for neighbors. • By creating awareness to the benefits of residential living

roofs in Minnesota, adoption of green roofs is likely to increase.

• Minnesota experiences extreme weather - temperature swings between -5 & 83

• average rainfall measures 24 inches per year & average snowfall measures 54 inches

recommendations

• Inform by creating interactive website that illustrates the benefits of green lifestyle • encourages being an early adopter of sustainable change

• Inform by creating advocacy programs to educate professional residential roofing companies, landscaping architects, structural engineers, and city planners• networking