… quite a bit more, in fact.
In this post, we’re going to explore the materials and design elements that make green roofs sustainable. We’ll talk about lightweight, durable substrates; native plant selection; eco-friendly irrigation systems; and more.
We will also take a look at what sustainability means and how green roofs can help promote biodiversity and help mitigate climate change in urban spaces.
Sustainability is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but is not defined often enough. Let’s remedy that.
In a nutshell, sustainability is the idea that we must meet our own needs today without compromising the ability of future people to meet the needs of tomorrow — all while working in harmony with Mother Nature rather than at her expense.
It might sound like a tall order, but sustainability is more within reach than many people think, mainly because it’s a lofty ambition composed of many, many small actions. This isn’t about one, big fix.
Rather, as the Environmental Protection Agency explains, “In the areas where the US has seen considerable progress in sustainability, a common driver for sustainability efforts is citizens and other stakeholders’ concern.”
Progress is the result of many people and organizations working together, all at once.
Because we like definitions, especially ones that matter, let’s throw another concept into the mix: resilience.
A resilient system is one that can anticipate challenges, withstand them, recover from them, and adapt to them over time. A good green roof should be both sustainable and resilient.
Much like pets and children, green roofs do not simply take care of themselves. (Man, what if they did, though? We’d get so much more random googling reading done.)
Instead, you’ve got to nurture them through intentional design, well-fitted materials, proactive care, and asking the right questions.
Do so, and you’ll have a green roof that contributes to stormwater management, energy efficiency, employee happiness, urban ecology, and — heck, we’re just gonna say it — your ability to sleep at night.
So, what are these characteristics? Here are five of the most important.
You can put green roofs on nearly any structure, but you must build them properly.
For one thing, they have to remain light enough, even when fully saturated, for the roof to support them. For another, they must hang tough over the years. Both goals require highly innovative, thoroughly tested materials.
Green roofs are made to move water around: suck it up, hold onto it, release it quickly or slowly depending on the climate, and nurture the plants that do so much heavy lifting.
Those plants, however, are the linchpin of your rooftop’s ability to meet its sustainability goals, which means they need proper hydration. Eco-friendly irrigation systems help ensure this.
Natives are key. The local plant life is best suited to any given area, more resilient, and better adapted to the harsh polarities of summer and winter.
Plus, it’s what the local critters are used to feeding on/hiding in/building nests out of/whatever else it is local critters do.
Yes, we want to choose the most natural materials on the market. And yes, we want to choose the most effective materials on the market. And yes, we’re quite irritated that those two objectives don’t always coincide, forcing us to compromise — everyone’s favorite word.
For instance, many green roof components use plastics. For now, we rely on them as the most efficient way to manage water in a lightweight and durable fashion. We strive to use recycled content wherever possible and will continue to work toward doing even better.
So should you.
Unlike pets and children, green roofs pretty much stick to themselves (and you don’t need to save for college). They require minimal monthly or quarterly stewardship once established, depending on where they’re located and what types of plants you’ve got growing.
Indeed, it’s fairly simple even to revive green roofs that have gone to seed. Their low profile, cheerful plants, and intentional design make bringing them back from the brink easy enough … especially if you have the right help. Ideally, though, it’s best not to leave your green roof untended.
It’s not enough to know how to make a green roof sustainable; you need the who if you want the right supplies. Two of our favorite suppliers include:
Dive into these riveting chats with Chris Slusser from Hanover Architectural Products and Chuck Gallo from Keene Building Products—because who knew green roofing could be this entertaining?
Are you ready to learn more about how we at Ecogardens drive sustainability in our corner of the world? We’d love to tell you more, so please feel free to reach out for a consultation today.