A green roof (or living roof) is a roof that contains soil and plants. So what are the benefits?

ENERGY SAVINGS. Green roofs add to the thermal mass and shading of your building, which helps combat the enormous potential for heat gain during the summer.

REDUCE STORMWATER RUNOFF. Water typically runs off roofs, then down the driveway and into the street picking up pollutants before it eventually reaches our local water ways. The plants on a green roof soak up rainwater preventing this contamination.

INCREASE LIFESPAN OF ROOF. The soil cover of a green roof protects the roofing membrane from the sun and increases its lifespan 2 to 3 times what it would be otherwise.

INCREASE EFFICIENCY OF PHOTOVOLTAICS. Typical roofs gain a lot of heat on warm days and the excessive heat causes roof solar panels to run less efficiently. A green roof reduces the temperature on the roof and will increase solar panel efficiency.

SAVE LAND AND HABITAT SPACE. A green roof allows you to have a vegetable garden, enjoy a more natural view, and contribute to the local habitat even on small parcels of land.

REDUCE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT. Typical roofs and hardscape increase local temperatures on hot days. A green roof reduces the amount of heat gain by replacing dark surfaces with plants. Plants absorb sunlight with 50% absorption rate and 30% reflection rate, creating a more manageable climate during hot months. In addition, it means you won’t have to use as much air conditioning indoors.

IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS. Green roofs are an effective way of adding plants to urban areas which help filter pollutants in the air and sequester carbon dioxide.

Along with the benefits listed above, green roofs are also great for noise absorption, fire-resistance, reducing impermeable surfaces, preventing the need for expensive underground rainwater catchment systems, blending into the landscape, creating more beautiful views, and increasing home value. To see more examples of living roofs in action, check out our Green Buildings Techniques here.

Hubbell & Hubbell examples include the following photos: the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center, the Spiedel Remodel (garage green roof), and the Hidden Meadows residence.