A green roof provides shade and shelter,just as a traditional roof, but it is planted with vegetation.  The plants offer many benefits:  they clean the air,filter stormwater and keep the building cooler than a traditional roof.  Plants extend the life of the roof itself by protecting the roof materials from damage caused by heat and sunlight.  A green roof consists of vegetation and soil,or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane that protects the top of the building from water infiltration.  Additional layers, such as a root barrier or drainage and irrigation systems may also be included.

Green roofing systems provides shade and shelter along with other benefits that include:

• Reduction in dust and smog levels
• Reduction of stormwater run off by 50% - 90% with absorption into the soil and by the plants
• An additional thermal resistance; keeping energy cost down during the hot summer months
• Doubling the life span of the roofing membrane
• Additional usable space, which can increase your property value
  

There are many green roof systems available.  Extensive green roof systems are shallow, containing typically 4”-12” of soil. Intensive green roofs have deeper soil systems, allowing for a wider variety of plants.  Green roofs can be planted in modular containers or in a blanket of planting medium across the roof area.  They can be as maintenance free as you choose, depending on the plants selected. Always use plants that are native or adapted to the Houston area, never invasive species.

City of Houston Green Building Center currently has two (2) educational green roof exhibits on display.

Sustainable Sites Tools and Information

• Site Planning
  
  
- Permeable Pavement
- Stormwater Management


• Native Plants to Houston Environment
  
  
- Importance of Native Plants
- Indoor Plants
-Outdoor Plants


• Green Roofs
  
- Fundamentals of Green Roofs


• Helpful Sustainable Sites Resources
  
  
• Helpful Sustainable Sites Links
  
  
• Back to Sustainable Sites Homepage