Green Roof System

Green roofs fulfil the most important demand of responsible building in the 21st century: the sustainable combination of ecology and economy.

Benefits for the Building Owner

There are several benefits to the building owner of installing a green roof system: 

Enhanced Roof Longevity and Protection

• The green roof acts as a protective barrier over the EPDM membrane, significantly extending its lifespan by shielding it from direct exposure to the elements.

• Protects against UV rays, preventing material degradation and reducing the risk of cracks and leaks.

• Shields the roof from extreme weather and temperature fluctuations, and crust formation, which can weaken conventional roofing materials over time.

Improved Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

• The green roof's natural insulation properties help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.

• Heat shielding minimises the absorption of solar radiation, keeping the building cooler in hot weather and reducing the reliance on air conditioning.

• Additional fire protection is provided as the moisture in the vegetation and substrate acts as a natural fire retardant.

Better Indoor Comfort and Climate Control

• Noise reduction is achieved as the green roof absorbs and dampens external sounds, making it particularly beneficial in urban or industrial areas.

• Improves indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing humidity levels, creating a healthier and more comfortable living or working environment.

• Contributes to a stable indoor climate, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving overall building performance.

Increased Property Value and Market Appeal

• A green roof system enhances a building's aesthetic appeal, making it more attractive to buyers, tenants, or investors.

• Increases building and property value by improving sustainability credentials, which are increasingly sought after in modern real estate markets.

• It can provide additional usable outdoor space, such as rooftop gardens or relaxation areas, adding functional value to the property.

Sustainability Incentives and Regulatory Benefits

• Minimising peak rainfall runoff reduces the impact of heavy rainfall, helping to manage urban drainage systems and prevent flooding.

• Some regions offer government funding, tax incentives, or grants to encourage green roof installations, making them a financially viable investment.

• Contributes to meeting environmental regulations and sustainability certifications, improving the building’s compliance with green building standards.
  
  

Benefits for the Environment

There are several benefits to the environment of installing a green roof system: 

Promotion of Biodiversity and Ecological Balance

• The installation of green roofs creates new green areas, even in densely urbanised environments, helping to restore vital green spaces.

• Green roofs provide new habitats for flora and fauna, offering shelter, food sources, and corridors for wildlife, especially in cities with limited natural areas.

• These spaces can become crucial resting and foraging areas for pollinators like bees and butterflies, essential for maintaining biodiversity.

Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect

• A green roof system helps counter the effects of intensive urban development by cooling down the environment and reducing the urban heat island effect, which can lead to higher temperatures in city centres.

• Improvement of the urban climate occurs as plants absorb sunlight while the substrate cools the surrounding area through evapotranspiration, lowering the ambient temperature.

Rainwater Management and Pollution Control

• A green roof system retains rainwater, helping to manage stormwater runoff and prevent flooding by absorbing rainwater and slowly releasing it, reducing the burden on drainage systems.

• The vegetation on green roofs binds dust and pollutants, improving air quality and reducing particulate matter in the atmosphere, which can benefit public health.

Creation of Usable Outdoor Spaces

• Green roofs often offer usable outdoor areas for recreation, relaxation, or even urban farming, adding functional green space to otherwise unused rooftops.

• These spaces can act as community hubs or quiet retreats, contributing to improved mental health and well-being in urban environments.

Reduction of Impervious Surfaces and Environmental Impact

• A green roof system helps reduce the effects of intense paving, surface sealing, and increased construction, which can lead to poor water absorption and increased heat retention in urban areas.

• They contribute to sustainable urban development, promoting a balance between built environments and nature by providing green infrastructure that supports environmental resilience.

There are several types of green roofs, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

With many advantages and favourable properties, green roofs are gaining importance worldwide. This applies equally to ecological and urban architecture as well as economic aspects. EPDM green roofs offer significant advantages in optimising the natural cooling of the environment during the summer.

The vegetation layer on the roof ensures that the ambient air stays comparatively cool in summer, thus reducing the energy needed to cool buildings. The additional layer of vegetation effectively shields the roof from weather influences such as hail and UV radiation, thereby extending the life expectancy of the waterproofing.

Overheating of Cities

Urban areas are developing into so-called heat islands ("urban heat island effect") due to excessive sealing and heat from traffic, industry, and household heating. The lack of nocturnal cooling increasingly burdens the health of the urban population. Green roofs can help alleviate the energy surplus through absorption and water evaporation, making the urban climate more tolerable.

Green roofs can significantly improve air quality. The surface of the vegetation alone filters numerous harmful particles from the air.

Government Grants

Many governments and local authorities offer various support for green roofs. Measures range from attractive financial subsidies to recognition as ecological compensation measures to including green roofs in urban development plans.

Energy Efficiency

In addition, a green roof can significantly improve a building's energy balance. Today, various green roof systems have recognised thermal resistance and can, therefore, be included in building energy calculations to comply with the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV).

Due to growing environmental awareness, more and more flat roofs are being laid out as green roofs. The newly created green areas offer a welcome habitat for birds, insects and other microorganisms. They ensure an improved local microclimate and help our cities to heat up less in summer.

Green roofs also play an important role in managing the flow of water. Rainwater that falls on it is not drained off immediately by the green roof construction but is released slowly and in turn help, the sewage system from overloading or flooding. Modern retention systems reinforce this effect by temporarily storing large amounts of rainwater during heavy rain, thus enabling reduced drainage.