Sustainable green roofing

A sustainable solution for urban development

Green roofs — also known as living or vegetated roofs — present an innovative method for managing urban development. These systems support vegetation growth, offering benefits from energy conservation to habitat creation.

The assembly generally consists of a root-repellent system, drainage, filtering layer, growing medium and vegetation, all laid over a waterproof membrane. Typically found on flat roofs, they can also be adapted to sloped surfaces.

Green roofs are categorised as extensive, semi-intensive or intensive — each varying in depth, maintenance and vegetation diversity.

Key benefits

• Energy savings — insulation that reduces heating and cooling demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Urban heat mitigation — reflecting solar rays and reducing the urban heat island effect.
• Stormwater management — absorbing and gradually releasing rainwater to cut runoff and flood risk.
• Environmental enhancement — supporting biodiversity, air quality and urban habitats.
• Aesthetic appeal — transforming barren rooftops into verdant spaces.

Vegetation options

• Heather
• Moss & lichen
• Grasses (Carex species)
• Herbs
• Wildflower
• Sedum plants