Building the Green Roof
by TreeHugger on 10.27.04
Green roofs: they’re not just for hobbits anymore. In fact, they’re beginning to make to their way across the Atlantic from Europe, and one of the places that could use them most is the East Coast...
That’s because planted roofs—usually made up of hardy, succulent sedums--can absorb storm water, helping to relieve our backed up storm pipes and drains, since loads of impervious surfaces—parking lots, driveways, etc—don’t really help. Additionally, eco-roofs can help reduce greenhouse gases and act as insulators for buildings, making them more energy efficient. They also last about three times as long as traditional roofs. But just how far away from reality are these green roofs? Well, Ford implemented one at its newly renovated HQ, Chicago’s City Hall has one, and we may even see a few soon in Washington, D.C. Via ::Land+Living ::MSNBC
Workers install green roof parts at the Ford Motor Company headquarters.
Succulent plants
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These green roofs were quite common in Scandinavian villages some 100 years ago. They were very handy for keeping goats well-fed and safe from bears and wolves. Probably succulent plants will not need mowing, though it would be fun to see couple of goats dining in the skyline of Chicago.
You have a very interesting website! We publish Greenroofs.com - the internaitonal greenroof resource portal. I was referred to you by "New York Green Drinks," an organization we mention often under Upcoming Events.
Regarding your last posted comment, greenroofs have actually been present in Scandinavia and Iceland for over 1,000 years, and Riikka's right, succulents do not need mowing. That's the point! Visit www.greenroofs.com to learn more. Linda S. Velazquez, Greenroofs.com Publisher