Guide for Cultivating and Preserving Your Eco-Friendly Rooftop Garden

Let's chat about those lustrous green roofs you've been eyeing, huh? We sat down with Jéssica Fogeiro, a Landscape Architect who's all about green infrastructure and the Executive Coordinator at ANCV Green Roofs. This non-profit organization works on spreading the word about green roofs and green infrastructure, partnering with various companies and research centers to create innovative products and systems.

How does ANCV Green Roofs work, exactly? According to Jéssica, their job can be broken down into a triangle: companies partner with research centers to develop new green roof products and systems; municipalities require scientific evidence to invest in green projects or create incentives for them; and sometimes, investigation centers need companies to create case studies for green roof projects. The research provided by ANCV helps bring these groups together, discuss benefits, and guide municipalities on projects that will provide the best results.

Green Roofs - Nothing but Benefits (or So We Think)

Why should you, the everyday citizen, care about green roofs? To break it down, green roofs offer the following perks:

Air purification: Green roofs clean the air and improve air quality.
Noise reduction: They help reduce sound pollution, providing a serene environment.
Water management: They help manage water runoff and decrease flood risks.
Thermal fluctuations: Green roofs absorb heat, keeping buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing your energy bills.
Biodiversity: Green roofs provide habitat for various species and contribute to local biodiversity.
Fresh produce: Some green roofs can even produce vegetables, fruits, and herbs for you to enjoy!
Well-being & happiness: Green spaces promote mental and physical well-being, contributing to a generally happier population.
Increased property value: Green roofs increase a property's value, making them excellent investments.

You can read more about these benefits in our Case for Green Roofs.

Green Roofs - Affordable, or Worth the Bucks?

Now, let's get down to brass tacks - is it financially viable to put a green roof on your home? Let's take a look at the cost breakdown in the U.S.A. and U.K.:

U.S.A.: The average installation cost for an extensive roof is approximately $10 to $20 per square foot, and for an intensive roof, the cost ranges from $25 to $35 per square foot. For a 1.500 sq. ft. roof, an average homeowner can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000.

U.K.: The prices for an extensive green roof range from £50 to £100, and for an intensive between £60 and £150, equating to between £75,000 and £150,000 for the same 1.500 sq. ft. roof.

Of course, these costs can vary based on the climate, country's policies, and other factors. But don't fret! There are incentives and funds available in various countries to help offset the costs. It's best to check with your local green roof organization to find out if funds are available in your area. ANCV provides a list of green roof policies around the world on their website to help get you started.

Green Roofs - Here's How You Can Get Yours

So, you're sold on the idea of a green roof. Great! Here are the steps to make it happen:

Get familiar with your local policies: Check out ANCV's easy-to-use guide here.
Hire a specialist: Green roofs require more than just plants and soil. A specialist will ensure the project goes smoothly and eliminate potential future issues.
Building your green roof:

a) On a new building: Discuss your desired roof with the architect, have the landscape architect design the rest, and then consult with a green roof specialist or landscape architect to determine the best plants for the location's climate and other variables.

b) On an existing building: Find out the maximum weight your building can support, strengthen it if needed, and then work with a green roof specialist or landscape architect to create your dream roof.4. If you're merely a renter with a "green" heart, discuss the idea with your landlord. While they may not allow you to install a green roof, they might be more open to other greening solutions, such as insulation improvements or allowing you to set up potted plants or modular vegetation trays on the roof.

Maintenance

Maintenance for green roofs can vary based on the climate. However, here's a general idea of what you can expect:

Trimming
Watering
Replanting
Annually booking a specialist's visit to check the drain and roof's condition

On average, annual maintenance costs range from approx. $0.80 to $1.60 per square meter. Considering the potential savings on energy, water, and food bills, green roofs are a wise investment. Green roof membranes often last twice as long as conventional roof membranes, saving you from costly repairs.

Wrapping Up Green Roofs

Green roofs offer numerous benefits, from energy efficiency to increased property value and environmental improvements. Work with a specialist, consider local policies, and you'll be on your way to enjoying a verdant, self-sustaining living space in no time. So, are you ready to skip that boring conventional roof for a lush, green one? We thought so!

Incorporating green roofs into your lifestyle and home-and-garden can contribute to sustainable living, as they offer benefits such as air purification, noise reduction, water management, thermal fluctuations, biodiversity, fresh produce, and increased property value.
To learn more about affordable green roof options and available incentives, it's best to consult local green roof organizations like ANCV, which provides lists of green roof policies and case studies on their website.