Green roofs and biodiverse roofs are innovative urban design concepts that involve cultivating vegetation on building rooftops. These eco-friendly roofing systems offer a range of environmental and societal benefits, particularly for inner cities in the UK.
The application
Green roofs, also known as living roofs or eco-roofs, are designed with a layer of vegetation and soil atop a waterproofing membrane. Green roofs offer an array of benefits to inner cities, including:
Stormwater Management: Green roofs absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and helping alleviate the strain on urban drainage systems in the UK, which are often overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.
Energy Efficiency: By acting as natural insulators, green roofs regulate indoor temperatures. They reduce the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer, contributing to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions in inner cities.
Improved Air Quality: Green roofs help filter pollutants from the air, thus enhancing air quality, which is especially crucial in densely populated urban areas.
Biodiversity: Even extensive green roofs can support a variety of plant species, and they offer habitats for insects and birds, promoting urban biodiversity.
Biodiverse roofs, also called wildlife roofs or brown roofs, are specifically designed to mimic natural habitats. They often incorporate local wildflowers, grasses, and other flora that create a more complex and varied ecosystem on the rooftop. The key benefits of biodiverse roofs include:
Enhanced Biodiversity: Biodiverse roofs promote the survival of local plant and insect species, which can be threatened by urban development. They provide a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.
Education and Awareness: These roofs can serve as valuable educational tools, raising awareness about the importance of urban biodiversity and the coexistence of wildlife and city life.
Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Biodiverse roofs contribute to the overall aesthetics of a building and provide an appealing view for residents. They also offer recreational and relaxation spaces, fostering a stronger connection to nature.
Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: Like green roofs, biodiverse roofs help counteract the urban heat island effect by reducing heat retention and lowering temperatures in inner cities, making the environment more comfortable.
The service
Working with our sister company Tremco and specialist partners we can offer a holistic solution to green and biodiverse roofs. Our service covers:
The solution