Green roofs for a more sustainable city
Green roofs are an innovative and sustainable way to transform cities. They not only add aesthetic value to buildings but also provide numerous functional benefits. From increasing solar panel efficiency and absorbing noise to offering a habitat for wildlife and improving air quality, green roofs are a multi-purpose solution. They act as water buffers, purify the air, and enhance thermal insulation. Discover why green roofs are a smart choice and how they contribute to a more sustainable urban environment.
Draining and filtering rainwater
In urban areas where most surfaces are paved with concrete and asphalt, water drainage poses a significant challenge. Traditional roofs channel rainwater directly into sewers, often causing overflows and flooding. Green roofs provide a sustainable solution to this issue.
Green roofs, such as the ECCOsedum system, can retain up to 35 liters of water per square meter. During rainfall, the sedum absorbs water like a sponge and gradually releases it, reducing the load on drainage systems. The water evaporates slowly or is absorbed by the vegetation, ensuring efficient water management. The plants themselves require very little water to survive.
Additionally, the substrate in green roofs acts as a filter, capturing pollutants such as oil and urban contaminants. This means the water reaching the ground is cleaner, which is crucial for improving groundwater quality.
A natural cooling mechanism and enhanced heat retention
In addition to water management, green roofs are particularly effective at regulating temperature. Urban areas often face what is known as the heat island effect, where temperatures in densely built cities are higher than in surrounding rural areas. This is partly due to traditional roofs absorbing and retaining heat, which leads to increased temperatures.
Green roofs, however, function as a natural insulation system. The vegetation layer reduces heat absorption and retention by reflecting direct sunlight. Additionally, moisture within the vegetation evaporates, providing extra cooling. This can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees, resulting in reduced air conditioning costs and lower energy consumption. Due to this temperature-regulating effect, ECCOsedum green roof tiles are also highly suitable for use in commercial buildings with cooling warehouses or buildings with air conditioning systems.
In winter, green roofs offer the opposite benefit: they help retain heat. The various layers of a green roof – from the substrate to the vegetation – create an additional insulation layer, reducing heat loss. This results in a more stable indoor climate and lower heating costs.
A step toward sustainability
Installing green roofs goes beyond water and heat management; it creates greener, more livable cities. Green roofs promote biodiversity by providing habitats for insects, birds, and small animals. They also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering fine particles.
Green roofs also contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of buildings. The use of lightweight and sustainable systems, such as ECCOsedum trays, minimizes the need for heavy structural modifications, allowing them to be installed on almost any existing roof. Additionally, these trays are made from recycled materials, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.
Installation and maintenance: easier than you think
Thanks to systems like ECCOsedum, installing a green roof is quick and straightforward. These pre-cultivated trays can be placed directly, even on sloped roofs. Thanks to their low weight (only 84 kg per square meter when saturated), they can be installed on almost any existing roof without major structural modifications.
Maintenance is minimal, as sedum plants require little care and are drought-resistant. This makes green roofs a sustainable and low-maintenance investment for the future.
Conclusion: green roofs as a future-proof solution
Adopting green roofs in urban areas provides numerous benefits, from efficient water management and enhanced thermal insulation to increased biodiversity and energy savings. For homeowners and urban planners looking to build a more sustainable future, green roofs are an essential solution.
Want to learn more about our green roof products? Visit our product page and explore all the possibilities for your eco-friendly project.