Book 25, Question 87
What is a green roof, and how does it help?
A green roof is a roof covered with plants.
Under the plants are layers of soil, a drainage layer, a root barrier, and a waterproof sheet. The plants soak up rain, so less water rushes into storm drains, and they keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter. A green roof also gives bees, butterflies, and birds a place to live.
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Quick answers
What is a green roof, and how does it help?
A green roof, or rooftop garden, is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop.
Green roofs also reduce the amount of pollutants in the storm water that does run off and provide habitat for birds.
Sources: U.S. EPA, Yale Environment 360
More fun facts
- A green roof at the National Institutes of Health campus cools the building and filters stormwater.
Sources: Oregon State University