Green Roofs Take Root Around The World

Green walls might have been a fad if not for a redesign to meet architectural expectations.

Green roofs take root around the world.

City to require that certain new buildings be built with a green roof an eco friendly design technique that sows plants above a roofline. The new law going into effect in january will require between 15 to 30 percent of roof space on most new construction projects to incorporate solar green roofs or a blend of both reports national geographic. Typically a green or living roof is constructed of several layers including a waterproof membrane a root barrier a drainage layer a growing medium soil is too heavy and plants. From personal residences to large scale public buildings the green roof phenomenon is exploding internationally and here are some of the best from all over the globe.

That s an increase of 13 from today. By 2050 68 of the world s population will call a city home. In france legislators have decreed that all new buildings need to be equipped with either solar panels or green roofs also known as living roofs which are completely or partly covered with vegetation. This latest action builds on a growing trend that has taken root around the world and which boosters say offers significant benefits for the planet.

The implications of this vast global shift are myriad and complex but one effect on. San francisco became the first u s. The epa estimates green roofs start at about 10 per square foot for simple projects or up to 25 per square foot for more ambitious designs although they can also save building occupants money. City to require that certain new buildings be built with a green roof an eco friendly design technique that sows plants above a roofline.