Sustainable Landscape Design for Green Roofs: Living Beauty for Unused SpaceSustainable landscape design for green roofs is a fairly new trend that has seen its start in Germany in the beginning of the 1960's.
Other European countries began to construct green roof systems as well, including Switzerland, where living roofs have been mandatory since the late 90's, Austria, Sweden, Italy, and in some parts of the UK. More recently, green roof construction has also began in the US as more developers, homeowners, and businesses see the widespread benefits of sustainable design. Types of Green RoofingLiving roofs fall into 2 primary categories - intensive and extensive. Intensive roofs are the most similar to traditional, ground level gardens and generally have at least a foot of soil. These designs can support a variety of plant life, including herb and vegetable gardens, shrubs, and even small trees, but also require extreme structural support, easy access,and typically a great deal of maintenance.
Extensive roofs are much more common. Generally requiring just 2 to 4 inches of soil, these green roofs can be installed on most structures and usually feature hardy, self-sustaining sedum species that require very little work to maintain. Installation and MaintenanceGreen roof construction is somewhat similar to that of green walls, but rooftop systems require additional drainage and waterproofing features because of their location.Structures with moderately pitched or curved roofs provide the best foundation because the slope allows proper drainage, but flat roofs as well as roofs with a steep pitch can work. An existing roof structure of any type may need re-enforcement before installing a green roof.
Sustainable landscape design for green roofs begins with waterproof membranes on the roof. One layer may be sufficient for a well-designed structure, but additional layers may be required to prevent leakage. A drainage layer is installed to aid in moving excess water off the roof, as well as a root barrier to prevent plants from attaching to the roof. Soil medium, typically a nutrient-rich compost, is added before the vegetation is planted. Benefits of Living RoofsGreen walls and roofs add aesthetic beauty to both commercial and residential structures, but also offer a number of environmental benefits. Besides protecting the ecosystem, green roofing also adds to the market value of the building, minimizes typical wear to the roof, and provides substantial savings on energy bills.Benefits of green roof systems include:
• Natural cooling that combats the urban heat-island effect and reduces the need for air conditioning; 
• Reduced storm water runoff, minimizing the need for extensive piping systems and water treatment;• Natural carbon sequestering (the process by which nature has achieved a balance of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere) with an undisturbed growing process; • Better health for nearby residents and improved conditions for those within the building; • Creation of natural, safe animal habitats to promote breeding and sustainability. Aside from the initial costs, there are very few disadvantages to living roofs and green walls. Sustainable landscape design for green roofs can benefit everyone, as well as the environment. Complimentary Consultations with our Worldwide Network of Landscape Contractors and Architects
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