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Green roofs are pretty trendy in the green community. Thanks to pro-green roof urban planners like the previous mayor of Chicago Richard Daley, whose green roof initiatives ensured that his city was the undisputed green roof pioneer in the US or countries like Germany where 10% of the entire country’s roofs are covered in vegetation, implementing a green roof is all the eco rage. Here are some great reasons why:
1 Energy Savings
Green roofs are hugely effective at reducing energy bills and total energy consumption in buildings and houses where they are installed. In the summer, the green roof systems helps to naturally cool the roof and the floors below and in the winter, they provide much-needed insulation against the cold. Everyone likes to save on utilities at the end of the month; green roofs are an ideal solution.
2 Urban Heat Island Effect
Buildings cause a great deal of heat; Cement and metals absorb and retain heat. By implementing a green roof system on your roof, you are lowering the temperature Cities and towns where even as small as 20-30% of the roof surfaces have green roofs have seen their average temperatures drop by 2 to 3 degrees- quite a significant amount in our era of extreme temperatures and global warming.
3 Pollution
Plants absorb the toxic and polluting CO2 that us human beings are constantly over releasing into our breathing environment due to our highly polluting ways and behaviours. Green roofs provide all-year round plant protection; they absorb a host of toxins beyond just CO2, create more oxygen for us to breathe better and they dampen the effects of the noise and light pollution (both huge energy wasters, toxin emitters and heat producers) that permeates modern cities, giving us a cleaner and more peaceful environment in which to live and breathe.
4 Bio Diversity
Green roofs provide a bio system in areas that are usually plant and tree graveyards. By introducing green roofs to the area, you are attracting insects and birds. Pretty soon, you will have created a whole new mini ecosystem. In urban areas where we have often driven many species to the brink of extinction, green roofs can spark a revival!
Want to install a green roof in your Hong Kong home? Contact Green Roof Asia, the city’s leading expert!
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