LiveRoof® Is Beautiful From Day One With No Ugly Seams
The First and Only Hybrid Green Roof System, LiveRoof®combines the benefits of modular, plant-in-place, and carpet green roof systems. Natural Function, Natural Beauty.
Financial Benefits
Political Correctness
With an emphasis on recycled components, energy conservation, sustainability and minimal environmental impact (via development), green roofs score points with city planners, the community and tenants. This is oftentimes rewarded with zoning that allows for more intensive development. Building with green roofs may also receive tax credits or municipal grants and typically will command higher selling and rental prices.
Conservation of Municipal Septic Systems
Sponging up excess rainwater means municipal septic systems do not have to be expanded as much. It also means reduced overflows as well as reduced pollution and associated costs.
Extension of Roof Life
Plants and soil act as a protective shield from the elements.
This means:- No U.V. radiation/photo degradation of roofing components.
- Minimal thermal contraction and expansion (green roofs can reduce temperature fluctuations by as much as 90%). Studies show that on a sunny 95°F day, conventional rooftop surfaces can reach 175°F. Green roofs bring these temperatures in line with the ambient air temperature.
- Protection from drying winds.
- Protection from mechanical damage.
- Reduction or elimination of cracks and leaks.
- Potential 200% - 300% extension of membrane life expectancy.
Energy Conservation
The evapotranspirative effect of the plants and four inches of growing medium typically reduces indoor temperatures 6 to 8 degrees during warm/hot weather and can reduce air-conditioning costs 25 to 50 percent in single story buildings. This not only allows for ongoing cost savings but an initial reduction in the size of the required air conditioning equipment.
Minimal insulation (R-Value) exists during cool or winter weather. The pore space of the growing medium tends to be more water saturated at this time, and the plants won’t be as large and therefore will not trap as much air (essential to insulation value). But, in snowy winter locations, the vegetation helps to trap blowing snow which adds insulation value.
How the LiveRoof® System Interfaces with LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the green building rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED system’s intent is to provide a standard certification process that registers and quantifies buildings for design and construction methods that promote five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of building lifecycle.
Aesthetic Benefits
- Green roofs are much better looking than asphalt, gravel or tar.
- Natural views create more productive, healthy, happy, creative, relaxed people.
- Green roofs expand the usefulness of buildings via patios, gardens and vistas.
Environmental Benefits
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
The urban heat island effect is the temperature difference between urban areas and their rural surroundings. The temperature differential causes air currents and dust, and even contributes to violent weather events within urban settings.
Green roof vegetation helps by cooling the air, slowing air movement and acting as a substrate for pollution to settle out and detoxify.
Noise Reduction
Plants, soil, and air trapped in the soil are great acoustic insulators. Tests indicate that green roofs can reduce indoor sound by as much as 40 decibels, which is of great benefit to occupants of buildings affected by airports, industry, trains and traffic.
Fire Prevention
Succulent green roof plants help reduce the risk of fire.
Water Conservation/Reduction of Storm Water Runoff
The soil in green roof systems acts like a sponge and absorbs excess rain water. Research has shown that extensive green roof systems can reduce runoff by up to 90+% annually (varies with climate, soil and pitch of roof). Green roofs reduce the impact of each new building on the municipal storm drainage system and surrounding watershed. They reduce flooding, erosion and artificial heating of water which helps preserve fisheries and other aquatic life. Green roofs reduce the need for on-site storm water management systems and according to Seattle based Magnusson Klemencic Associates, under certain conditions, can offset the cost of a green roof by 30 to 60%. When combined with an effective rain garden (bioswale), green roofs can make it possible to have zero discharge of rainwater from the site, therefore saving money by not having to connect to the storm sewer system. Green roofs filter water prior to returning it to the aquifer. They buffer acid rain and remove nitrate pollution as water slowly percolates through the soil. What runoff remains will usually occur hours after peak flows, providing additional time for sewer systems to handle the runoff burden from impervious surfaces.
Habitat Recreation
Plants and soil help recreate habitat for butterflies, insects, and songbirds.
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Social Benefits
- Improved livability.
- Improved physical and mental health from exposure to nature.
- Increased sense of pride and place, levels of trust, civic participation, less violence, aggression, vandalism, and littering.
To learn more click to download our System Benefits PDF
NOTE: The success and appearance of any modular or other green roof system is dependent upon numerous factors such as the designer's specification, user's adherence to specified maintenance, specific variations in plant type, planting density, and adherence to proper installation.
