Green Roofs opus 840
| 16 May 2026 1714 Hours | | Botany, Biology, Climate, Conservation, Entomology, Environment, Farming, Food, Science, Zoology |
We have all seen Heidi stories with the Swiss garden roofs;
Goats grazing on them.
These children's stories were real but not taken seriously.
This practice is taking off, especially in Europe.
Grass, moss, or succulents growing on a roof
Reduce the building occupants' temperature,
As well as for the surrounding community.
These 'sky gardens' reduce local temperatures,
Help prevent flooding, and increase biodiversity.
Appropriate planting also benefits pollinators.
Roofs are a large unused space that could be utilized.
Even empty walls could be planted with vines.
Crops might be grown under solar panels--agrivoltaics,
Generating both food and electricity.
The built environment warms much more than rural areas.
The roofs must be waterproofed with root barriers.
The weight of the plants with water added during storms,
Must be taken into account. Shrubs and even trees are possible.
I visited the Washington State archives in Seattle
Which had three rows of trees growing on its roof.
The added strategy was it was camophlaged for warfare.
A green roof sweats, as it releases water vapor
During photosynthesis, cooling the air.
The greenery also protects the roof, thus extending its life.
Green roofs soak up the increasing rainfall, preventing flooding.
Blue-green roofs incorporate systems which store rainwater,
Providing a source of water to flush the building's toilets.
Thus water is captured and utilized for plants and people.
Green roofs and walls would form a network for flying creatures.
As well as providing shelter for rare species of flora and fauna.
Rooftop agrivoltaic systems protect the plants from wind and heat,
And the plants release water vapor cooling the covering panels,
Which renders them more efficient, generating more electricity.
The panels shade plants, resulting in less evaporation
And requiring less watering.
Watermelons and cucumbers seem to do especially well.
Green roofs better distribute pollinators throughout the city.
Basel, Switzerland, started creating green roofs a decade ago.
In the US, cities are charging for all rooftop rainwater runoff,
Encouraging more planting on and by the buildings.
Traditional roofs must be replaced within decades.
Extra remuneration can be earned
By renting out green roofs for private events!
What more could one ask for at this point?