Green Roofs improve air quality and reduce the “urban heat island effect". A green roof is a system of soil and plants on top of a roof. These layers include: protection fabric, root barrier, drainage, soil, and plants. Green Roofs cover and protect your rooftop, while providing economic and environmental benefits.
In 2007, SSBx created SmartRoofs, LLC to install and maintain greenroofs across New York City. SmartRoofs, LLC is demonstrating the positive connection between living wage jobs and a cleaner environment. Any green roof is a good thing, but when it's installed and maintained by well-trained members of the local community, it is a triumph!
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To learn more about the financial incentives for installing a greenroof, including information about the property tax abatement, please click here and here.
Green Roof Benefits
Energy consumers could save over $5 million dollars annually by reducing cooling costs if green roofs were installed on just 5% of New York City buildings, according to a 2004 study by the New York City Department of Design and Construction. A recent Columbia University study estimated that the same number of green roofs could achieve an annual reduction of 350,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. According to a 2007 Riverkeeper report, green roofs could retain 810 gallons of storm water for every $1,000 of investment, easing pressure on the city’s overburdened sewer system and reducing overflows of untreated sewage from Combined Sewer Overflows.
REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Studies demonstrate green roofs generate substantial energy savings. Typical 2-3 story buildings could experienced anywhere from 15-25% savings in summertime energy costs.
MANGAGE STORMWATER
Green roofs prevent water from flooding the subway and sewer system by capturing over 50% of storm-water, filtering pollutants, and reducing the flow of peak stormwater by approximately 75%.
EDUCATION
One Bronx high school created the Green Teens, an environmental education course which incorporated SSBx's greenroof into its educational curriculum.
GROW A GARDEN
SmartRoofs also can design your roof to produce food. We have fantastic fruit, an assortment of vegetables, and fresh herbs that can grown on any roof.
INCREASE BIODIVERSITY
With the continuing loss of green space, green roofs create new habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other forms of wildlife.
EXTEND ROOFTOP LIFESPAN
Green roofs can last 2 to 3 times as long as typical rooftops because they use the sun’s rays rather than being abused by them. On a 90 degree day a green roof is about 80°F, while a black roof is 175°F, causing substantial wear and tear. Notably, many green roofs in Germany are over 40 years old and continuing to thrive.
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
With so many surfaces absorbing and generating heat, like rooftops and pavement, a situation known as the Urban Heat Island Effect occurs. This means that on average New York City is 5-7°F warmer than surrounding rural areas in the summertime, causing increased levels of smog and asthma, and increased airconditioner use. Green roofs cool and filter the air, improving the overall quality.
If you are interested in installing a greenroof We are happy to discuss the steps you need to take to make your roof green. From structural analysis to soil depth, plant selections, government incentives, and installation, we want to design a system to fit your needs and spread this beneficial technology throughout NYC. Please click here to request more information.
RESOURCES
Kerr, L., & Yao, D. (2004).Reducing New York City’s urban heat island effect. Cost effectiveness calculations for white roofs, green roofs, lighter roadways and trees. New York City Office of Sustainable Design, Department of Design and Construction. Draft.
Acks, K. (2006). A framework for cost-benefit analysis of green roofs: Initial estimates.In C. Rosenzweig, S. Gaffin, & L. Parshall (Eds.), Green roofs in the New York metropolitan region: Research report (pp. 41-52). New York: Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
Plumb, M. (2007). B. Seggos (Ed.). Sustainable raindrops: Cleaning the New York Harbor by greening the urban landscape. Tarrytown, NY: Riverkeeper.
Green Roofs improve air quality and reduce the “urban heat island effect". A green roof is a system of soil and plants on top of a roof. These layers include: protection fabric, root barrier, drainage, soil, and plants. Green Roofs cover and protect your rooftop, while providing economic and environmental benefits. 