Create
green open spaces
Increasing urban density decreases
ground level green space. Roof gardens negate, to some
extent, high
density development.
Retain
and manage rainwater
Green roofs absorb up
to 75% of rainfall, thus reducing the runoff dramatically,
and lowering
the risk of floods.
Provide
diverse habitats
Roof gardens, when planted
with indigenous flora, can provide important habitats
for native
bird and insect populations.
Modify
urban micro-climates
Cities, of concrete and
tarmac, retain heat and create "urban heat islands",
as much as 5C warmer than surrounding suburbs. Plants,
through
transpiration, directly cool the air, and can reduce surface
roof temperatures by as much as 40C in summer.
Improve
air quality
Plants produce oxygen, and remove carbon dioxide from the air. They also
trap up
to 85% of airborne particulates on their leaf surfaces.
Insulate
against heat and sound
Buildings with roof
gardens lose 30% less heat in the winter, are cooler
in the summer,
and offer year-round sound insulation.
Provide
economic benefits
Roof gardens and green roofs
extend the life of the existing roof fabric by up to 70%.
Further savings are also made from improved insulation.
They also substantially enhance re-sale values.
Provide
social benefits
Planting gardens, both at ground
level and in the sky, alters both the sensible and psychological
climate for the better.
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