Benefits of Green Roof Amenity Spaces
Green spaces are more than amenities, they are necessities. Imagine a city without parks? Where would we exercise, socialize, or relax? Now consider the building you live in or work in. Does it have any green spaces? Imagine if your building offered the solace of nature, without having to go too far. 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in cities, and with that number expected to grow, it is imperative to design buildings with the integration of green spaces.
Breaking Down the Economics of Green Spaces
First and foremost, green spaces increase property value. People will pay premium prices to live in a building with a green roof deck amenity space. In addition to increased property values, green roofs can help bring down the costs of building operations. Acting as a natural insulator, green roofs reduce energy consumption used from building heating and cooling, thus decreasing utility costs.
Green Roofs Protect Your Building Asset
Further, just like how a case protects your phone, green roofs protect the roof membrane. Uncovered roof membranes are subject to the elements and thermal shock of temperature swings during the seasons. Membranes start out soft and supple but after a few years of UV degradation they become brittle and crack causing leaks. A membrane protected by all the layers of a green roof can last anywhere from 40 to 60 years longer. Imagine all those avoided costs related to cracks, leaks, damages and roof replacements over that period of time.
Want to Live or Work in a Building that Improves Your Quality of Life?
Numerous studies have shown the positive cognitive benefits of time spent outdoors, including increases in mood and memory span. Interacting with nature has proven to increase productivity and attention, as well as overall reducing stress, improving sleep quality, lower depression and increase overall happiness. But why? There is one theory that the association with nature encourages social behaviors and active lifestyles. Other theories, like the idea of Biophilia, suggest that nature is stimulating and creates a much needed restorative environment for our minds.
How Green Amenity Roofs Contribute to Environmental Protection?
Green infrastructure plays a big role in climate resiliency. Green roofs help mitigate city air pollution. Air pollutants degrade buildings and lead to increased cleaning and repairs. The addition of trees and shrubs in cities and on roofs act as air filters, cleaning the air from harmful toxins. This reduces the costs associated with pollution, including healthcare costs.
Trees and green landscaping absorb carbon dioxide and help cool air temperatures, reducing urban heat island effect. They also help preserve water quality and absorb rainwater that would typically run off an impervious surface and contribute to stormwater runoff and flooding.
Outdoor green spaces create habitats for birds and insects. Acting as biological corridors, these green roofs act as a stopover during migration season. They also provide safe habitats for foraging and breeding, thus maintaining species populations.
