Benefits of Green Roof Amenity Spaces
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Why Are Green Spaces Essential in Urban Buildings?
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.
What Are the Economic Benefits of Green Roofs?
How Do Green Roofs Increase Property Value and Reduce Costs?
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.
Do Green Roofs Protect Your Roof Investment?
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.
How Do Green Spaces Improve Tenant Wellness and 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?
What’s the Science Behind Nature and Mental Health?
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 Do Green Roofs Help the Environment?
Do Green Roofs Reduce Urban Air Pollution and Heat?
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.
Can Green Roofs Support Urban Biodiversity?
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.
About The Author
Alan Burchell is the Principal of Urbanstrong, an award-winning firm specializing in sustainable rooftop solutions. A professional engineer, LEED-AP, Fitwel Ambassador and certified Green Roof Professional, Alan holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on Sustainable Water Management.
For over a decade, Alan has been at the forefront of designing and implementing Solar-Integrated Green Roofs to tackle advanced rooftop stormwater management challenges. His extensive experience spans all seven continents, where he has worked as an environmentalist, project manager, speaker, and sales engineer. This global perspective enables Alan to address critical energy and water management issues, helping building owners reduce costs while complying with local codes, enhance sustainability, and boost property values.
Contact Alan today at aburchell@urbanstrong.com or 215.480.2210 or book a 15min chat directly in his calendar here.
