The Benefits and Challenges of Green Roofs on Public and Commercial Buildings

Cities create remarkable social environments out of what had been untouched natural landscapes. It is important to understand what is lost in that process as well. Besides being attractive, natural landscapes absorb and infiltrate stormwater, provide cooling from excess heat, offer habitats to a diversity of species, and improve air and water quality. 

Keywords: Green Roofs, Roof Longevity, Biodiversity, Stormwater Management, Energy, Urban Heat Island, Quality of Life, Air Quality