EPC Green Roofs

CMHA INSTALLS GREEN ROOFS AT LAKEVIEW TERRACE LOW RISE BUILDINGS

Although relatively new to North America, green roofs have been used successfully in Europe and Asia for decades. Loosely defined, green roofs are vegetated surfaces which are installed over man-made structures. Green roofs can be either at grade or above grade. They can incorporate elaborate gardens and trees or simple grasses and ground covers. They can be designed for aesthetics, environmental benefits or both. However, the bottom line is that green roofs are the ultimate in Sustainable Design. No other product or system provides such an outward appearance of truly "green" design.

There are many benefits to green roofs which make them attractive to building owners today. One of the biggest benefits to green roofs is reducing storm water runoff. As urban sprawl continues, many areas can no longer accommodate the volume of water discarded off of roofs, roads and other impervious surfaces. Green roofs hold rain like a sponge and allows nature to dissipate the moisture naturally rather than rely on aging storm sewer systems. Green roofs also reduce urban heat islands by reducing roof top temperatures. The surface of a conventional black roof can reach 180°F. Vegetation protects the roof from extreme temperatures and works to lower the temperature of our urban environments. Green roofs also reduce the energy requirements of a building. By reducing the ambient temperature of the roof's surface, green roofs slow the transfer of heat into the building. This reduces the cooling requirements of the facility. Green roofs also provide insulation to the structure and therefore also reduces the heating requirements of the facility. Other benefits include reduces air and noise pollution, provides urban micro-climates, provides useable outdoor patio spaces, and provides protection from heat, ultraviolet radiation, and physical abuse resulting in a longer lasting roof system.

In the fall of 2007 CMHA installed green roofs at seven of its low-rise family units building in Lakeview Terrace. The plants are doing extremely well and we have documented their progress with two separate slideshows, one for the 2008 growth season, and one for 2009. As you will see, in 2009 the plantings have exploded into a lush covering which is not only beautiful, but will contribute to the energy efficiency of these buildings.

Click here to view the 2007 Green Roof Construction Slideshow.

Click here to view the 2008 Green Roof Growth Slideshow.

Click here to view the 2009 Green Roof Growth Slideshow.

Click here to view the 2010 Green Roof Growth Slideshow.

Click here to view the 2011 Green Roof Growth Slideshow.