GREEN ROOF TECHNOLOGY

Nabil Ahmed & Muhammad Said

STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY. TAXILA.

10-CE-31@students.uettaxila.edu.pk
REFERENCE NO ABSTRACT Green roof technology is an important choice for building owners. As we get into the modern era green roofs can be a factor worth of fixing many of the challenges being faced by the urban residents of this age. This report is intended to provide an introduction to basic green roof concepts: what they are, how they are built, what allowances they provide And their scope in our country. In short, It gives an insight of blooming green roof technology. Keywords: Green Roof Research

1. INTRODUCTION
The term green roof is actually a permanent roof that allows the growth of a living plantation system over its top.There are several purposes that are being fulfilled by green roofs such as rain water absorption, providing habitat for wild life, providing insulation, allowing a decrease in urban air temperatures and attenuating peak flows. Green roofs are also termed as eco-roofs, oikosteges, vegetated roofs, living roofs and VCWH [1] (Horizontal Vegetated Complex Walls).

Fig. 1. School of Art and Design, Singapore

1.1 History Of Green Roof Green roof technology is not new instead it has been followed from ancient times. We can not state with any certainty about the origin, evolution and history of green roofs There are evidences of green tops in Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Mesopotamia. The Palazzo Piccolomini at Pienza in Italy is one of the oldest known roof garden.[2] There are evidences of green roofs being built in different parts of the world from olden times. Modern blooming roofs, which are basically fabricated of a arrangement of layers that are just put together at the site, are a comparatively remote phenomenon. However, Northern Scandinavia has been accepted for sod roofs hundreds of years. 1.2 Green Roof Market In the United States demand and interest in green roofs has grown tremendously. A survey of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities members found that 25 percent more square feet of green roofing were installed in the United States in 2005 than in 2004. [3] A Green Roofs Project Database, available at <www.greenroofs. com/projects/plist.php>, estimated a total of 6.6 million square feet (614,000 m2) of completed or ongoing green roof projects in the United States as of June 2007. Germany, broadly advised a leading country in green roof research, technology, and usage, has had decades of acquaintance with green roofs. An estimated 10 percent of all flat roofs in Germany are rooftop gardens. [4] 1.3 Green Walls In addition to green roofs, building owners can install green walls, sometimes referred to as living walls or vertical gardens. These walls can involve placing trellises or cables in front of exterior walls and allowing vines to grow up them, or can be more elaborate, with plants actually incorporated into the wall.

Fig. 2. A green wall in Musee du Quai Branly[Paris]

1. BENEFITS
Green roofs offer a host of economical, environmental, financial and social benefits. Some of these aspects are given below. 2.1 Overall Benefits The air conditioning requirement and subsequently the emission of CO2 is reduced by practising green roofs(and other such techniques e.g natural ventilatin. A study conducted by a University proved that green roofs are Effective, even in cold conditions, for a reduction in lost heat and energy consumed for keeping temperature at a level. [5] Green roofs provide natural habitat to numerous species. [6] Urban air temperature is lowered with the use of green roofs. Green roofs reduce costs, including drainage, heating, air conditioning. Green roofs Reduce building energy costs. Green roofs provide local flood control. Green roofs enhance the beauty of residential, commercial or industrial building. Green roofs act as parks, gardens or putting greens. Green roofs increase the life span of roof dramatically. 2.2 Pollutant Removal Pollutants and CO2 present in air are filtered by green roofs. It also to lower pollution related diseases such as asthma. [7] The vegetation and growing layers of a green roof also act as a barrier for water and remove particulates from rain fall runoff : Total suspende solids: 90% Metals: 80% [8] 2.3 Volume Attenuation/ Flow Reduction The basic storm water advantage linked with green roofs is attenuation in volume and flow rather discharge. The green roof absorbs a major portion of rain fall falling on it, thereby preventing it from becoming storm water. And also serve to reduce peak flows. The amount of water retained on a green roof depends up on vegetation size and the relative porosity of soil layer. [9] Generally, green roofs can retain 70% - 90% of rainfall in the summer and 25% - 40% of winter Precipitation. [10] Moreover green roofs can reduce peak flows by 50% - 90% during a single storm event. [11] The precipitation retained over a green roof also varies with the season and prevailing conditions. 70%-90% of rainfall is retained in summer while 25%-40% is retained in winter.[10] In addition the peak flows are also reduced by 50%-90% in case of a storm.

3. CATEGORIES OF GREEN ROOF

Green roofs can be classified in to different types some of them are briefly described below.
3.1 Extensive Green Roof

Also known as low-profile roofs, this green roof generally includes only a small number of plant species and a thin planting medium (less than 6). Such a roof supports dense, low growing , drought-resistant vegetation. . It is frequently advised for maximum hydrological and thermal efficiency with a minimum weight load. This type of roof does not permit an open access except for maintenance purposes.

Fig. 3. Fords Dearborn Truck Plant ( An Example of an Extensive Green Roof) [12] Fords Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan covers 10.4 acres (42,100 m2) and is anticipated to reduce the buildings energy costs by 7 percent.

3.2 Intensive Green Roof It is also known as roof top garden. The soil layer has a thickness greater than 6. All types of vegetation, shrubs and even trees can be introduced on such a roof. The decks are made up of reinforced concrete. Intensive roofs have an open access. Some roof tops can even support water structures and large trees, which necessitate a strong structural support. In comparison to extensive roofs, intensive roofs require a heavy investment in terms of initial cost and the subsequent maintenance. Intensive roofs are greatly demanded for building structures and they are the most expensive green roofs. Extensive roof is termed as high-profile or deep-profile green roof.

Fig. 4 The green roof at the Library Square building in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia 3.3 Simple Intensive Green Roofs Lawns are used to vegetate this roof. Maintenance has to be regularly applied to the vegetation. Maintenance includes planting, cutting, feeding and irrigation. This roof has a moderate demand in the market. These roofs are expansive than expansive roofs but less expensive than intensive roofs. They are seldom accessible. Table 1. Comparison of Extensive and Intensive Green Roof Systems Roof. [13]
Table 1: Comparison of Extension and Intensive Green Roof Systems EXTENSIVE GREEN ROOF INTENSIVE GREEN ROOF Light weight, Limited types of plants, no Heavy weight, Large diversity, more permanent irrigation, least amount of structural support, employ irrigation systems, structural support, cost-effective. energy-efficient, Generally accessible. Advantages: Advantages: Light in weight; reinforcement is seldom A large variety of plants and habitats. required Strong insulating properties. Preferable for ample areas. Can provide habitat to wild life on ground Suitable for roofs having 0 - 30 (slope). Aesthetic beauty. Low maintenance resulting in continued life. Have an open access. Drainage and irrigation system is not Can be used for growing food, open space. necessary. Recreation spot, wild life habitat e.t.c. .Less technical ability required More efficient in terms of water retention Advisable for retrofit roofs. and heat loss. Vegetation can grow spontaneously. Enhanced life of membrane. Less cost/ Cheap. Natural look. Easy to install and maintain. Disadvantages: Less water retention and energy efficiency. Short choice of plants. Not accessible for all. Does not look very attractive especially in winters. Disadvantages: Heavy in weight. Seperate irrigation and drainage systems are required . Less economical or more expensive. Technical expertise is required.

3.4 Modular Green Roof Systems Some green roof systems use modular components. These components are generally plastic trays a few feet long (~0.5-1 m) on each side and several inches (~10-20 cm) deep. They are filled like flowerpots with growing media and the desired plants and placed directly on top of the existing roof. The grid of trays covers the roofs surface to provide benefits similar to built-in green roofs. Moving or replacing individual modules is potentially easier than changing or repairing parts of a nonmodular green roof. Modular roofs, however, are relatively new, and have not been as widely studied as non-modular roofs.

Figure. 5. A Modular Green Roof on a Sloped Residential Roof

4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

A green roof is a continuous sheath of vegetation and soil that encloses a roofs surface. The basic components of any green roof are waterproofing, soil, and the plants themselves. Today modular green roofs are very common. There are separately finished layers available in market for green roof manufacturing. These layers just need to be assembled at the site.

Figure. 6. Typical layers of green roof Green roofs generally consist of the same basic components.[14]

4.1 Vegetation The choice of vegetation depends on the type of roof (extensive or intensive), building design, local climate, available sunlight, irrigation requirements, anticipated roof use, and similar factors. 4.2 Planting/Growing Medium The vegetation to be planted determines the choice of growing medium. The planting media used in green roof systems are usually engineered to provide the best support for plants with the lightest weight and can be tailored to maximize water retention without water-logging the plants 4.3 Filter Layer A filtering layer is inserted between planting media and drainage layer. This layer allows water to pass through while hinders planting medium. It also takes part as a root barrier. A geotextile layer is sometimes used to serve the purpose. It allows excess water to flow through while prevents the fine particles from getting through. 4.4 Drainage Layer Drainage layer is provided in order to allow the excess water to be carried away or discharge in to buildings sewerage system. Drainage layer is provided in most of green roofs. It is made of a fibrous plastic mat, that is also moulded or corrugated. 4.5 Root Barrier Some plant roots may try to penetrate in to the roof membrane. This can cause a damage to membrane and also cause leaks. To protect roof membrane from aggressive plant roots a Root barrier is sometimes provided. 4.6 Waterproof Membrane A waterproofing membrane protects the building from water penetration. A number of water proofing systems are available in the market. But single-ply membrane is commonly used now a days due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness. Some water proof membranes are already protected with root penetration, hence such membranes eliminates the need of a root membrane. 4.7 Insulation Thermal insulation can be provided either above or below the green roof membrane. The insulation value of the growing medium in a green roof increases as its moisture content decreases. 4.8 Structural Support The components of a green roof weigh more than conventional roofing materials, and thus the roof requires support panels. The weight of typical extensive green roof varies from 15 to 30 pounds per square foot. The range depends on growing medium thickness, and other site-dependent factors[19]. 4.9 Irrigation. The thickness of soil layer over a green roof is thinner than that at ground level. Moreover the roof soil is subjected to higher wind speeds than the ground soil. All these factors results in high evapotranspirative losses. Hence the water is quickly lost from a green roof. Some green roofs may require additional water depending on plants and overall climatic conditions.

5. DETAILED COST ESTIMATES AND VARIABLES

5.1 Cost Estimates The costs of green roofs vary depending on the components, such as the growing medium, type of roofing membrane, drainage system, use of fencing or railings, and type and quantity of plants. The cost of a green roof including all structural components is $5 - $50/square foot. However the final cost may vary greatly with the type of roof to be built up and the location of project. [15] According to an estimate, costs for the simpler extensive roofs start at $10 per square foot (0.09 m2), and for intensive roofs are $25 per square foot 16].Other estimates assume $15 to $20 per square foot. Cost in Germany, where green roofs are more prevalent, is $8 to $15 per square foot.[17] It is estimated that to retrofit a building with an extensive green roof would cost from $1.03-$1.66 per square foot, on an annualized basis, while a conventional re-roofing would range from $0.51$1.74 per square foot.[18] Although green roofs are costly as compare to traditional black roofs. The prove to be much economical in long term effect.[19] The installation cost of green roofs is greater than traditional roofs. But they do pay back the additional expenses, in terms of increased life span and reduced energy cost. A retrofit green roof may be more costly than installing a new roof.

Table 2. Cost Comparison of a Green Roof versus a Conventional Roof and a Retrofit versus a New Roof. [20]
Retrofit/Reroof Green Roof Low High End End $15.00 $25.00 $35 $40 $1.66 New Roof Green Roof Low High End End $10.00 $15.00 $35 $0.69 00 $40 $1.

Initial Cost Roof Life

Conventional Roof Low High End End $5.00 $20.00 $15.00 $0.15 $20/00 $1.74

Conventional Roof Low High End End $3.00 $9.00 $15.00 $0.31 $20 $0.78

Initial $1.03 Cost Annualized Over Roof Life

5.2 Benefit-Cost Considerations A report on the use of green roofs in New York City outlined one framework for a benefit-cost study of green roofs. The framework incorporates both private and public benefits and costs. Table 3. Benefit-Cost Elements for Green Roofs. [21]
Benefits/Costs Private Benefits Energy, Hydrology and UHI Benefits Reduced energy use Extended service life Reduced temperature Reduced storm water Reduced installation cost(from wide spread technology use) Installation Architecture/Engineering Maintenance Program administration Other Benefits Noise reduction Aesthetic value Food production Reduced air pollutants Reduced green house gases Human health benefits

Public Benefits

Private Costs

N/A

Public Costs

N/A

A research conducted by University of Michigan compared the expected costs (and long tern benefits) of conventional roofs with the cost of a 21,000-square-foot green roof. It was conclude that over its lifetime, the green roof would save about $200,000. Nearly two-thirds of these savings would be earned from reduced energy needs for the building with the green roof. [22] University of Michigan conducted a search to compare the expected costs and long term benefits of a 21,000 square foot green roof with a conventional black roof of same area. It was concluded that $200,00 were saved over the life time of green roof. Approximately two third of the savings due to a green roof are in terms of reduced energy requirement and reduced heat loss. . [22]

7. CONCLUSION
Green roofs are beneficial in many ways including environmental, economical, social, and health benefits. Often wasted roof tops can be utilized for sound insulation, volume attenuation, energy efficiency and environmental benefits, using green roof technology. Use of green roofs over federal buildings can bring considerable benefits. Although the initial costs of a green roof are higher than the normal conventional roofs, green roofs prove to be economical in long term consideration. As the case studies show that green roofs can be invariably installed on all types of buildings with different purposes. Green roofs have a real and effective role to play in sustainable development in both urban and rural situations, not merely for the benefits outlined above, but also as a catalyst for changing mindsets on how new buildings should be designed.

8. PROPOSAL OF A RETROFIT GREEN ROOF OVER LIBRARY

It is proposed that a green roof is planned to be installed on top of the library building in University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila. For this purpose a detailed cost analysis is done In order to determine the estimated cost of this project. The details if various step to be taken and their estimated cost is given below:

Component Design and Specifications

Any roofing membrane can be used for this purpose. Drainage layer $3.00-$17.00/ ft 2 Filter layer $2.00-$18.00/ ft 2 Variety of standards are available Growing medium 4.00-$7.00/ ft 2 Engineered soil is used which may be accompanied by ordinary soil. Vegetation $8.00-$30.00/ ft 2 Sedum Plant Total Estimated cost of green Roof=$900,000. References

GreenRoof System(drainage, filtering,membranes, paving,growing medium) Structural support Vapour control layer Protective layer Water Proof layer

Table 4. Input Cost of Green Roof components. Cost Notes and Variables 5% - 10% of total Consultants type and roofing project cost. number and is a subject to size and nature of project. $ 5.00 - $10.00 / ft 2 Type of Growing medium, size of pavers, and roof project size. N/A $4.00-$18.00/ ft 2 $3.00-$16.00/ ft 2 $4.00-$10.00/ ft 2

Estimated Cost $20,000

$1,00,296

$457312 $42000 $45000

$41500 $29000 $55123

$114624

[1] Vegetated Complex Wall research presentation on Aurlien P. JEAN research website. [2]Gary Grant, Luke Engleback and Barry Nicholson, Green Roofs: their existing status and potential for conserving biodiversity in urban areas, 2003, EcoSchemes Ltd. [3] Final Report, Green Roof Industry Survey, 2006, prepared by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, April 2007. Retrieved 7 Dec. 2007 from <http://www.greenroofs.org/ storage/2006grhcsurveyresults.pdf>. [4] Peck, S.W., C. Callaghan et al. 1999. Greenback, from Green Roofs: Forging a New Industry in Canada. Prepared for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

[5] "University of Toronto - News@UofT - Green roofs in winter: Hot design for a cold climate". 17 November 2005. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-10. [6] http://www.roofgreening.ca/content/Habitat_Final.pdf. [7] http://www.roofgreening.ca/content/AirQuality_Final.pdf. [8] Minnesota Stormwater Steering Committee (MSSC). (2006, September). Minnesota Stormwater Manual: Version 1.1. Available at: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/storm /stormwater/stormwater-manual.html [13] Low Impact Development Center (LIDC). (2005, November). Low Impact Development for Big Box Retailers. Available at: http://www. lowimpactdevelopment.org/bigbox/lid%20articles/bigbox_final_doc.pdf [9] Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. (2005). About Green Roofs. http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=40. Accessed June 6, 2008. [10] Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). (Unknown year). Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit. Fact Sheet #4 Green Roofs. Accessed February 27, 2008. http://www.mapc.org/regional_planning/LID/green_roofs.html [11] Ford Motor Company. Ford Installs Worlds Largest Living Roof on New Truck Plant. Retrieved2August2007from<http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=15555>. [12] Design guidelines for green roofs, Steven Peck and Monica Kuhn, B.E.S., B. Arch,O.A.A. [13] Peck, S. and M. Kuhn. 2001. Design Guidelines for Green Roofs. National Research Council Canada, Toronto, Canada. [14] University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials. Innovative Stormwater Management Inventory. Accessed May 28, 2008. www.erg.unh.edu/lid/index.asp. [15] Peck, S. and M. Kuhn. 2001. Design Guidelines for Green Roofs. National Research Council Canada, Toronto, Canada. [16] Scholz-Barth, K. 2001. Green Roofs: Stormwater Management from the Top Down. Environmental Design & Construction. [17] City of Los Angeles, Environmental Affairs Department. 2006. Green RoofsCooling Los Angeles (A Resource Guide). Los Angeles, CA. [18] 6Minnesota Stormwater Steering Committee (MSSC). (2006, September). Minnesota Stormwater Manual: Version 1.1. Available at: www.pca.state. mn.us/water/stormwater/stormwater-manual.html [19] Green Roofs-Cooling Los Angeles, A resource guide, Environmental Affairs Department City of Los Angeles 200 N. Spring Street., Suite 2005 Los Angeles, CA 90012. [20] Rosenzweig, C., S. Gaffin, and L. Parshall (Eds.). 2006. Green Roofs in the New York Metropolitan Region: Research Report. Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. New York. 59 pages. [21] Clark, C., P. Adriaens, and F.B. Talbot. 2007. Green Roof Valuation: A Probabilistic Analysis of Environmental Benefits. [22] http://www.greenroofs.com/projects/pview.php?id=12 [23] Federal Technology Alert, A new Technology Demonstration Publication, DOE/EE-0298, pp. 22-23.