1425 K St. Greenroof



Greenroofs

decorationOvERVIEW

Greenroofs are, as the name implies, plantings that are placed on the roof of a building. They are light-weight, low-maintenance vegetated areas that can be built on existing roofs or atop new structures. In urban areas, where spaces for planting trees are scarce, greenroofs offer a practical alternative to reduce storm water runoff, temperatures, and air and water pollution. Although building a greenroof can be an ambitious and relatively costly project for a school to undertake, they are tremendously beneficial for environmental and social reasons and often pay for themselves in the long run.

Greenroofs work by capturing and filtering stormwater runoff (rain water that hits roofs), reducing the amount of water entering our storm drains. Through softening and slowing the initial surge of storm water, greenroofs prevent the release of untreated sewage (triggered by heavy rainstorms) into our local rivers and streams. In addition to protecting our local waterways, greenroofs help to reduce heating and cooling costs, provide habitat for birds, reduce sound, prolong the life of the roof and provide urban greenspace.

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Greenroofs can be retrofitted for existing roofs or built into newly constructed buildings. They can be as small as a few square yards or cover nearly all of a rooftop. The larger the greenroof, the more effective it will be at retaining stormwater and reducing runoff.

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Many varieties of plants are appropriate for green roofs, depending on weather conditions, temperature ranges, and factors relating to the structure and roof construction itself.  Plants from alpine or desert environments, which are well-adapted to high winds and great temperature fluctuations, are generally best suited for greenroofs. Popular species include Sedum, Delosperma, and varieties of grasses and mosses. 

decorationEDUCATIONAL THEMES

Stormwater management, construction, water quality

decorationAdditional resources