Sustainable Roofing Solutions

Green Roofs

• Green roofs are literally planted with ground cover or larger plants, depending on the weight capacity of the roof. Green roofs have layers of waterproofing, insulation and weed barrier to protect the roof from potential damage. They are sustainable roofing solutions because the plants cool and insulate the building, absorb high amounts of storm water (capacity depends on design), and can even lower dependence on chemically grown food shipped over great distances if food is grown on the green roof.

Solar Panels or Shingles

• Solar panels, or photovoltiac panels, convert sunlight into energy that can be used to partially power a building. They can be installed in integrated panels or in the form of solar shingles. This option reduces dependence on heavy-polluting coal power plants. However, research is still underway to make the manufacturing process even more sustainable, to increase the longevity of photovoltiac technology, and to find ways to efficiently recycle degraded panels.

Considerations

• Sun roofs reduce dependence on electrical lights, while roof insulation helps prevent major heat absorption or loss, which in turn reduces dependence on electrically powered heating and cooling. Roof additions such as solar water heaters reduce dependence on gas or electrical water heating systems.