Green roofs

Green roofs are an international phenomenon that are at long last making their mark on South Africa. No, the roofs are not literally green. Rather, they are covered in grass or other weather resistant indigenous vegetation. They do not require extra supports, and can easily be established on existing roofs, provided they offer the correct gradient.

Once popular in countries such as Sweden and Iceland, this eco-friendly city trend is now being explored by South African companies and even the government.

The eThekwini municipality is currently conducting a comphrehensive study into the feasibility of establishing green roofs in the city. This study falls under the Climate Protection Programme, and hopes to use such findings as a way to lower surface temperatures and reduce the impact of floods in the city and surrounds.

Green roofs, or living roofs as they are also called, also offer benefits such as:

• They insulate the house, reducing the amount of cooling and heating required
• They lower the amount of stormwater run-off
• They absorb carbon monoxide from the air (especially useful in a big city)
• They also absorb chemicals and heavy metals from rainwater
• They help insulate for sound
• They increase the lifespan of the roof dramatically

http://ecoman.co.za/green/green_docs/info_pamph_1.html