How Do Green Roofs Conserve Energy

This study also calculated the reduction on floors below the upper floor.

How do green roofs conserve energy. No the plants on top of your house won t produce energy or at least not the kind you ll need to run your microwave but what they will do is help reduce your cooling costs during hot summer months source. Studies by environment canada have shown that the upper floor of a building with a green roof is likely to save 20 of its energy demand by reducing its need for cooling. In summer the green roof protects the building from direct solar heat. What s more people are happier in a green environment than in grey surroundings.

Vegetation can also remove pollutants and ghgs from the air through dry deposition and carbon sequestration and storage respectively. As the demand for energy saving building materials increases metal roofs are installed more often. Department of energy and conducted by the oak ridge national laboratory shows why metal roofs promote energy conservation in the home. A green roof provides a rainwater buffer purifies the air reduces the ambient temperature regulates the indoor temperature saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the city.

Reducing the ambient temperature. A study funded by the u s. Green roofs are part of climate proof construction. When it comes to cooling green roofs also help because natural plant and soil processes reduce the level of solar energy that is absorbed by the roof s membrane.

Shading the outer surface of the building envelope has been shown to be more effective than internal insulation. However with an installed green roof the plant life on the exterior of the building absorbs the sunlight through photosynthesis greatly reducing the internal rise in heat. Green roofs reduce the temperatures on the roofs. The summer savings on the top floor of the building would be in the order of 20.

The plants create natural insulation which means that there is less need to rely on heating and cooling systems to moderate interior temperatures. Green roofs reduce the heat flux through the roof and less energy for cooling or heating can lead to significant cost savings. As such the cooler roof achieved is perfect for solar panels which become more efficient reducing the total energy costs. The answer has to do partially with how the roof is installed.