Green Roofs

They've been around for centuries. They help our dwellings blend into the environment. They combat the "heat island effect", provide insulation, can be used for water purification, and of course are a habitat for plants and animals to flourish in our urban jungle. Yes that's right, it's a roof, and it's green. Not only because it's sustainable, but because it's made out of those things we call plants!

The Green Roof phenomenon is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Here in Bellingham, WA, a green roof was recently installed on Miller Hall, one of Western Washington University's academic buildings, and on a residential home. Community members participated in the installation of the "extensive" green roof on the house as part of a Sustainable Connections workshop. With everyone participating, it took about 40 minutes to cover the previously installed layers with a light pumice "growing medium" and cover that with vegetation. Although it is initially an involved process to acquire the proper permits and engineer a green roof, one immediately reaps the benefits after installation. It's fashionable AND functional!

A diagram of a green roof shows the basic layers that are required: