John Spacey, May 26, 2016 updated on October 14, 2017
A green roof is the practice of growing vegetation directly on a roof over a waterproof membrane. A roof garden is a similar technique that places container gardens on a roof. Both techniques may partially or completely cover a roof. Both may feature recreational facilities or commercial facilities such as a rooftop cafe.
Intensive vs Extensive
A green roof comes in two varieties: intensive and extensive. Intensive includes a thick layer of soil that can support large vegetation such as small trees. An extensive green roof is characterized by a thinner layer of soil and smaller plants.
Benefits
Benefits
Green roofs may make a city more beautiful, clean the air, moderate urban heat islands, produce local food, reduce stormwater runoff, increase biodiversity and improve the efficiency of a building by acting as insulation.
Rooftop gardens have many of the same benefits but generally aren't as effective at capturing water or insulating a building.
Rooftop gardens have many of the same benefits but generally aren't as effective at capturing water or insulating a building.
| Green Roof vs Roof Garden | ||
| Green Roof | Roof Garden | |
| Definition | Vegetation planted directly on a roof over a protective waterproof membrane. | Vegetation planted in containers on a roof. |
| Potential Benefits | BeautificationAir QualityUrban Heat ModerationFood ProductionBiodiversityReducing RunoffInsulation | BeautificationAir QualityUrban Heat ModerationFood ProductionBiodiversityReducing Runoff |
Cities
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