Green Roofing Systems the Need of the Hour in Egypt 2 From 7

Green roofs are listed in LEED as ways to help mitigate the heat island effect.

Green Roof systems installed on 50% or more of the roof surface virtually guarantees 2 LEED points and can contribute an additional 7+ points toward LEED- certification, almost 20% of the total needed for a project to be LE ED- certified.

Vegetative roofs or rooftops with green cover typically comprise of a lightweight growing medium, plants, and a root repellent layer in addition to the regular components of a roof.

The additional components and thickness of the growing medium provides thermal insulation, while the green cover low ersambient temperatures through evapotranspiration.

A green roof can be as extensive or intensive.

Extensive green roofs can be as simple as a 2-inch (5 cm) covering of hardy, alpine like groundcover which needs little maintenance once it is established.

Plants adapted to extreme climates often make good choices and may not require permanent irrigation systems. Overall, because of their light weight, extensive systems will require the least amount of added structural support, which improves their cost effectiveness when retrofitting an existing structure.

An intensive green roof is Like a conventional garden, or park, with almost no limit on the type of available plants, including large trees and shrubs.

Compared lo extensive green roofs. Intensive green roofs are heavier and require a higher initial investment and more maintenance over the long term than extensive roofs.

generally require more structural support to accommodate the weight of the additional growing medium and public use.

Benefits of Green ROOFE nervy Efficiency

The roof is responsible for abourtl5 to 20percent of the building’s energy load.

Studies have found that green roofs significantly reduce roof surface temperatures and heat flux rates (energy passing through a unit area per unit time).