Green Roof

V/S
Heat Reflective White Roof
Based on various factors such as sustainability, cooling
efficiency, maintenance, and environmental impact:
There are many following terms and phrases used to describe eco-friendly concepts, products,
and practices.

1. Environmentally Friendly / Eco-Friendly

o Green
o Sustainable
o Low impact
o Earth-conscious
o Nature-friendly
o Planet-positive
o Environment-conscious
o
2. Reduce Carbon Footprint
o Carbon-neutral
o Climate-friendly
o Emission-reducing
o Low carbon
o Carbon-light
o Decarbonized
o Carbon offsetting
o
3. Recyclable
o Reusable
o Compostable
o Biodegradable
o Circular (economy)
o Repurposable
o Recycled content
o Waste-reducing
o
4. Absorbing Carbon Dioxide
o Carbon sequestering
o Carbon capturing
o Carbon sinking
o CO₂ absorption
o Carbon fixing
o Greenhouse gas absorbing
o Decarbonization technologies
o

These terms often overlap, especially in environmental discussions, where multiple goals like
sustainability, recycling, and reducing carbon emissions are interconnected.

We have extracted useful information of Green roof and White roof and have highlighted
which one is the best choice if we are serious about Environment in various aspects and
terminology.
 Factors Green Roof Heat Reflective White Roof
Primary Absorbs carbon dioxide, provides Reflects sunlight to reduce heat
Function insulation, supports biodiversity. absorption and cool buildings.
Reduces heat absorption through Reflects up to 80-90% of sunlight
Cooling
vegetation and soil insulation. initially, reducing roof surface
Efficiency
Lowers the urban heat island effect. temperature.
High sustainability due to natural Moderate sustainability. Reduces
materials (plants, soil), long-term energy use for cooling, but
Sustainability
environmental benefits, including materials are often synthetic and
improved air quality and biodiversity. not biodegradable.
Reduces carbon footprint by
Reduction of Reduces energy consumption but
absorbing CO2 through plants and
Carbon does not contribute to direct CO2
reducing energy consumption for
Footprint absorption.
cooling.
Performance decreases over time
Long lifespan (20-50 years) improves
due to dust, pollution, and wear.
Durability and with time as vegetation matures. Also
Needs frequent cleaning and re-
Longevity protects roof structure from
coating for optimal performance.
weathering.
Lifespan is around 10-15 years.
High. Requires regular cleaning
Moderate. Requires irrigation,
Maintenance (to remove dust and debris) and
occasional weeding, and maintenance
Requirements periodic re-coating to maintain
of plant health.
reflectivity.
Effectiveness in Remains effective as vegetation Loses reflectivity quickly in
Polluted absorbs pollutants and continues to polluted environments due to dust
Environments grow. and dirt settling on the roof.
Higher initial cost due to structural
Lower initial cost but higher
adjustments, waterproofing, and
Cost maintenance costs in the long term
planting. Long-term benefits offset
(cleaning, re-coating).
costs.
Adds weight to the roof (plants, soil),
may require structural reinforcement. Does not add significant weight
Impact on Roof
However, it protects the roof but offers no protection against
Structure
membrane from UV radiation and structural wear or UV damage.
extreme weather.
Excellent. Absorbs rainwater, Poor. Does not contribute to
Stormwater
reducing runoff and strain on stormwater management, leading
Management
stormwater systems. to standard runoff.
Supports urban biodiversity by
Biodiversity providing habitats for insects, birds, No contribution to biodiversity.
and small animals.
Provides good insulation in both hot Offers no thermal insulation, only
Thermal
and cold weather due to soil and plant reflects sunlight to reduce
Insulation
layers. immediate heat.
Highly effective at reducing urban Moderately effective. Reflects
Urban Heat heat island effects by absorbing heat sunlight but does not absorb or
Island Mitigation and releasing moisture through mitigate heat at the same level as
evapotranspiration. green roofs.
 Factors Green Roof Heat Reflective White Roof
Immediate energy savings through
Long-term energy savings by
reflectivity, but the effect
Energy Savings naturally cooling the building and
diminishes over time without
reducing HVAC usage.
maintenance.
Neutral or industrial appearance,
Green, natural appearance enhances
which may not be aesthetically
Aesthetic Appeal the visual appeal of buildings,
pleasing in residential or
especially in urban areas.
commercial settings.
Improves air quality by absorbing
Impact on Air No direct improvement in air
CO2, producing oxygen, and filtering
Quality quality.
pollutants.

Some relevant data and standards published by ASTM (American Society for Testing and
Materials) related to Green Roofs and Heat Reflective White Roofs.

Heat Reflective White Roofs (Cool Roofs) – ASTM Standards

ASTM has published several standards related to the performance of reflective roof coatings,
specifically focused on reflectivity, emissivity, and durability.

1. ASTM C1549 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near
Ambient Temperature Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer
o This standard provides a method to measure the solar reflectance of materials
used on roofs. It is relevant because solar reflectance is a key indicator of how
well a roof reflects heat.
o Key Data: Reflective materials typically have an initial solar reflectance of
0.70 to 0.90, but this value can drop significantly due to dust and dirt
accumulation over time, affecting performance.
o
2. ASTM E1980 – Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of
Horizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces
o SRI combines both reflectance and emissivity to measure a material's ability to
reflect solar energy and release heat. White reflective roofs often have an
initial SRI of around 100 or higher, but this declines due to environmental
factors like pollution and dirt.
o Key Data: After 3 years of exposure to the environment, the SRI value can
decrease by 15-25%, highlighting the need for maintenance.
o
3. ASTM D3468 – Standard Specification for Liquid-Applied Neoprene and
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
o This specification sets performance criteria for coatings used on roofs. While
cool roofs are effective initially, studies have shown that white reflective roofs
can lose 20-30% of their reflectivity due to dirt within the first year, especially
in urban environments.
o
4. ASTM Standard Practice for Evaluation of Dirt Collection on Reflective Roof
Coatings
o This standard provides a method to test how quickly dirt accumulates on
reflective surfaces, which directly impacts the performance of white reflective
roofs.
 o Key Data: Reflectance can degrade by 10-20% within a year depending on
environmental exposure, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning to restore
performance.
o

Green Roofs – ASTM Standards

For green roofs, the standards focus on water management, plant health, and structural load-
bearing capacity.

1. ASTM E2399 – Standard Test Method for Maximum Media Density for Dead Load
Analysis of Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems
o This standard is used to evaluate the maximum weight of green roof materials,
including plants and soil, under various moisture conditions. It is critical to
ensure that building structures can handle the added load of a green roof.
o Key Data: A green roof can add 13-60 pounds per square foot, depending on
the depth of the substrate and plant types.
o
2. ASTM E2397 – Standard Practice for Determination of Dead Loads and Live Loads
Associated with Green Roof Systems
o This practice specifies the dead load (weight of the roof system itself) and live
load (temporary loads like rain or snow) for vegetative roof systems. Proper
planning is essential to avoid overloading the building structure.
o Key Data: Dead loads for green roofs can range from 12-50 pounds per
square foot, depending on the type of vegetation and substrate used.
o
3. ASTM E2788 / E2788M – Standard Guide for Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems
o This guide provides a comprehensive overview of designing, installing, and
maintaining vegetative roofs. It emphasizes the long-term sustainability
benefits of green roofs, such as carbon sequestration, stormwater management,
and reduction of urban heat islands.
o
4. ASTM E2396 – Standard Test Method for Saturated Water Permeability of Granular
Drainage Media
o This standard tests the ability of green roof systems to drain excess water,
critical for plant health and preventing waterlogging of the roof. Effective
drainage improves the cooling effect of green roofs.
o Key Data: Green roofs can retain up to 60-80% of rainwater, significantly
reducing runoff and the burden on drainage systems.

Summary of Published Data from ASTM:

• White Reflective Roofs:

o Initial solar reflectance is between 0.70 to 0.90, but decreases significantly
with dirt accumulation, with a 20-30% loss in performance within the first
year.
o Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of reflective coatings drops by 15-25% over 3
years, impacting cooling efficiency.
 • Green Roofs:
o Dead load varies from 12-50 pounds per square foot, and the system can
absorb 60-80% of rainwater, reducing runoff.
o Green roofs can retain water and reduce CO2 emissions, making them a long-
term sustainable choice.

These ASTM standards highlight the comparative benefits and limitations of each roof
system, particularly in terms of cooling efficiency, sustainability, and maintenance.

If every roof in the world were converted to a green roof, the environmental and societal
benefits would be immense. Here are some key advantages, especially with regard to the
environment and carbon footprint:

1. Carbon Sequestration

• Absorbing CO₂: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis, reducing
the amount of this major greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
• Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Green roofs cool cities by absorbing less heat
compared to traditional roofs, which can significantly reduce energy consumption for
air conditioning, further cutting carbon emissions.

2. Improved Air Quality

• Air Filtration: Vegetation can trap particulate matter (PM), dust, and other pollutants
from the air, leading to cleaner, healthier urban environments.
• Reduction in Ground-Level Ozone: Lower temperatures due to green roofs can help
reduce the formation of ground-level ozone, which is harmful to both health and the
environment.

3. Reduced Energy Consumption

• Insulation Benefits: Green roofs act as excellent insulators, reducing the need for
heating in winter and cooling in summer. This could lead to significant energy
savings, which, in turn, lowers the global carbon footprint.
• Lower Energy Demand: Lower demand for cooling also reduces strain on power
grids, especially in warmer months, potentially decreasing the reliance on fossil fuels.

4. Stormwater Management

• Water Absorption: Green roofs absorb rainwater, reducing runoff that can
overwhelm drainage systems and contribute to flooding. This also decreases water
pollution as less untreated stormwater enters rivers and oceans.
• Lower Urban Flood Risk: With widespread adoption, green roofs could mitigate
flood risks in urban areas by absorbing a significant volume of rainwater.

5. Biodiversity Boost

• Urban Habitat Creation: Green roofs provide habitat for various species, especially
in cities where green spaces are limited. This encourages biodiversity and creates
ecosystems that are vital for pollinators, insects, and birds.
• Supporting Pollinators: The proliferation of green roofs can help combat the decline
of pollinators like bees, which are essential for food production and ecosystem health.
6. Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect

• Cooling Cities: Conventional roofs contribute to the "urban heat island" effect, where
cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. Green roofs can
mitigate this effect by absorbing less solar radiation, cooling the environment.
• Improved Climate Resilience: Cooler urban environments reduce the risk of heat-
related illnesses and deaths, improving public health and overall resilience to extreme
temperatures.

7. Noise Reduction

• Sound Insulation: Green roofs can absorb sound, reducing noise pollution in dense
urban areas. This could improve the quality of life in cities, particularly in noisy,
industrial, or high-traffic zones.

8. Longer Roof Lifespan

• Durability of Roofs: Green roofs protect the underlying roofing materials from harsh
weather conditions like UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, extending the
lifespan of roofs and reducing the need for repairs or replacements. This indirectly
reduces material waste and energy used in production.

9. Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits

• Aesthetic Improvements: Green roofs add beauty to urban landscapes, making cities
more pleasant to live in. The visual greening of cities can improve residents' sense of
well-being and connection to nature.
• Mental Health: Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can improve
mental health, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive functioning.

10. Promotion of Sustainable Urban Planning

• Encouraging Sustainability Practices: Widespread adoption of green roofs would

promote more sustainable architecture and urban planning, pushing cities and
industries to develop further green infrastructure, such as vertical gardens and
renewable energy integration.
• Water Conservation: Green roofs retain water, reducing the need for irrigation and
helping cities use water resources more efficiently, especially in regions prone to
drought.

Overall Impact on Carbon Footprint:

• If every roof globally became a green roof, the cumulative effect of carbon
sequestration, reduced energy usage, and decreased urban heat could have a massive
impact on reducing global carbon emissions. The world would move closer to
carbon neutrality, and cities would become more resilient to the challenges posed by
climate change.

In summary, widespread implementation of green roofs would have substantial

environmental benefits, lowering carbon footprints, improving urban livability, and fostering
more sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
Here are some quantitative data points and studies that illustrate the potential benefits of
green roofs in terms of environmental impact, energy savings, and carbon footprint
reduction:

1. Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

• Carbon Absorption Rate: A study from Columbia University shows that 1 square
meter of green roof can capture around 0.375 kg of CO₂ annually. Globally, if
green roofs were installed on every roof, billions of kilograms of CO₂ could be
sequestered each year.
• Energy Use Reduction: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), green roofs can reduce a building’s energy use by up to 50% for cooling and
25% for heating, depending on the climate.

2. Energy Savings

• Reduction in Air Conditioning Demand: A study by the National Research Council

of Canada found that green roofs reduce cooling demand by over 75% in summer.
For a typical building, this could lead to a reduction of 0.5 to 2.5 kWh/m² per year in
energy use for cooling.
• Insulation Effect: Green roofs provide up to 50% insulation, reducing heating needs
in winter. The natural layer of vegetation can help to reduce temperature fluctuation
by up to 40% inside buildings.

3. Urban Heat Island Effect

• Temperature Reduction: The U.S. EPA found that green roofs can lower rooftop
temperatures by up to 30–40°C compared to conventional roofs, and can reduce air
temperatures by 1–2°C in dense urban areas, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
• Cooling Energy Demand: For cities like New York, large-scale implementation of
green roofs could reduce peak summer electricity demand by 5–10%, according to a
study by the Urban Green Council.

4. Stormwater Management

• Rainwater Retention: Green roofs can retain up to 75% of rainwater, depending on

the roof’s structure and the type of vegetation. For example, a 100-square-meter
green roof can absorb around 50,000 liters of water annually, reducing strain on
urban drainage systems.
• Reduction in Runoff: During heavy rainfall, green roofs can reduce runoff by 40–
100%, significantly reducing the likelihood of urban flooding. In Germany, green
roofs capture about 15% of total stormwater runoff.

5. Air Quality Improvement

• Particulate Matter Filtration: A study published by the University of Toronto found

that every 1,000 square meters of green roof can remove up to 200 kg of air
pollutants per year, including particulate matter, NOx, and ozone.
• CO₂ Reduction: In one European study, it was estimated that widespread use of
green roofs in urban areas could lead to an 8-12% reduction in overall CO₂
emissions due to lower energy consumption.
6. Biodiversity and Habitat Creation

• Biodiversity Index: A survey in Switzerland found that green roofs can support over
70 species of plants and 20 species of birds and insects per 100 square meters,
improving biodiversity in urban areas where green space is limited.

7. Cost Savings

• Reduced Energy Costs: According to the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
organization, energy savings from green roofs can result in cost savings of up to $200
per square meter annually on energy bills, especially in warmer climates.
• Roof Longevity: Green roofs extend the life of a conventional roof by 200–300%,
reducing the need for frequent replacement and associated costs.

8. Global Impact Projections

• Global CO₂ Sequestration: If 10% of the world's urban rooftops were converted to
green roofs, it could potentially sequester 55 million tons of CO₂ per year. That's
equivalent to removing around 12 million cars from the road annually.
• Temperature Impact: If every roof in a city like Los Angeles were converted to
green roofs, average air temperatures could drop by 3–4°C in summer, reducing the
frequency and severity of heat waves.

9. Health and Productivity

• Mental Health: Research from the University of Melbourne found that exposure to
green roofs can lead to a 6-12% improvement in workers' productivity and reduce
stress levels.
• Noise Reduction: Green roofs can reduce indoor noise levels by up to 8 decibels,
which is significant in noisy urban environments.

Conclusion:

The quantitative data on green roofs show profound benefits in terms of carbon
sequestration, energy savings, stormwater management, supporting biodiversity and
urban heat reduction. These data suggest that widespread adoption of green roofs could
play a major role in addressing climate change, improving air quality, and promoting more
sustainable urban living.

The success of a green roof will, in most cases, depend on the correct choice of a roof
waterproofing system with proven and assured performance lasting over 50 years.

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