Greenroofs and Eco-Roofs
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The presentation discusses the benefits and types of greenroofs and eco-roofs, emphasizing their potential to enhance urban environments in densely populated areas like NYC. It highlights various greenroof designs, plant selections, and the importance of proper structural considerations and maintenance for successful implementation. The document also provides resources for further information on greenroofs and showcases notable projects in New York City.
Greenroofs and Eco-Roofs
- 1. Greenroofs & Eco-roofs Increasing Your Urban Growing Potential Presented by gil lopez
- 2. Land Acknowledgment I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live, work and play. I have developed this presentation from within my home in the traditional lands of the Lenape Peoples, now called Astoria, Queens. And I am presenting today from the traditional territory of the Timucua and Seminole people, so called Orlando, FL. While colonization has largely extirpated the these peoples, I recognize their continuing connection to land, water and community. I also pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. My intention today is that this presentation will help bring honor and dignity back to lands and waters of Lenapehoking where most of you are tuning in.
- 7. Lesson Plan Eco-roofs Types Types of Greenroofs Rooftop Gardens Building a Greenroof Plants Selections Rooftop Farming Vertical Green-screens Other Resources NYC Greenroofs to Visit
- 8. Why Greenroofs & Rooftop Gardens? Aesthetics Create living works of art. Indoor Air Quality Purify your air. LEED® Credits Gain points. Building Protection Shield from sun, rain and thermal fluctuations. Energy Savings Cut electricity bills by up to 20%. Health & Wellness Reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. Property Value Marketable green feature. Acoustics Dampen noise pollution. Sustainability Make your world greener. http://www.greenovergrey.com/green-wall-benefits/overview.php
- 9. Maximizing Urban Space We live in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. NYC residents have little access to private green space so we must make the most of very square inch we can. One way to do this is to reconsider the rooftop spaces in the urban environment. From terraces and rooftops on commercial, residential and industrial buildings.What rooftop spaces do you have access to that could be a little greener?
- 29. Brownroofs http://www.greenovergrey.com/green-wall-benefits/overview.php Sometimes called ecoroofs in the UK, are similar to a greenroof but use native material from the construction site to mitigate loss of habitat, especially formerly brownfield lands.These are naturally vegetated by birds and other animals dropping seed. Brownroofs are designed to increase biodiversity, specifically for remediated brownfield lands.
- 34. Terrace/Rooftop Gardens Consider the weight that additional uses will add to the roof. Check the structural integrity before adding heavy items such as planters, water features, etc. Always protect any exposed roofing surfaces and materials. Place protective material such as fabric or rubber under pots, planters, pavers, chairs or walking areas. Consider planting a drought resistant garden with less heavy soils to reduce the weight loads. Get creative! Check out other workshops on container gardening.
- 36. Layers of Engineered Greenroofs
- 37. Layers of Engineered Greenroofs Lets start from the bottom and work our way up
- 38. Roof Deck Considerations Your existing roof and structure should be in good repair. A greenroof will not fix an old, failing or leaking roof. A greenroof protects and can extend the life of your existing roof by by blocking UV radiation.This reduces material deterioration. Your roof needs to be structurally sound. A greenroof system, or even potted plants and patio furniture will add weight to your roof. Have a structural engineer examine the structure before adding weight to your roof While you can build an extensive greenroof on a slope, this is complicated and not advised unless it is new construction and performed by a professional designer and contractor with experience in sloped roof applications. The first rule of green roof club is that you never damage a living roof’s structural integrity.You really don’t want to have to re-do your green roof or cause leaks to the existing roof!
- 39. Greenroof Insulation Insulation under greenroofs is important for maintaining a healthy vegetated layer. Insulation also increases the energy efficiency of the building, especially the top two floors of buildings. Polyiso (PIR) and Extruded polystyrene (XPS) are preferred for active greenroofs where uses include people lounging or recreating in addition to plants. PIR, XPS and Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be used under planting areas with no other human uses.
- 40. Waterproof Membrane Roofs should already be water tight. Adding an additional waterproofing membrane as part of a greenroof installation is crucial. There are various materials from EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), standard pond liner, poured tar and an industry favorite Bituthene, which is rolled out and applied with a sticky, tar-like backing. Pay special attention to any roof penetrations such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical components which are housed on the roof and have conduit or duct entering the building. Be mindful of the perimeter walls as well.
- 41. Root Barrier Root barriers are largely impenetrable, waterproof pieces of (typically and preferably recycled) plastic that prevent roots from breaking through your roof’s waterproof and drainage layers. If you don’t have a root barrier, you’re at risk of water damage, compromised insulation and structural integrity. More than just weed blocking landscape fabric, look for tough products rated to stop aggressive roots like bamboo, Japanese knotweed, Silver Maple, Southern Magnolia, etc. A less industrial root barrier could work for extensive greenroofs with only sedum, but the chance of invasive knotweed establishing itself warrants tough material even on these types of greenroofs. Pay special attention to roof penetrations and overlapping material. Used root barrier tape or other installation methods to ensure roots cannot penetrate gaps between overlapping root barrier or where the barrier ends.
- 42. Drainage Layer Usually a HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) membrane. The are often cuspated, so they include small reservoirs where water is retained.This reduces stormwater runoff and provides plant additional water in times of drought. Excess rain water passes through perforations in the membrane and is directed to a roof drain. Other drainage layers such as gravel and entangled material do not retain water but rather direct all excess rainwater to roof drains immediately.
- 43. Filter Fabric The main purpose is to keep growing medium (soil) out of the drainage layer. Some drain board is manufactured with filter fabric already attached. A basic non-woven geotextile landscape, weed blocking fabric can be used When installing an extensive roof with a thin layer of soil, non woven wool felt can help store and distribute water within the root zone and is sometimes even used as a “soilless” growing media.
- 44. Growing Medium Not called soil for a reason, greenroof growing medium is engineered to be lightweight and retain very little water. Contains expanded minerals such as clay, slate & shale.These do not add nutrient or hold water. Low organic material so it absorbs less water, keeping the saturation weight low after a storm.This is helpful for sedum and succulents, but needs to be amended if you are planning on growing flowers, food crops or any other larger plants.
- 45. Extensive Greenroof Vegetated Layer Plant types vary greatly depending on the type and depth of the greenroof. Sedum is typical for extensive greenroofs and comes in pre- vegetated rolls, tiles and plugs.
- 46. Sedum Varieties Sedum is a perennial plant with thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and clusters of star-shaped flowers. Prefer full sun and dry conditions Wet, heavy clay soils lead to root and/ or stem rot. Sedum spread quickly and can be planted sparingly to reduce initial greenroof costs. Can stand up to some foot traffic Come in various varieties and colors but generally do not grow more than 6-12 inches tall, although some have flowers that will get up to 3 feet tall.
- 47. Tips for Rooftop Farming Consider going vertical Consider water! Add irrigation, grow hydroponically or use sub-irrigated planters (SIPs) Add compost if using a lightweight growing medium Choose crops that can take high heat such as: corn, okra, eggplant, hot peppers, tomatillos, and melons like watermelons and cantaloupes Consider adding bees or even fish for an aquaponic system Extend your growing season and protect plants from wind with a greenhouse
- 48. Living Walls Living walls (AKA green walls) are self sufficient vertical gardens found on exterior or interior walls or other vertical elements. The plants are rooted in a structural support which is fastened to the wall itself. The plants receive water and nutrients from within the vertical support instead of from the ground. Irrigation is often necessary Alternative Rooftop Gardening Ideas
- 49. Green Veneer A support structure that allows vines to row up or onto a vertical element to screen it. Roots and soil are not housed in the wall but rather on the ground or in separate planters. When grown around HVAC intake systems green veneers can clean and purify the air and decrease the temperature, this increasing HVAC efficiency and decreasing energy usage. Alternative Rooftop Gardening Ideas
- 50. Alpine Plants for Exterior Living Walls Found in alpine climates, high elevation and above the tree line. Alpine species include perennial grasses, sedges, forbs, cushion plants, mosses, and lichens. Adapted to the harsh environmental conditions including low temperatures, dryness, UV radiation, and a short growing season. Adaptations include: Low to the Ground, Cushions and Mats, Evergreen Foliage, Red Leaves,Thick,Waxy Leaves, Fuzzy, Curled Leaves, Slow Growth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_plant Delosperma Yellow Ice, Iberis Snowflake Phlox Candy Stripes, Sedum Dragon's Blood Mazus Reptans, Veronica Christy Alternative Rooftop Gardening Ideas
- 51. Visit NYC Greenroofs Association for Energy Affordability (mixed + living wall, photovoltaic energy cells) Bronx Courthouse (mixed) Bronx River Houses (mixed) Brooklyn Botanical Garden visitor center (extensive) Queens Botanic Garden (mixed) The Highline (intensive) Javits Center (mixed) Brooklyn Grange (LIC, Navy yard & Army Terminal - mixed) Eagle Street Farm (extensive) Kingsland Wildlowers (extensive) The Five Boro Parks Admin Building (mixed + living walls & bees) Fordham Univ. Lincoln Center Campus (intensive) Lincoln Center’s Illumination Lawn (extensive) David Rubenstein Atrium (living wall) Brooklyn Heights Carriage House Con Edison Training Center Bronx Design and Construction Academy West Village Loft The Brook The Solaire USPS Morgan Distribution Center Regis High School
- 52. Thank You https://www.slideshare.net/glopezsez Find me on social media @glopezsez @SmilingHogsheadRanch @resistance_is_fertile Questions/Comments [email protected]