Benefits of a green roof

A green roof has many benefits at economic, ecological and societal levels. A green roof provides a rainwater buffer, purifies the air, reduces the ambient temperature, regulates the indoor temperature, saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the city. Green roofs are part of climate-proof construction. What's more, people are happier in a green environment than in grey surroundings. Below we explain the benefits one by one. 

Provides a rainwater buffer

A green roof absorbs rain water by the water buffering in the plants, substrate and drainage layer. This delays the discharge of rainwater to the sewage system, purifies the rainwater, and water also evaporates through the plants. This all helps to stabilize the groundwater level, reduces the peak load on the sewage system and reduces the risk of flooding. 

Purifies the air

The plants in a green roof filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into oxygen. With a green roof you are contributing to air purification.

Reduces the ambient temperature 

Plants absorb sunlight, 50% is absorbed and 30% reflected; so this helps to create a cooler and more pleasant climate. For the indoor climate this means that the air conditioning doesn't have to work so hard, which in turn means energy savings. And this too has an extra positive effect on the climate in the immediate vicinity of your building and on the temperature in the city. Overall, it means a 3°C temperature reduction in the city.

Increases solar panel efficiency

A green roof reduces the temperature on the roof. Thanks to this cooler roof, the efficiency of solar panels is higher and so you reduce your total energy costs.

Reduces ambient noise outside and inside

A green roof acts as a sound barrier to your building. It absorbs sound and thus provides a quieter environment, both inside and outside your building.

Extends life span of roof

A green roof protects the roofing material from external influences such as the sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations and doubles or triples the life span of your roof to up to 60 years or even longer. You will recoup the investment in your green roof within 8 to 21 years.

Adds value to the building

The natural and sustainable appearance, combined with a reduction in energy costs and extension of the life span of your roof, means an increase in value of your property.

Increases biodiversity

The Sedums, herbs, grasses or host plants that are included in the a green roof promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects, especially in the city environment which is mainly concrete and asphalt.

Creates fire-resistant layer 

Plants naturally contain a lot of moisture. With a green roof you create a natural fire-resistant layer on your house or office building.

Increases the feeling of well-being

Living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on the well-being of people. Greenery offers relaxation and reduces stress. 

Offers healing environment

Greenery encourages faster recovery for patients, resulting in a shorter hospital stay. A persons tolerance of pain is higher  in a green environment. This is also known as a ‘healing environment’.

More social interaction, less vandalism

Working or living in a green environment brings people together. A green environment gives a higher perceived and user experience. This has a positive effect on social cohesion in neighbourhoods. Areas with more greenery suffer less hinder from aggression, violence and vandalism. 

Direct-green, low maintenance 

Using vegetation blankets you can create a green roof with a direct-green result. The mats are carefully pre-cultivated and on delivery boast 90% coverage. This means that weeds hardly get a chance to establish themselves and the maintenance required is negligible. 

Saves time and money

In contrast to planting a green roof with individual plug plants, laying a green roof using vegetation blankets is quick and easy to realise. And the subsequent maintenance is minimal. That means you save time and money!

 
Erosion protection

On roofs exposed to a great deal of wind pre-cultivated vegetation blankets ensure that the substrate will not be blown away in a storm. These provide a solid and erosion-resistant top layer to the green roof.