Green Roof Costs And Benefits

Green roof cost benefit analysis pdf 885 kb.

Green roof costs and benefits.

A green roof has many benefits at economic ecological and societal levels. Over its estimated lifespan of 40 years a green roof would save about 200 000 of which nearly two thirds would come from reduced energy costs. 10 west jackson street chicago il. Green roofs are part of climate proof construction.

However the life cycle cost is competitive. Maintenance costs for domestic green roofs tend to involve the replacing of plants and doing the gardening work which you can pay someone to do or undertake yourself if you are a keen horticulturist. If you add on that you are extending the lifespan of your roof by installing a green roof then the benefits begin to add up. The costs and benefits of the extensive green roof are averaged between a 3 inch multi course extensive.

This page provides a brief overview of the role of green roofs in mitigating the heat island effect including green roof types other environmental and social benefits and cost benefit considerations. Green roofs have been proven to help reduce heat islands. Depending on a variety of factors the costs for installing a green roof can be quite high. Green roof capital costs vary widely.

The initial installation cost of a green roof is more than a traditional roof. All other factors being equal location ease of access etc per square foot cost would typically decrease by a factor of at least 3 as size increases from a 1 000 square foot roof to a 20 000 square foot roof. Green roofs provide extra space. A green roof or rooftop garden is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop.

Try out green roofs for healthy cities green save calculator. 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. The popularity of green roofs has increased in the united states due to their many benefits while pretty green roofs serve a much greater purpose than simple beautification. Green roof capital costs.

A green roof also known as a rooftop garden or a living roof is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop. However easy installation doesn t necessarily come cheap. Unlike traditional black tar roofs green roofs reduce energy costs by absorbing heat instead of attracting it and. Green roofs make the most of unused space within the increasing density of our cities.

Gsa s green roof report estimated that green roofs on commercial and public buildings provide a payback based on 50 year average annual savings of about 6 2 years nationally internal rate of return of 5 2 and an roi of 224 based on a net present value. Green roofs provide major benefits are relatively straightforward to install and can be added to existing buildings as well as new construction projects. Examples of important factors that influence green roof capital costs include.