front yard ideas

Green Roofs

I stay on the top floor of a block of flats, and lately with the temperatures reaching 30-36 degrees Celsius, it has been really hot inside.

As the temperatures go up, on go the air-conditioners to try to keep us cool.

But what with the recent Eskom power failures and the need to reduce the amount of electricity used, I was thinking about how a country like South Africa could really benefit from using plants for insulation on roofs - "Green Roofs."

Provided its done properly, the savings on cooling and heating costs could be quite considerable.
The soil, and plant material act as a far more efficient method of insulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Other benefits of Green Roofs include:

1. It could reduce the amount of surface water runoff
2. An effective water filtration system
   
3. Protection and extended life of the roofing membrane
   
4. Improves the air quality in and around the building
5. Green Roofs could improve the environment - attracting birds and butterflies
6. Makes for an attractive looking roof - especially when viewed from above
7. Harvesting of vegetables etc. for food
8. Sound insulation

Some other sites that talk about green roofs are Soekershof and Urban Habitats

A more detailed look at Green Roofs can be found here.