Benefits of Green Roofs
Beyond aesthetics: thermal performance, stormwater control, biodiversity and longer roof lifespan.
A green roof is far more than a landscape feature. It is a working layer of the building envelope with measurable thermal, hydrological and ecological benefits.
Thermally, a planted roof reduces summer surface temperatures by 20–40°C compared to a dark conventional roof, lowering cooling loads on the top floor and softening the urban heat island effect at the neighbourhood scale.
Hydrologically, extensive green roofs retain 50–70% of annual rainfall, slowing runoff and easing pressure on stormwater infrastructure, particularly valuable in dense Mediterranean cities prone to sudden heavy downpours.
Ecologically, even a thin substrate layer supports pollinators and native flora. And practically, the protective layer above the waterproofing can double the roof membrane's useful lifespan.