First Name: | Linda |
---|---|
Last Name: | Villatore |
Email Address: | villatore@comcast.net |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Green Roofs |
Comment |
Montie Zoughet a retired UN Arid Plant Ecologist who designed an built green roofs overseas, conducted a four month cost benefit analysis of green roofs for the central valley and found Green Roofs to be 25% LESS effective than planting trees near the structure. We were asked to make 5 minute presentation to the Sacramento Chapter of the USGBC. This is a summary of our findings. Problems: Currently, materials costs are prohibitively high in the US, as compared to overseas Green roofs are currently being over designed & over built in the US for practical, large scale application here. These Designs are not easily applied to existing construction, many are heavy. Green Roofs need and will retain moisture and may damage the structural integrity of the roof over time. In a side by side cost benefit analysis, planting large trees near the house to shade the roof is more energy efficient by a factor of 25%. All green roofs require maintenance, a hidden cost. The US lacks incentives for retrofit-construction to existing buildings. Solutions: Montie selected and tested the proper green roof plants for this region. He has an idea for a modular solution, but we lack sufficient funds to privately underwrite the manufacture, installation and testing of this concept on a large enough scale. Montie believes that a low intensity, modified version of a green roof may be possible by planting selected plants at the corners of a roof and allowing them to grow across the roof. |
Attachment |
www.arb.ca.gov/lists/sp-greenbuild-ws/13-the_green_roof_consultants_one_sheet3.doc Original File Name: The Green Roof Consultants One sheet3.doc
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2008-08-01 08:37:19 |
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