How Do Green Roofs Conserve Energy

As the demand for energy saving building materials increases metal roofs are installed more often.

How do green roofs conserve energy.

When it comes to cooling green roofs also help because natural plant and soil processes reduce the level of solar energy that is absorbed by the roof s membrane. The plants create natural insulation which means that there is less need to rely on heating and cooling systems to moderate interior temperatures. In summer the green roof protects the building from direct solar heat. Shading the outer surface of the building envelope has been shown to be more effective than internal insulation.

No the plants on top of your house won t produce energy or at least not the kind you ll need to run your microwave but what they will do is help reduce your cooling costs during hot summer months source. Green roofs are part of climate proof construction. A study funded by the u s. The summer savings on the top floor of the building would be in the order of 20.

In fact it has been found that an extensive green roof can reduce daily energy demand for air conditioning by 75 percent. A green roof could save you money on your electric bill. Reducing the ambient temperature. Department of energy and conducted by the oak ridge national laboratory shows why metal roofs promote energy conservation in the home.

Green roofs remove heat from the air through the process of evapotranspiration and also act as insulators for buildings reducing the energy needed to provide cooling and heating. Studies by environment canada have shown that the upper floor of a building with a green roof is likely to save 20 of its energy demand by reducing its need for cooling. Green roofs reduce the heat flux through the roof and less energy for cooling or heating can lead to significant cost savings. As such the cooler roof achieved is perfect for solar panels which become more efficient reducing the total energy costs.

However with an installed green roof the plant life on the exterior of the building absorbs the sunlight through photosynthesis greatly reducing the internal rise in heat. Green roofs reduce the temperatures on the roofs. The answer has to do partially with how the roof is installed. Vegetation can also remove pollutants and ghgs from the air through dry deposition and carbon sequestration and storage respectively.