Environmental Design + Construction - October 2008 - (Page 24) Cool Roofing The Chicago Cultural Center features an extensive green roof system. > 24 Cool Roofing Designing Vegetative Roof Systems NRCA manual details design considerations for green roofs. by james r. kirby, aia G > Fall 2008 reen roofs, garden roofs, vegetative roofs, landscaped roofs — no matter what you call them, they are here to stay. The movement toward energy savings and environmental stewardship is legitimate, and green roofs are a big part of it. Green roofs have a number of benefits; however, there are considerations that need to be dealt with whether you are a designer, contractor or building owner. Green roofs, generally speaking, are environmentally friendly. They can reduce interior noise levels by reducing the amount of outdoor noise that enters a building through the roof. Green roofs provide stormwater management; the moisture-retention layers store water for plant use, reducing the amount of water directed to drains. Rooftop temperatures may be reduced, especially when compared to dark-colored membranes. In large cities, green roofs can help mitigate urban heat island effects. Green roofs can also provide usable outdoor space. Changing por tions of a building’s rooftop to accessible space is almost like finding new land! Even changing the visual appearance of a more traditional roof to a green roof can be beneficial. ASTM International (ASTM) has a task group devoted to sustainability: ASTM E06.71. The group has been working for a number of years developing standards regarding sustainability. Many standards are currently available and more are in process. Some state and local governments are requiring buildings be constructed in ways and with materials that are sustainable. Green roofs clearly are par t of the sustainability movement. However, there are some concerns the industry must deal with. At this point, the building code implications are as yet unresolved. In general, roof systems are required to meet cer tain fire- and windresistance requirements. Green roofs are subject to the same requirements, or at least should be. There is considerable work under way within the International Code Council (ICC) to put in place specific requirements for roof gardens and landscaped roofs. (“Roof gardens” and “Landscaped roofs”
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