Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Summer 2010 - (Page 19)
INTEGRATED DESIGN FOR SOLAR & GREEN ROOFS
TWO COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN FLORIDA SHOW HOW TO COMBINE SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES ON THE ROOF FOR MAXIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
By Geoff Hagan
B
uilding decisions are based on many factors, typically centered around the return on investment (ROI). Teams are tasked with finding the right solution for their facility in their specific location in the country. What is the cost of energy? What is the cost of roof replacement? What is the cost of water management onsite? What are the maintenance requirements? With so many variables to consider, it is important to explore all possibilities. In many instances, no single technology is perfectly suited, and offering two or more environmental solutions can mean the best ROI. Such is the case when integrating solar and green roof technologies on the same roofing project, particularly in an extreme climate such as Florida. Designing and installing vegetated roofs has been a challenge in Florida, which is much different than in the temperate conditions where
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Summer 2010