BENEFITS OF GREEN ROOFS:

The realization that green roofs have more possibilities and benefits than a traditional roof is growing slowly in Canada. Green roofs are not only nice to look at, but also have a host of additional benefits:

Sustainable Building Practises
In general green roofs help reduce the ecological footprint of our buildings by reducing energy consumption, the production of green house gas and improving sustainability.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS:

Reduction in energy costs A Green Roof has the ability to buffer temperature extremes and improve the building's energy performance. In the summer a green roof can save on air conditioning costs.
High water retention Green Roofs are capable of retaining a high percentage of the rainfall on the roof. This enables the outlets, down pipes, ground drains and sewer pipes to be reduced in capacity thereby saving construction costs.
Protection of the waterproofing A Green Roof protects the waterproofing from climatic extremes, UV exposure and mechanical damage. This increases the life expectancy (twice or triple) of the waterproofing, which result in reduced maintenance and replacement costs as well as reducing enviromental impact.
Use of space An accessible Green Roof means more usable space without land costs. You can use the roof for social and recreational activities, but also parking your car on the roof is possible. Make your roof multifunctional and double your real estate.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Improves Air quality Green Roofs cool and humidify the surrounding air creating a microclimate which has a beneficial effect within the immediate area. Plant materials absorb heat and thereby reduce the "Urban Heat Island Effect"
Reduced noise levels Planted areas are natural sound insulators and absorb more sound than hard surfaces. Green Roofs reduce reflective sound by up to 3 dB and improve sound insulation by up to 8 dB.
Reduction dust and smog Green Roof vegetation helps to filter out dust and smog particles. Nitrates and other harmful materials are absorbed out of the air and rainfall and bound within the substrate.
Natural habitat Green Roofs are an opportunity to provide natural habitats for birds, insects etc. It is a possibility to bring nature in to the cities.