Read, Set, Plant Your Roof Garden!
With all the positive environmental breakthroughs over the last decade, the urban skyline is slowly changing from flat concrete roofs to lush green oases blissfully perched on top of buildings where tenants, owners, workers, and even the general public can wile away the hours under sunny skies. The concept of green roofs is gaining steam fast and many innovative green roof policies and programs are starting up in Canadian cities. Not only are these lush spaces good for the soul, they are extremely beneficial to the environment as, for one, green roofs absorb heat which lowers temperatures in urban areas. In addition, they capture and filter rainwater reducing runoff and alleviating strain on the stormwater systems. They also offer appealing habitats for birds and insects which contributes favourably to biodiversity. Green roofs can act as a natural insulator as well, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings and resulting in lower energy bills and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Any way you look at it, it’s a huge win-win for everyone!