Ponderings of a Scientist

Green Roofs, who knew? Similar to the idea of planting trees in urban arees as waste water control (see my post “Give a Hoot; Don’t Pollute”), trees are now moving to commercial roofs. Turns out you can plant certain greenary on roofs, especially flat, gravel-based, commercial roofs. Why you might ask?

1. The vegetation absorbs water, reducing run-off and pollution transferred in run-off, and decreases the pressure on storm water systems

2. The vegetation asks as insulation, lowering heating and cooling costs in the building.

3. The vegetation protects the roofing system, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement.

As the gentlemen from Boston’s Environmental Services Office just stated on NPR; anything we can do to lessen our footprint on the Earth and the impact of our infrastructure, the better!