Sustainability of Rooftop Gardens
With mass urbanization comes mass destruction of forests and the natural environment. Cities are flooded with air pollution and noise pollution, leading to unhealthy air quality and other environmental concerns. As a solution, rooftop gardens, or green roofs, have been built on the roofs of urban structures to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution while also transforming the urban landscape. Whether bringing some greenery to a sterile space or allowing penthouse owners to curate their own gardens, rooftop gardens have countless benefits!
Rooftop gardens are innovative spaces that allow plants to flourish in an otherwise dull environment. Urban heat islands, or cities with high populations, are prone to solar radiation and produce heat pockets which cause a spike in energy consumption. In order to reduce the rapid increase of man-made pollution and energy, architects have introduced the concept of rooftop gardens as an eco-friendly way to combat global warming.
Here are some data points that demonstrate the sustainability of rooftop gardens:
The shade offered by plants on rooftops reduces heat flow and leads to cooler temperatures. According to the National Research Council of Canada, a bare roof rises to temperatures as high as 158 degrees Fahrenheit, while a roof covered by plants stays consistent at a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. As the gardens increase in efficiency, there are fewer greenhouse gasses needed to
Support mass cooling in a city.
With the intricate layout of cities, stormwater often has no place to go, resulting in constant flooding. Stormwater does not seep into the pavement; instead, it collects harmful contaminants before depositing through a drainage system. Rooftop gardens not only retain water in the plants and soil but are also able to reduce stormwater runoff. They also play a large role in filtering pollutants in rainfall.
Green roofs are not only healthier and aesthetically pleasing, but they also create a new habitat for wildlife. These gardens are home to birds and insect pollinators, and provide a food source for the global population of migrating birds.
Rooftop gardens are part of the innovative future to restore the planet and protect the existing environment, making cities more sustainable.
