Topic 2 Summarized benefits
Environmental benefits
Increasing biodiversity
Reducing the effect of Urban Heat Island (UHI)*
Decreasing the thermal temperature of buildings
Decrease the atmospheric pollution and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
Rainwater management
CO2 reduction
Creation of habitats for animals (insects, birds)
Social benefits
Aesthetic benefits
Positive impact to human health, psychology and wellbeing
Crime reduction
Access to green areas by all citizens
Sustainability of urban spaces
Liveability in cities
Room creation for recreational and rest purposes
Plants reduced stress and lower obesity percentages achieved by proximity to green areas
Upgrade of productivity and creativity
Economic benefits
Energy efficiency: reducing maintenance and operational costs (the costs for extensive green roofs are lower compared to traditional flat roofs)
Long roof lifespan extension and maintenance saving. An average lifecycle of a green roof is 40-55 years. Protection of green roofs in a longer material require decreased maintenance and savings in replacement costs.
Tax incentives
Green roofs are likely to be a positive selling point for developers
Reduction of emission from power generation
All the above benefits of green roofs are also divided in:
