It’s an exciting time to be in the Green Roof industry. Education and interest have grown exponentially in recent years, and usage of green roof technology is constantly expanding on a global scale. Efforts to promote green infrastructure as a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional “grey” infrastructure continue to create new opportunities for Landscape Architects to incorporate green roofs into their projects.

 

“Green” elements have long been used on roofs, though in the early days very sparingly, and very cautiously. Designers and engineers employing the technology had no official standards or information to work with. Soil weight, root ball weight, and plant selection decisions were based on trial and error, as well as preliminary information and suggestions from engineers, horticulturists, and nurseries. Important design considerations were to avoid roof overloading, keep trees on the columns, and not interfere with drainage on the roof; all critical concerns that remain important today as well.