© 2007 Wendy Dager

Golden Gate, make way for Green Roofs! As one of ten pilot "green building" projects in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences' new facility will consume 30 percent less energy than required by state building code, thanks to its innovative design, which includes a living planted roof. This "green roof" will provide thermal insulation, reducing the need for air conditioning during the summer. It will also reduce stormwater runoff by at least 50 percent, and its 60,000 photo voltaic cells will supply almost 213,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy per year.

The California Academy of Sciences' new facility in San Francisco features a living planted roof.

While vegetated roof covers are already popular in Europe--Germany, in particular, they are still a relatively new concept in the United States.

However, there is growing interest in green-roof technology, as building-industry professionals and lawmakers work together to provide environmentally-friendly alternatives for developments that might use typical construction materials. These living architecture systems incorporate a building's existing roof with water-proofing, drainage paths and root control methods to create the two main types of green roofs, "extensive" and "intensive." Extensive roofs have fewer layers, making them less costly and requiring lower maintenance. Intensive roofs have a wider variety of plant material and often project a park-like ambience.

There are green roof projects that boast trees, flowers, herb gardens and even golf courses. They are located world-wide, topping hospitals, universities, libraries and private homes.

But benefits go far beyond novelty and aesthetics. For instance, building-owners and homeowners can expect a reduction in heating and cooling costs, as well as an improvement in the air quality and sound management of the surrounding environment. In addition, depending on the area, some property and homeowners may qualify for faster approval from government agencies for new projects, or other incentives related to energy-efficiency, as well as a possible discount on wastewater charges. Other benefits of a green roof system include rainwater retention, natural filtration, wildlife habitation, and even a source of stress-reduction for employees, residents or visitors.

To learn more about green roofs, there are a number of Web sites to peruse, including Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, http://wwwgreenroofs.net, an industry association that lists design courses, symposia, and other information to get started.

As always, the staff at S&S Seeds are glad to assist you with your green project by providing you with all your plant and seed needs. Just call (805) 684-0436 or visit us online at http://www.ssseeds.com. We’re here to help!

Seed Mixes: Wildflowers | Turfgrasses | Reclamation / Erosion

Other Products | New! Erosion Control Blankets

Plant Database | BMPs - Cost vs. Benefit | Inventory | Request Information
About S&S Seeds, Inc. | S&S Services | Newsletter | Contact Us | Home

Retail Sales/Small Orders

S&S Seeds, Inc. P.O. Box 1275 Carpinteria, CA 93014-1275 (805) 684-0436 (805) 684-2798 fax

© 1998-2007 by S&S Seeds. All Rights Reserved. Text, graphics, and HTML code are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission Web Development: CogniText.