Green Roofs For Commercial Buildings Are Environmentally Friendly

Dec. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Some people may picture green roofs for commercial buildings as a place that has mossy wooden shingles for a roof. Some may even think of those Scandinavian houses with grazing goats on roofs that are made of sod. Roofs that are being constructed today are environmentally friendly and functional. An eco friendly roof for commercial buildings has many benefits that help the environment and it is more functional for the business that inhabits the building.

Green Roofs Reduce Runoff

Since the city is made up mostly of concrete, a major environmental problem in the larger cities is the quantity of runoff that is caused by storm water. When a green roof is planted on the building rain lands on the building and is absorbed in the soil instead of running off and having to be sent to the sewer. This helps prevent erosion and helps with other environmental changes. In the city greenery is not very common, so adding these roofs to buildings can have a very dramatic effect on the city.

Beautiful Rooftops for Meetings

Commercial buildings all of a sudden become a primary place for parties when a green roof is added to a business. They are lots more fun than parties held in conference rooms. People enjoy breathing in fresh air in a green space on a rooftop. Depending on the expertise of the landscaper chosen for the green roof, it is possible to end up with a flourishing garden that is like an escape to a faraway land but is in the middle of a city. In downtown Chicago, the Pepsi Cola office building has a green roof and employees gather there to take a break and just relax.

Roofs that have a great view draw people because they are considered luxury spaces. A green roof for a business is sort of like having a house with a deck at the rooftop but larger and enhanced. Fantastic company parties are possible up there, on the green roof. Many people will want to rent this space for their parties, too. The green roof can even generate revenue along with being environmentally friendly.

Natural Plantings Added to the Area

Cities have taken over areas that previously full of abundant wildlife, but these plants have abruptly lost their homes. A major option of the green roofs is to build a space on the roof top that imitates the area's previous natural environment. An example of this would be the designer for the Chicago City Hall green roof. This roof incorporates over 100 special kinds of plants, of which most were native to Chicago. This is an ideal method of preserving nature by creating environments for birds and other wildlife. Another great benefit of  the fact that they improve air quality by the planting of greenery in these urban spaces.

Adding a green roof is a good responsible environmental choice. It is definitely a step in the correct direction. Many styles exist for green roofs for commercial buildings. The type decided on doesn't have to fit a mold of one that has been seen before. The design can be as simple as seeding the roof with a plant that provides ground cover or as extensive as creating a sitting area for workers among a flourishing landscaped garden.

It depends on what the needs of the business is for the space and how much can be budgeted for maintenance. A green roof is a good option, because it shows that the business cares about the environment by preserving green spaces in business areas.

Tim Hughes is one of the leading builders of new homes and commercial real estate design in Oklahoma. For more information, visit http://www.timhughescustomhomes.com/index.php/page/office....