If 45% of Seattle’s 2015 roof space were covered with vegetation, that would provide more greenspace than all of Seattle’s 489 city parks, which comprise just over 10 square miles. These benefits are far more likely to be significant if green roofs are commonplace and widespread across a city rather than a small patch of greenery here and there. Increased rooftop solar panel efficiency.With so much potential rooftop space, what are the benefits of more green roofs and elevated green courtyards? Compared to more traditional roofs, there are many possible benefits in addition to carbon sequestration: (Credit: Google Maps) Green roof benefits Semi-intensive green roofs fall somewhere in between.Ī building in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood contains trees and other vegetation on two levels: an elevated courtyard and the rooftop. Green roofs vary in how ‘intensive’ they are, ranging from extensive green roofs with grass-like vegetation and a thin layer of soil, to intensive green roofs with deeper soil, large bushes, trees up to 30 feet tall, and even amenity spaces. These layers also protect the actual building roof below from plant roots, water, etc. Green roofs also have soil underneath the plants and a set of drainage, filtration, protective, and waterproofing membrane layers which support the vegetation. Most simply, a green roof is vegetation on top of a building. One major solution for increasing vegetation while simultaneously increasing density is wider implementation of green roofs. (Photo by author)Įvidence shows that concern over tree loss associated with recent development in Seattle has been overblown, but in researching urban greenery, I have become convinced that the city should still institute policies and design recommendations to ensure the amount of trees and other vegetation in Seattle is maintained and even increased as the city develops. This route will link diverse residential neighborhoods, business, arts, sports and entertainment districts, as well as educational and medical centers.įor more information, visit roofs can help cities become more sustainable and livable as they grow denser. The streetcar line will stop in Pioneer Square, Chinatown/International District, Central Area, Yesler Terrace, First Hill and Capitol Hill. When completed, the First Hill Streetcar will be an important connection in the regional transit system. Seattle's first streetcar line, South Lake Union Line, began operation in 2007. “These systems can be sustained for decades." “Green roofs help reduce urban temperature, noise pollution, minimize water runoff, and provide wildlife habit to birds and bees,” she said. Naomi Morgan, sales representative at GreenFeathers, notes that while people will be going about their business using the new public transportation system, the living roof system will be quietly and constantly working above providing ongoing benefits. Terrance Plumb, senior project manager with Seattle Department of Transportation, said, “The green roof is expected to last two to three times as long as a traditional tar or rubber roof, and it will help keep polluted water out of local waterways by absorbing excess rainfall.” The maintenance and operations facility's function is housing operation personnel, as well as storing and maintaining the streetcars.
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