Rooftop Gardens Increase Sustainability
Gardening is no longer limited to homeowners with yards. Apartment dwellers are taking full advantage of rooftop gardens by going green. It’s a new, sustainable trend with a lot of benefits. Rooftop gardens keep buildings warm in the winter, purify the air, produce food, and reduce rainwater runoff.
Heat Conservation
Greenery absorbs heat, giving rooftops natural insulation. By planting layers of soil and vegetation on top of the roof, home and building owners can save 10 percent on the energy bill for every degree the rooftop garden reduces the internal or external temperature of the building. Gardens provide shade and retain 60 percent of rain water for natural cooling.
Air Purity
The increasing development of urban roof gardens contribute to a healthier atmosphere in several ways. Urban areas are well-known for having large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions. Green roofs combat pollutants, removing carbon dioxide from the air. Rooftop gardens improve air quality by absorbing the contaminants and producing oxygen. This decreases respiratory diseases and the medical costs associated with them. In addition, reducing air temperatures reduces ozone formation.
Eco-friendly roofs with vegetation absorb rainwater, keeping it from hitting the streets below the building. Storms are a major source of flooding and pollution. Rooftop gardens help by reducing and slowing the water runoff. Urban areas have non-porous surfaces like cement, pavement, and rooftop materials. This allows water to run uninhibited, producing currents that are higher than in wooded areas. However, areas with rooftop gardens may retain up to 90 percent of rain water in the summer, reducing sewer overflows and flooding.
Residents who combine agriculture to rooftop gardens receive the same benefits as a community garden. It’s hard to beat convenience and farm fresh food, an elevator ride away. Harvesting fruits and vegetables gives families access to the proper nutrients for healthy eating. Shared gardens are also a way to enhance social interactions which build relationships with neighbors.
Sustainable rooftop gardens create a healthy atmosphere for building residents. The green vegetation enhances the architectural design while offering several practical benefits. From clean air to fresh food, the gardens help residents live healthier lives. Green vegetation also reduces pollution in the air and on the ground by absorbing air contaminants and rain water.