NASA research

18 July 2012

NASA has published a document confirming the benefits of green roofs.

NASA has been working with NYC for over 10 years studying the use of green roofs.  Their benefits are many from both a functional and a social perspective.  Of course they work well aesthetically too.

In the last 10 years green roofs have sprung up all around the world, particularly in cities and urban sprawls where green space is compromised.  Now roofs are even being used as farm space to produce crops and as new homes for bees.

Some of the benefits that NASA has found directly related to green roofs include:

Thermal insulation offering reduced building energy costs

• Urban heat island migration
• Storm water run-off retention
• Increased roof service life
• Sound insulation
• Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration potential
• Increased property amenity

Some of the social benefits include

• Added opportunities for us to interact with nature – the whole Biophilia argument
• Sense of psychological well-being for city residents
• Improved aesthetic quality of life
• Promoting social interaction where access is available
• Connection with neighbours on community roofs

Take a look at the NASA document for more information.