Gökçe Saygin-Batista, Tje Falcon Group

There has been a recent uptick in the popularity of outdoor rooftop living space, however this is not a new concept. In fact, this idea dates back to the one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon; built high above the ground on multi-level stone terraces and was an architectural marvel in its own right.

Reasons why green roofs are beneficial:

Benefits to the Environment

Green landscapes can provide numerous social, environmental and economic benefits to a property. Green roofs cool cities during hot summer months, reduce the Urban Heat Island effect and improve air quality by absorbing greenhouse and noxious gases. Layers of green roofs provide natural acoustic insulation to reduce city noise and the amount of energy needed to moderate the temperature of a building. They provide important habitat and wildlife corridors for migratory species. Green roofs also play an important environmental role in big cities by improving water quality by filtering rainwater before it joins local rivers and water bodies. They capture rain water during heavy storms and prevent the city’s sewer system from overflowing into the rivers.

Benefits for Property Owners

Many people think it is expensive, but for the long-term however, it should be looked at as an investment for your property. Green roofs cover the roofing membrane with a series of layers that can significantly reduce costs and can double the life expectancy of your roof. It also reduces air-conditioning costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. Green roofs have excellent noise attenuation, especially for low-frequency sounds. They can also earn up to 15 LEED (U.S. Greed Building Council- Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) credits depending on design and level of integration with other building systems.

Above all, living roofs are habitable. They transform previously unused space into social garden space and increase a building’s marketability. They are an easily identifiable symbol of the green building movement and can act as an incentive to those interested in the multiple benefits offered by green roofs. The presence of green roofs can improve sales, lease outs and lower employee and tenant turnover.

Green roofs also present a number of challenges that must be understood and addressed. The common issues and challenges encountered when installing and maintaining green roofs are building structural requirements, building codes, standards for retrofits, handling and knowledge of plants, leaks and leak detection. An engineer or architect can provide both engineering and design services, respectively, saving managers’ time and money to improve their buildings. Engineers will conduct building code research, apply for the necessary permits and make design suggestions based on the client’s requirements.

EPA Grant Programs for Green Roofs & Tax Abatements

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) understands the importance of storm water management and now offers a grant program for private property owners. If the project qualifies, the DEP will provide funds for the design and construction of the green roof system.

Green roofs are a great outlet to manage storm water. It is highly encouraged that managers apply for city grant programs. With the proper consultancy you can get reimbursed for the funds spent on projects.

The green roof’s financial benefits can also include a one-year New York City property tax abatement of $4.50 per s/f of green roof. The benefit is capped at a maximum of $100,000 or an amount equal to the building’s tax liability, whichever is higher.

Gökçe Saygin-Batista is a project manager & landscape designer at The Falcon Group, New York, N.Y.