The Science of
Sustainability

Web Exhibits - Special Collections Research Center The University of Chicago Library
  • Introduction and About the Exhibit
  • Rights and Reproductions
  • Leed Building Certification
  • LEED Categories
  • LEED Certification Levels
  • LEED Buildings at the University of Chicago
  • Sustainable Building Materials
  • Reused Materials
  • Locally Sourced Materials
  • Rapidly Renewable Resources
  • Conservation: Energy and Water
  • Renewable Energy
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Water Conservation
  • Green Roofs
  • Kinds of Green Roofs and Benefits
  • Urban Heat Islands
  • Construction Components of Green Roofs
  • Cool Roof
  • Bibliography

Construction Components of Green Roofs

Green Roofs are constructed with some common components. They are often called "upside down roofs" since insulation and waterproofing are not placed at the top of the roofing material, but at the bottom. These components make up the functional layers of both intensive and extensive green roofs. Common components include decking, waterproofing, insulation, filtration and drainage, planting medium, and plant material.

Load Bearing

One of the main considerations of a green roof is its load bearing capacity. Intensive green roofs, with increased layers and ability to retain large amounts of water, make this consideration especially important. It also makes retrofitting an existing structure with a green roof more expensive than designing a green roof into a new building.

Constructive Components of a Green Roof Components of a green roof
Snodgrass, Edmund C. and Lucie L. Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide (Portland, OR: Timber Press), p. 39. Crerar SB419.5.S66 2006
The Science of Sustainability: The Design and Technology of Green Buildings
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