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

Green Roofs and Cool Roofs

What is a Green Roof?

A green roof is any kind of vegetation that is intentionally grown on the roof of a building or structure. Usually it takes the form of a rooftop garden. A green roof can be fairly simple and involve only ground cover plants that are self-sustaining, or it can include irrigation systems, trees, and space for people.

Green Roof Poster from Peggy Notebaert Museum

Poster of Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum extensive green roof (photo credit: © Conservation Design Forum
From: Peck, Steven W. Award Winning Green Roof Designs: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (Atglen, PA: Schiffer). p. 76-77. Crerar SB419.5.P43 2008

and 

Searle Chemistry Laboratory's extensive green roof (bottom right corner)
5735 S. Ellis Avenue. Photo by Cheryl Rusnak.
The Science of Sustainability: The Design and Technology of Green Buildings
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