Cities are regions where the greens of the forest give way to the grays of the freeway, but in many urban areas around the world green is making a spectacular comeback atop of the concrete jungles we call home. Urban gardens and green roofs are growing in popularity, and they have long been speculated to play more than just an ornamental role in the cityscape. A recent study conducted in Korea has proven that green roofs are far more effective than previously thought.
Green roofs are easy on the eyes and the environment.
Green roofs provide a multitude of benefits, including insulation, noise reduction, rain water retention, and pollution mitigation. Out of the benefits mentioned, insulation and rain water retention are the most important traits afforded by green roofs, especially in Vancouver. Plants block UV rays, and the soil that they grow in acts as a catch for rainwater. A team of Korean scientists calculated that the insulating effects of green roofs can save between $3.24 to $7.30 USD per square meter every decade. Additionally, they state that green roofs can absorb and retain enough rain water to ease the load on a city’s drainage system, preventing floods.
Furthermore, green roofs do not require exotic plants nor any construction expertise. As the following video demonstrates, all it takes is a green thumb and a little bit of effort to produce a bountiful harvest from a rooftop garden. This goes hand in hand with Vancouver’s drive towards locally produced foods and a lighter carbon footprint. In less economically developed regions, rooftop gardens can contribute towards food security. It’s even possible to keep beehives on your roof!
From Seoul to Stockholm, cities around the world are slowly beginning to realize the benefits of urban greenery and are gearing towards the implementation of eco-friendly policies. Here in Canada, Vancouver prides itself as one of the greenest cities on the planet, and aims to achieve even more by 2050. As Vancouverites, each of us can do our part by supporting or even implementing green roofs in our local areas.
Vancouver Waterfront. Note the green roof on the Vancouver Convention Center.
