definition
strict definition
green roof
An extensive area of live planting covering most of a building's roof plane as an environmental feature.
A green roof is an extensive area on top of a building which is planted with live plants. The idea is to improve a building's impact on the environment by mitigating solar heat reflection, reducing rainwater runoff, and reintroducing oxygen-generating plant life that was often removed for construction of the first building on the site.
The planting covers most of the roof plane rather than consisting only of a few isolated pots. The defining surface is on top of the building.
A green wall applies the planting feature to a facade. A green-colored roof without live plants does not establish a green roof.
green roof Photos
Related definitions
-
bioreactor
Panels or containers holding a biologically active environment for energy production or carbon dioxide reduction. -
carbon neutrality
A building whose net carbon emissions from energy use are zero or less, with fossil-energy emissions offset by clean-energy surplus. -
double glazing
At least 80 percent of exterior-facing windows have two or more glass layers, including triple glazing. -
electric car charger
A station where drivers can recharge the batteries of electricity-powered automobiles. -
green wall
A building or structure facade designed to accommodate substantial living plant growth. -
heat recovery ventilation
A system which saves energy by using a counter-flow heat exchanger at the point of ventilation. -
lighting control system
An automatic system which optimizes lighting usage throughout a building or structure. -
photovoltaic panels
Panels installed on or by a structure which harness solar power and convert it to electricity. -
rainwater recycling
A system collecting rainwater from a structure or its grounds and routing it for use within the building. -
solar water heating
A system using solar radiation directly to heat water, usually with supplemental conventional water heating. -
sunshading
Projecting features in a facade which reduce the amount of sunlight entering windows. -
wind turbines
Energy-producing devices affixed to a structure or its grounds, which convert wind energy into power.