From the early days, we at Simple Green believed in the value and practical application of green roofs in the current methods of construction and way of life. Since 2008 we have been at the forefront of these new trends, technologies and materials with a clear lead over the competitors due to our experience. Our projects are perfectly constructed, safe and of distinctive decorative value.
Why Green Roofs?
Green roofs or rooftop gardens are the ecological approach to a plethora of needs which are created with the construction of a new building, whether in an urban or rural setting.
The urban heat island effect, the reduction of atmospheric moisture and the increase of atmospheric pollution in cities is due mainly to the dense and sprawling construction and the lack of green spaces.
Green roofs increase the areas of vegetation and offer many environmental, energy and economic benefits.
The German system, ZinCo, with a wide range of materials of the highest quality, have since 1978 guaranteed the sustainability of such a construction
Green Roofs
Environmental – Ecological Benefits
1.
Reinforcing the insulation of a building – Reduction of energy consumption
Green roofs give added insulation and reduce energy loss and heat flux. The system substrate for green roofs offered by egreen_ZinCo contribute to the effective conservation of energy. They increase the roof’s thermal capacity, resulting in the levelling off of heat fluctuations in the exterior environment and its effect on the building’s interior. Applying egreen_ZinCo’s multiple layers protects the roof from direct solar radiation, improving the thermal conditions and conserving the energy used for cooling and heating the building.
2.
Increasing the life expectancy of a building
Roof gardens protect the roofs’ waterproofing membranes from exposure to the sun, to ultraviolet radiation and to large fluctuations in temperature.
The plants on a building shell greatly minimize the destructive consequences of extreme weather phenomena (wind, hail, heavy rain) and reduce the danger of fire.
3.
Management of water in the green roofs’ system substrate
Green roofs contribute to rainfall management, while depending on their stratification, water runoff can be reduced by up to 90%. As a result, this alleviates the urban stormwater runoff and preserves the hydraulic cycle.
The percentage of water that is retained in a green roof contributes to the continuation of the hydraulic cycle and in the increase of the natural cooling which occurs due to the evaporation.
4.
The production of energy on the roof
Green roofs increase the performance of solar panel systems.
The reduction of temperatures on a green roof, which is due to evaporation and transpiration of plants, improves the function of the photovoltaic elements and contributes to the increase in energy production.
5.
The use of unexploited spaces in buildings
The creation of green roofs is a modern practice for upgrading a building functionally and aesthetically. The green roofs convert unexploited areas into productive spaces for relaxation, taking a break and recreation.
Green roofs also contribute to the recovery of the green areas lost at ground level; while making use of more of the building’s surface at the same time its commercial value increases.
Source: egreen Zinco
Green Roofs
Energy – Economic Benefits
1.
The contribution of green roofs to the preservation of the hydrological cycle
Green roofs contribute to rainfall management, while depending on their stratification, water runoff can be reduced by up to 90%. As a result, this alleviates the urban stormwater runoff and preserves the hydrological cycle.
The percentage of water that is retained in a green roof contributes to the continuation of the hydrological cycle and in the increase of the natural cooling which occurs due to the evaporation.
2.
Improving the microclimate
Green roofs cool and humidify the atmosphere, create a pleasant microclimate and contribute to the reduction of the “urban heat island” effect.
The plants, due to their reflective quality, as well as the absorption of a large amount of solar radiation for their biological functions (photosynthesis, evaporation-transpiration), protect roof-top structures from the thermal build-up of solar radiation and reduce the temperature in the immediate vicinity by 3 to 7oC.
While the temperature that builds up on hard surfaces can reach 60 oC, the surface temperature of planted roofs is only 35 oC.
3.
The reduction of dust and smog in the atmosphere
The plants which grow on a green roof function as filters to airborne particles. Nitrates and other harmful elements in the air are absorbed and, with the help of the rain water, end up in the substrate of the plants where they are bound.
Green roofs help to filter the particles of polluted air through the leaves of the plants; otherwise these particles would settle on hard surfaces made of metal, concrete and stone.
4.
The reduction of noise pollution
A green roof can reduce the intensity of sound reflexion by up to 3 dB, while at the same time improving the soundproofing of a building by 8 dB.
Green roofs absorb urban noise and safeguard a quieter and friendlier environment.
The combination of the substrate, the plants and the trapped air in a green roof function as a layer of sound insulation.
5.
Natural environment for animal and plant life
Green roofs create autonomous eco-systems and providing natural habitats for wildlife (insects, birds).
6.
Utilisation of precious recyclable and renewable materials
With the goal being protection and sustainable development, egreen_ZinCo uses recyclable and renewable materials for the production of its drainage and substrate systems, such as expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, rubber, recycled ceramics etc.
Source: egreen Zinco
