Featured green roof: Museo de Sitio Q'orikancha - Cusco, Peru
Intensive green roof above Q'orikancha archaeological museum.
This is a collection of green roofs from around the world. Click on the photo above to see a larger image or click on the thumbnails below to feature a different green roof.
Benefits of Green Roofs
Stormwater Management
Living roofs reduce impermeable surface area. They can retain 65-100% of rainwater thus providing local flood prevention and offset peak flow events by releasing water at a slower rate.
Urban Climate Mitigation (reductions in urban heat island effect)
Living roofs counter the urban heat island effect by cooling roof surfaces through plant evapotranspiration, shading, and insulation.
Reductions in Energy Costs
Living roofs decrease energy costs by reducing thermal loading in winter and summer (cooler in the summer / warmer in the winter).
Provides Wildlife Habitat
Living roofs contributes to local biodiversity by providing wildlife habitat for insects and birds.
Urban Greenspace
Living roofs increases living and green space in congested urban environments. This may be enjoyed visually through a view or physically through a roof garden.
Increased Membrane Life
Living roofs increase longevity of roof membranes by blocking UV rays and preventing extreme surface temperature fluctuations which cause membrane degradation. This leads to lower roof costs over time.
Improves Air Quality
Living roofs purify the air by absorbing pollutants such as particulate matter from automobiles and factories, pollen, and dust. 
Adds Aesthetic Value and Increased Quality of Life
Living roofs have a positive impact on people living and working around them. By providing views of nature, living roofs contribute to a person's mental and physical health.
Provides Numerous LEED Credits
-Stormwater Management Rate Quantity, and Treatment -Design to Reduce Heat Islands
-Water-Efficient Landscaping
-Optimizing Energy Performance
-Recycled Content (green roof system components)
-Local/Regional Materials (green roof components and plants)
Green Roof Possibilities...
Float over the below images to activate the green roof simulation of local roofs.
Downtown Durham, North Carolina
Downtown Asheville, North Carolina