− | [[Green Roofs]] consist of a layer of [[Green roofs: Planting|vegetation]] and [[Green roof media|planting medium]] installed on top of a [[Green roof construction|conventional flat or sloped roof]]. Green roofs are touted for their environmental benefits as they improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat island effects and create greenspace for passive recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. They are also desirable for their water quality, water balance and peak flow control benefits. The green roof acts like a lawn or meadow by temporarily storing rainwater in the planting medium and ponding areas. Excess rainfall enters [[underdrains]] and [[overflow]] points and is conveyed to a storm sewer or other stormwater practice in the building drainage system. After a storm, a large portion of the stored water is evapo-transpired by the [[plants]], evaporated or slowly drains away. STEP has prepared a life cycle cost estimate for an extensive, 4 inch deep pre-grown sedum mat, green roof design configuration, based on a 2,000 m<sup>2</sup> roof drainage area, runoff control target of 25 mm depth, for comparison which can be viewed below. To generate your own life cycle cost estimates customized to the development context, design criteria, and constraints applicable to your site, access the updated [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/lid-lcct/ LID Life Cycle Costing Tool (LCCT) here]. | + | [[Green Roofs]] consist of a layer of [[Green roofs: Planting|vegetation]] and [[Green roof media|planting medium]] installed on top of a [[Green roof construction|conventional flat or sloped roof]]. Green roofs are touted for their environmental benefits as they improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat island effects and create greenspace for passive recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. They are also desirable for their water quality, water balance and peak flow control benefits. The green roof acts like a lawn or meadow by temporarily storing rainwater in the planting medium and ponding areas. Excess rainfall enters [[underdrains]] and [[overflow]] points and is conveyed to a storm sewer or other stormwater practice in the building drainage system. After a storm, a large portion of the stored water is evapo-transpired by the [[plants]], evaporated or slowly drains away. STEP has prepared a life cycle cost estimate for an extensive, 4 inch deep pre-grown sedum mat, green roof design configuration, based on a 2,000 m<sup>2</sup> roof drainage area for comparison which can be viewed below. To generate your own life cycle cost estimates customized to the development context, design criteria, and constraints applicable to your site, access the updated [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/lid-lcct/ LID Life Cycle Costing Tool (LCCT) here]. |