GREEN ROOF TYPES
ALL UNDER ONE TENT
Green Roof Types
What are the different types of Green Roof?
Globally, Green Roofs are categorized into three distinct types. The transitions between these types are indeed seamless. Ultimately, the specific plant community intended for a Green Roof will dictate the types of Green Roofs. Furthermore, the overall thickness, weight, and anticipated maintenance of the vegetation also play a crucial role in defining the type of Green Roof.
For instance, one can establish a thin-layered Green Roof using plants that may not be ideally suited for this type. To ensure the survival of these less compatible plants, human intervention is often required, involving above-average maintenance and potential spoon-feeding = intensive care.
These three types of Green Roofs can have many - what we call - subcategories (like binomial nomenclature for plant species). Subcategories can be: Solar Garden Roof, Blue Green Roof , Wetland Roofs , Brown Roofs and some other mixed options of Green Infrastructure on ground remote location. The latest German FLL guideline is always a great indicator and resource for subcategory green roof.
Example of a seamless transition of different types of Green Roofs on one roof in an explanatory picture from 1982
Three Green Roof Types
The three main types of Green Roofs can be traced back to the German FLL-Guideline in the early 1980's for Green Roofs.
- Extensive
- Semi SEMI-Intensive
- Intensive
Indeed, during the late 1990s, Jörg Breuning presented these categories to the Anglo-American professional community, resulting in mixed outcomes. Furthermore, he was responsible for the initial translations into English, which is a key reason these categories are now recognized globally. Naturally, the FLL-Guideline serves as the foundational document and model for all Green Roof guidelines and standards worldwide, being the most comprehensive resource available. Rather than utilizing this invaluable document, the USA chose to reinvent the wheel, leading to approximately five different versions from various associations in the field as of 2024. This approach does not benefit the industry and seems to cater more to certain individuals' egos. 😉
Intended Plant Community
For instance, if a professional chooses a specific plant selection for a Green Roof, it is called an intended or desired plant community. However, such a plant community is only a snap shot of this moment.
Because we all know that plants grow, that other plants come in (e.g. airborne seeds), and that some plants get replaced, the Green Roof undergoes changes. As horticulturalists, we know that nature or any plant community lives through natural succession.
Green Roof maintenance can manage the general timeline for natural succession, but it cannot stop nature by doing her thing. In other words, there is a chance that the type of Green Roof will alter. Especially, the increase of extreme weather patterns requires new the means and measures for managing natural succession continuously. For that reason, crafting Green Roofs for over 40 years is an advantage.
With respect of Climate Change; data from existing Green Roofs research will get obsolete soon. Our tailored Green Roof solutions are prepared for the uncertain future and for existing Green Roofs we have smart solutions to adjust without replacement. In other words: We have common (horticultural) sense.
Green Roof Research
Moreover, Green Roof Technology massively supported Green Roof research in different countries over the last three 3 decades. Therefore, in most research we criticized the lack of common sense, considerations for Climate Change, and not using standardized materials or methods. However, all research came to almost the same results in their snapshots. Basically, all Green Roof benefits are confirmed endlessly.
Based on the environmental challanges the next generations will face, it is now time investing research funds into massive Green Roof installations of all types. The time of sitting in a climate controlled laboratory is over! The industry needs hands-on people who do the hard work at any weather for the installation of Green Roofs. Especially in North America, means and methods of Green Roof installation techniques lack far behind most European countries. In short, combat Climate Change by doing and not by researching. We do have all the data we need.
For example Solar Garden Roofs and Blue Green Roofs are Green Roof types that are future oriented. They increase sustainability, resilience and Return of Investment when fully integrated with one or more Green Roof types.
All Green Roof Types On One Roof
For example, advanced modern Green Roof technology
with a smart combination of all types of Green Roofs. Additionally, fully integrated Solar Garden Roof, Blue Green Roof, Smart roof drains, and amenity space. Certainly, all without any penetration into the roofing as a seamless or continues solution.
©️ System solution and picture by Green Roof Technology and Klima Roof
Extensive Green Roof
Semi Intensive Green Roof
Green Roof Technology crafts lit·er·al·ly endless varieties and combinations of vegetated covers from 0° - 90° slope.
Any seamless combination of different Green Roof types is possible. The limit is the sky.
What are you thinking about? We're here to assist!
Seamless types of Green Roofs encompass everything a roof structure can support. This can includes amenity decks or areas with planters and landscaped gardens. Additionally, it can involve the integration of technical roof equipment, railings, and safety features. Furthermore, there are smart roof drains, Blue Green Roof technology, and renewable energy options, like solar panels or micro wind turbines. Ultimately, we combine all these elements together - seamless.
Standard Green Roof Types
After all, over 4 decades in modern Green Roof technology. No plastic options and for all Climate Zones
Advanced Green Roof Types
Specifically, engineered and seamless with Blue Green Roof and Solar Green Roof options for any Climate Zone.
