How Much Energy Does A Green Roof Save

Insulation a well insulated home can have a drastic effect on the need for electrical heating or cooling systems which in turn reduces your home s emissions and those nasty utility bills.

How much energy does a green roof save. Green roof temperatures can be 30 40 f lower than those of conventional roofs and can reduce city wide ambient temperatures by up to 5 f. They protect the roof from the sun which can wear it down and from snow and rain. Replacing your roof less regularly will save energy usage material construction and of course long term costs from utility bills and roof replacement. Due to their durability and energy efficiency they have significant cost saving potential.

This roof type can be much more expensive to implement than other efficient roof options so you should carefully assess your property and consult a professional before deciding to install a green roof. No the plants on top of your house won t produce energy or at least not the kind you ll need to run your microwave but what they will do is help reduce your cooling costs during hot summer months source. 1 2 in addition green roofs can reduce building energy use by 0 7 compared to conventional roofs reducing peak electricity demand and leading to an annual savings of 0 23 per square foot of the roof. According to the national research council of canada a green roof can reduce air conditioning demand in the summer by as much as 75.

These roofs can last for 40 to 70 years and are recyclable at the end of their useful life. A darker energy star rated roof will usually outperform a lighter roof that isn t designed with efficiency in mind. A green roof could reduce annual energy demand by more than 30 per cent when compared to a standard bca compliant metal deck roof. Another factor is climate.

It should have no more than a 20 degree slope if not lower. While lighter roofs can be a clear choice in the warmest climates homes in cooler climates are often better suited by a darker roof that can absorb a little free heat from the sun during winter. The popularity of metal roofs has soared in recent years because of their durability energy efficiency and environmental performance. In the australian climate the cost of cooling buildings during summer is by far the greatest draw on annual energy demand as the energy consumption of a building in most of our capital cities is predominantly cooling dominated.