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.

Replacing your roof less regularly will save energy usage material construction and of course long term costs from utility bills and roof replacement. 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. Green roofs prolong the life of the roof underneath it. These roofs can last for 40 to 70 years and are recyclable at the end of their useful life.

According to the national research council of canada a green roof can reduce air conditioning demand in the summer by as much as 75. A darker energy star rated roof will usually outperform a lighter roof that isn t designed with efficiency in mind. 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. Green roofs also provide insulation lower the need for heating and cooling and can reduce the urban heat island effect.

Another factor is climate. Due to their durability and energy efficiency they have significant cost saving potential. 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. 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.

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. They protect the roof from the sun which can wear it down and from snow and rain. The popularity of metal roofs has soared in recent years because of their durability energy efficiency and environmental performance.