Low Impact Development: Ecoroofs

“Green roof technology is not new. In Europe green roofs have been applied successfully for more than 20 years. However, it has only recently been introduced into North America. Because of their many energy-saving and environmental benefits, green roofs are a promising technology for energy-efficient buildings. Green roofs significantly contribute to energy and water saving goals. By shadowing the surfaces of a roof, they reduce heat gain through it by nearly 100%. In addition, a green roof’s soil and vegetation layer absorbs and filters rain, preventing it from quickly becoming runoff from the roof’s surface. Green roof technology is an effective,practical way to increase the energy performance of buildings and limit storm water runoff.”– Federal Energy Management Program, US Department of Energy

Ecoroofs have a waterproof membrane covered with a lightweight soil medium and planted with plants that are adapted to harsh conditions. This eco-roof (aka "green" roof) is located at Clean Water Services Field Operations Center at 2025 SW Merlo Court in Beaverton. While ecoroofs cost considerably more than other roofing options, they have a considerably extended lifespan because the roofing material is protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation by the soil and plants.

Eco-Roofs
“Green roof technology is not new. In Europe green roofs have been applied successfully for more than 20 years. However, it has only recently been introduced into North America. Because of their many energy-saving and environmental benefits, green roofs are a promising technology for energy-efficient buildings. Green roofs significantly contribute to energy and water saving goals. By shadowing the surfaces of a roof, they reduce heat gain through it by nearly 100%. In addition, a green roof’s soil and vegetation layer absorbs and filters rain, preventing it from quickly becoming runoff from the roof’s surface. Green roof technology is an effective,practical way to increase the energy performance of buildings and limit storm water runoff.”– Federal Energy Management Program, US Department of Energy Ecoroofs have a waterproof membrane covered with a lightweight soil medium and planted with plants that are adapted to harsh conditions. This eco-roof (aka "green" roof) is located at Clean Water Services Field Operations Center at 2025 SW Merlo Court in Beaverton. While ecoroofs cost considerably more than other roofing options, they have a considerably extended lifespan because the roofing material is protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation by the soil and plants.
In the picture to the right, a worker blows on lightweight planting soil on the roof at Clean Water Services Field Operations Center. A gridwork was installed to hold the soil in place on the sloping roof. Below, sedums grow through a jute mat at the ecoroof test garden at Villebois in Wilsonville. This research on low impact development techniques is a joint project of Costa Pacific Homes and Portland State University, funded by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Another ecoroof project in the Tualatin Basin is at Bethany Athletic Club. This roof uses modular interlocking polyethylene planting trays sold as the Advanced Vegetative Roofing System, sold by Columbia Green Roof.
Links to Ecoroof Information Portland Ecoroof Tours Ecoroof Q & A EPA Green Roof Research

Eco-Roofs

Links to Ecoroof Information