Roof gardens
are more popular in urban environments especially in the last ten years. They
are frequently used as, social, symbolic, and contemporary space. Roof planting
provides food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural
enhancement, a habitat for wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
Studies
have shown in the past that plants have the ability to reduce the overall heat
absorption of the building which then reduces energy consumption. Another great
benefit is to reduce the overall heat buildup in cities like Los Angeles, the absorption
of solar radiation by roads and by buildings. Plants however do not raise more
than 5 F degrees above the ambient and are sometimes cooler. This in fact cools
the environment up to 20 F degrees less. Roof garden cooling abilities become
more necessary in warmer areas.
Other benefits are reduction of carbon dioxide
impact, reduction summer air conditioning cost, and reduction winter heat
demand lengthen, and remove nitrogen pollution in rain fall naturalizing acid
rain and finally provides songbird habitat. This is according to the study in
the University of Cardiff.
