Region 8
Green Roof
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPA’s regional headquarters at 1595 Wynkoop Street includes one of the first green roofs of its kind in the state of Colorado. The roof provides air and water quality benefits and reduces building heating and cooling needs.
The green roof was installed as a learning lab to prove the viability of a green roof in an arid climate like Denver and to comply with Denver’s strict storm water runoff guidelines and restrictions.
The living roof covers 20,000 total square feet on three terrace levels consisting of 40,000 total plants.
Environmental Benefits:
- Improves water quality runoff by retaining and filtering pollutants held in rainwater
- Reduces “heat island” effect
- Filters air pollutants deposited from the atmosphere and stores CO2
- Provides habitat for birds and insects
- Insulates the building, reducing heating and cooling needs
- Offers an attractive alternative to traditional roofs
Economic Benefits:
- Offers more protection than conventional roofs (from UV rays, hail, etc)
- Decreases storm water utility fees
- Enhances resale value of the property
- Saves in energy costs
- Contributes to LEED points
For more information on the green roof:
While green roof applications in the U.S. are often associated with large commercial buildings, more and more homeowners are taking advantage of the benefits that green roofs provide. In many cases, the insulation benefit alone can save 30-40 percent on heating and cooling costs. In Europe, the use of green roofs in private homes is relatively common.
