User talk:Katelough2020

The implementation of Green Roofs in Seattle, Washington The implementation of ‘Green Roofs’ within urban centers is credited to mitigate stormwater runoff and keep buildings insulated. The city of Seattle, Washington has made use of this tool, particularly for their long winter months full of rain. ‘Green Roofs’ are defined within this example as; a layered system of synthetic roofing and drainage layers underlying a layer of soil and plants on a building roof. There are three distinct variations of green roofs, Shallow, Garden-like and Extensive. Shallow green roofs are thinner layers of soil and greenery, which absorbs rain and creates insulation. Garden-like green roofs include designs in which actual plants can grow and provide food etc. Extensive green roofs expand across larger infrastructure, and can consist of a combination of the two later concepts. The application of Green Roofs in Seattle has grown over the years, with an increase in interest in urban farming combined with the use of green roofs as “huge selling points” within real estate markets. The city has struggled over the years with the cost of these roofs, which ultimately resulted in many green roof designs being cut from preliminary construction designs because of price. The higher upfront costs of the project steered many developers away from the design. Now with more interest, designers have been able to decrease the prices, along with creating a design that comes built, unlike prior designs which required extensive construction. Making the price of these creative, sustainable designs more affordable allows for implementation across the city, mitigating stormwater runoff and overflow in many neighborhoods. There is still major progress needed to expand the use of ‘green roofs’ within Seattle, but progress within the economics and design of this product will make those future goals more attainable.