LEED Certified:
The LiveRoof System can achieve LEED certification in several categories–above and beyond that of just any green roof system. LiveRoof can actually enhance LEED ratings in categories that might not usually apply to a typical green roof. Below are the major categories of the USGBC rating system and potential points that can be influenced by the LiveRoof® system.
Sustainable Sites
If you think about it, wherever there is a building, there once was some type of vegetation. Green roofs help to reclaim green space, and in the process they provide habitat (for songbirds, butterflies and a host of other invertebrates) and help to promote biodiversity.
Potential Rating: 1 point.
Storm water Management
LiveRoof® systems help to prevent excess storm water discharge. They also help to filter and detoxify storm water by removing suspended solids and other pollutants. Potential Rating: 1 to 2 points.
Urban Heat Island Effect
LiveRoof® significantly reduces roof temperatures during the summer months, and the USGBC specifies green roofs as a means of mitigating the urban heat island effect. Potential Rating: 1 point.
Water Efficiency/ Water-Efficient Landscaping
When vegetated with drought resistant LiveRoof® plants, LiveRoof® installations require little or no irrigation. Additionally, LiveRoof® growing media acts as a sponge to collect excess rainwater. Any runoff can be channelled into a cistern for reuse on the LiveRoof® or other parts of the landscape.
Potential Rating: 1 to 2 points.
Energy and Atmosphere
Green roofs of the same depth as the LiveRoof® system have been documented to reduce energy demand by up to 50% annually in certain types of structures. More typically, green roofs have proven to substantially reduce the need for air conditioning, and therefore require smaller cooling systems, lower capital costs, and lower operating costs.
Potential Rating: 1 to 8 points, depending on total energy reduction as a percent versus conventional buildings of the same size.
Materials and Resources
The LiveRoof® system acts as a protective umbrella over the roof membranes and therefore can substantially extend the useful life of the roof and contribute to the LEED reuse objective. Potential Rating: 1 to 3 points.
Local Sources
LiveRoof® modules are manufactured within a 15-mile radius of distribution. Also, since plants are obtained at local nurseries, LiveRoof® may contribute to the 50% extracted regionally credit. Potential Rating: 1 to 2 points.
Recycled Content
LiveRoof® modules are constructed of 100% recycled polypropylene which exceeds the LEED target of 5% or 10% of project components. Potential Rating: 1 to 2 points.
Rapidly Renewable Materials
LiveRoof® plants are harvested within a 10-year cycle (actually much shorter), and therefore contribute to this objective.
Potential Rating: 1 point.
Innovation and Design Process
LiveRoof® systems may qualify for innovation and design credits by helping to create a better work environment. LiveRoof® installations can be used for meetings and relaxation, and perhaps more importantly, they create beautiful vistas, beneficial to people’s health and state of mind. Additionally, green roofs can reduce exterior sound by up to 40 decibels and therefore create a more peaceful and less stressful interior environment. Potential Rating: 1 or 2 points.
Here is it being used on top of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company
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