Green living roofs use plants and vegetation as an exterior layer for a section of roofing, usually on flat roofs. That’s the state-the-obvious explanation, at least – but what makes them so great?
Although a relatively new idea for our built-up urban spaces, the idea is actually as old as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, c.500 BC.
The most commonly used plant today is sedum, that’s due to a variety of benefits the plant has, including:
- Low maintenance
- Contribution to improving urban air quality
- Habitat for birds and insects
- Absorbing rain water, better stormwater management
- Protects roof from UV, extending its lifespan
- Reduced risk of fire spread
- Improved aesthetics
You’ll find sedum roofs on various structures – from bus stops to much larger roofing sections. All can benefit from a green roof, but it’s bike shelters that make a particularly fine match.
Turvec’s Cubic shelters can be fitted with green living roofs, which come in the form of sedum cassettes. We think they’re a worthy addition to any shelter, and here’s why.
The qualities of Sedum
The word “sedum” derives from the latin “sedeo”, which literally means to sit. Sedum is a shallow rooted plant, and unlike other green roof options, only needs a shallow bed to “sit” on.
Sedum plants are naturally drought tolerant, which makes maintenance simple. That’s a good thing, as getting up and onto roofs to water plants definitely isn’t practical.
The roof won’t need mowing and you won’t have to chop off deadheads. Basically, it will ‘live’ by itself.
