As environmental conservation grows, more and more local buildings are incorporating Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. But this is not a standard just being applied to new construction. Instead, institutions such as Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) are updating older buildings with LEED ideas, including the Green Roof terrace installed by Taylor Roofing this fall at Rendleman Hall.
The terrace was formerly an unappealling rooftop that was highly visible from the Chancellor’s office and the building’s atrium. Taylor Roofing’s Green Roof transformed the space into a functional and welcoming entertainment area that is visually appealing from high-traffic points in Rendleman Hall and works to increase the decades-old building’s energy efficiency.
“SIUE is making an effort to make changes that save energy,” said Ralph Hall, project manager for William B. Ittner, Inc., who oversaw the Green Roof project. “The terrace area is designed with native plants to keep color on the rooftop through all seasons.”
The Carlisle Roof Garden system used on the project is several layers thick and includes a roof garden drainage composite, root barrier, protection fabric, aluminum roof garden edging, aluminum drain boxes and roof garden growth media. Each green roof system varies in its depth. Below is a graphic example of a medium density Green Roof.
“We are seeing an increasing demand for environmentally friendly roofing systems, such as the Green Roof at SIUE,” said Catherine Taylor Yank, president and owner of Taylor Roofing. “It’s exciting to be at the forefront of these innovative roofing technologies.”
The benefits of roof gardens include:
- Reduction in urban-heat-island effects
- Improved storm-water run-off management
- Increased property valuable & useable space
- Reduced rooftop noise infiltration
- Year-round energy efficiency
- Air and water purification
Call Taylor Roofing today at (618) 233.2424 to learn more about green roof options.
