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We talk a lot about the hardware of environmentally responsible buildings, like double-pane windows, energy-efficient heat pumps, and compact fluorescent bulbs. Those are unarguably important and necessary, but it's difficult to feel uplifted by the sight of a roll of R-38 fiberglass insulation.
That's what makes this month's story on green roofs so engaging. Here is where being responsible and attuned to the environment pairs up with spiritual satisfaction. I defy you to look at the image on page 86-87 of the cottage-like garden atop a Manhattan apartment roof and not smile.
There's nothing new about the idea. The Greek historian Diodorus Siculus wrote about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a lavish profusion of greenery constructed by laying reeds set in tar on stone beams, then layers of brick, lead, and finally "enough topsoil was heaped to allow the biggest trees to take root."
What is new and current is the force of will displayed by cities like Stuttgart, Germany—the Germans are leaders in green-roof technologies and subsidize research—or Basel, Switzerland, where greenery is mandatory on new flat roofs.
It’s the best kind of quid pro quo, writes Verlyn Klinkenborg. It turns the negative space of an arid roofscape into a positive—a collaboration with, instead of usurpation of, nature. In return, one harvests this: wildlife habitat, a moderating force for the high temperatures of asphalt rooftops, a buffer against destructive runoff, and most tellingly—smiles.
Photo: Diane Cook and Len Jenshel
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Comments
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
I enjoyed the photo of the green roofed bus stop in San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately that living roof was long gone by the time the photo appeared in the Geographic. Ya bin had, folks...it was sadly part of a political stunt to show how "green" San Francisco is.
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
It is amazing how one picture can spark such an interest and how it can raise so many questions. For instance, if everyone were to do their part it would be amazing how big of an impact it would make in the world and how the government might start to get involved with things as simple as this green roof?
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
In this future of global warming, economic recession, and food crisis, here we have a simple and relatively economical method which many people can use to offset their global footprint somewhat. Green roofs could be used to produce food or to grow crops used for biofuel, or maybe even just a flower garden. One day we will reach a critical point where even the most ignorant and indifferent of us will have to accept and deal with the sorry situation that we have been leading ourselves and continue to lead ourselves into. A green roof is a simple and effective means to grow food for yourself and to help out with global warming. Every drop in the bucket helps to fill it and although I foresee green roofs becoming ever more commonplace in the next few decades or so, those few who start one now will be known as pioneers and will be celebrated for it. Bravo to anybody who has the means and goes through with it.
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
I enjoy the noise that rocks make when thrown on roof tops
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
It's amazing how a picture can initiate such an advantage, and how it can raise so many questions. For example, if all do their part would be surprising as the impact of the world and how it would make the government start Could be Involved with things as simple as this green roof?
Apr 15, 2009 11AM #
Excellent photos and stuff. Respect the author !!!!!!!
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