Green Roofs

 

Green roofs are attractive building additions which reduce energy use, storm water runoff, and increase habitat conservation.  University of Central Florida research on green roofs includes monitoring pollution, balancing the water budget, and reducing energy use.The Student Union building at the center of campus is the location for a side-by-side 1,600 square foot green roof and a regular flat conventional roof. The plant media is a mixture of Big River Industries gravelite expanded clay, vermiculite, pearlite, and peat moss. The media depth is about 4-6" with under drain. A cistern provides storage for runoff with return irrigation. The native plants are dune sunflower, blanket pinwheel daisy, painted daisy, coral honeysuckle and Simpson's stopper. Confederate jasmine is also used. 
For more information contact Marty Wanielista.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FDEP Press Release: May 5, 2005

CONTACT: Dee Ann Miller, (850) 245-2112 NEW STUDENT UNION EXPANSION TO FEATURE GREEN ROOF --Research is looking up for stormwater management solutions-- ORLANDO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the installation of a 1,600-square foot "green roof" at the University of Central Florida. While reducing stormwater runoff, the environmentally friendly design could double the life of part of the University's newly expanded Student Union and cut energy costs by as much as 50 percent.

In January 2004, DEP contracted with the University's Central Florida Stormwater Management Academy to construct and monitor the green roof as part of a multi-year research project to study low-impact best management practices. Green roofs are an innovative stormwater management solution that can simultaneously improve the energy performance of buildings, air quality and the urban ecology without taking up additional land.

"Florida is investing in new 'green' technologies to reduce stormwater pollution, conserve energy and protect our rivers, lakes and springs," said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. "UCF is leading the way for other universities and businesses to adopt environmentally-friendly practices, which not only protect natural resources but also provide economic and social benefits."

Green roofs use waterproofing and drainage systems that allow a layer of vegetation to grow on flat or sloping roofs. The environmentally-friendly design reduces energy transfer through a roof, decreases stormwater pollutants, and lessens stormwater volume by naturally evaporating the runoff through the plant respiration process.

Researchers are using native plants such as dune sunflower, blanket pinwheel daisy, painted daisy, coral honeysuckle, Simpson's stopper and Confederate jasmine on the green roof. Plants are grown in four to six inches of gravelite expanded clay, vermiculite, pearlite and peat moss. A drainage system underneath the plants captures and stores runoff in a cistern, which is then reused for irrigation.

The 1,600 square feet green roof was built on a new addition to the University's student union building. Researchers will monitor the new green roof extension and a section of the existing traditional roof to compare their stormwater and energy characteristics and determine how the roof affects energy consumption and stormwater runoff. Monitoring will begin next month. This is DEP's second green roof research project. The first green roof was installed a year ago at a Bonita Bay golf course to begin exploring the technology and vegetation that work best in Florida.

For more information about the project please visit www.stormwater.cecs.edu .

 

 


Publications and Presentations