The Benefits of Green Roofing for Commercial Buildings in Colorado

We are living in an era when environmental responsibility and sustainable building practices are at the forefront of building strategies and ethics. Green roofing has emerged as a transformative solution for the aesthetics of commercial properties and for enhancing the performance of the building overall. Green roof building and LEED Construction are driving our industry into the future.

At Douglass Colony Group, Denver’s leading green roofing contractor, we specialize in crafting eco-friendly roofing solutions that not only meet but exceed contemporary sustainability standards. We work to build green roofs that bolster your company’s community and environment with numerous economic, social, and climate-related benefits. Let’s get into why green roofing is the best method for asserting your commitment to a sustainable and brighter future.

What Are Commercial Green Roof Systems?

Green roofs, also called vegetated roofs or living roofs, are a method of sustainable roofing integrating plant life into a building’s roofing system. Whereas traditional roofing utilizes materials such as asphalt, metal, or synthetic membranes, commercial green roof systems feature multiple layers including soil and vegetation, to encourage a living ecosystem atop your building.

Green Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing

Traditional roofs are functional, technical, and are built for the simple purpose of protecting your building from weather elements. They lack the additional benefits and purpose of green roofs. Green roof advantages include improved insulation, stormwater management, and enhanced urban greenery — benefits that traditional roofing systems do not provide. At the very simplest, green roofs are much nicer to look at, traditional roofing is exactly what comes to mind when you think of roofing.

Key Components of Green Roofing

As a top commercial green roofing company, Douglass Colony works to ensure every step and process required for a green roofing system is taken into careful consideration.

Planting Modules

Planting modules are pre-fabricated interlocking units that make it easier to create a green space on your roof. We specialize in installing these modules to ensure your green roof garden is functional and beautiful. We want you to receive the living roof garden of your dreams. Essentially, these modules help simplify the planting process and allow us to include a more diverse selection of plants.

Waterproofing Membrane

This is one of the most important steps in a living roof system. You want your roof to be waterproof anyway, but because of the water needed to keep a living, breathing green roof ecosystem alive, this step should not be skipped. The waterproofing membrane is placed underneath the soil and vegetation. We utilize a Monolithic reinforced 215mm membrane known for its durability and effectiveness. This membrane plays a vital role in keeping your building protected from water damage and ensuring the long-term sustainability of your green roofing system.

Solar Integration

Green doesn’t always literally mean green. Solar installation is another great way to enhance the environmental impact of your building. In fact, many commercial buildings may opt to install solar as a supplemental piece of their living roof. Combining the benefits of both systems makes for an incredibly sustainable and efficient building.

What Are The 4 Main Benefits of Green Roofs?

Environmental Benefits

The environmental benefits of green roofing systems are endless. As a long-standing green roofing company, we’ve seen first-hand how these roofs make a huge impact on the community and climate.

• Improved Air Quality – The plants and greenery on the living roofs help filter pollutants from the air and increase air quality around your building.
• Stormwater Management – Because of the soil and vegetation, green roofing systems are able to absorb and slow rainwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and alleviating pressure on stormwater systems.
• Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect – Green roofs help to cool the surrounding environment, which is essential for Denver’s bustling urban areas. Metal, concrete, and steel surrounding a building will amplify heat, whereas plants and soil will keep it at bay. It’s Earth’s natural air conditioner.

Energy Efficiency

Increased energy efficiency is always a plus, for the environment and for your wallets. Let’s dig into the ways green roofs can help with that:

• Building Insulation – For the same reasons as reducing the urban heat island effect, a light-colored roof or roof with plants will not absorb heat and will provide an extra layer of insulation against extreme temperatures reducing the need for as much energy.
• Reduced Cooling Costs – Less heat absorbed, less need for AC, lower costs. Win, win, win.

Social & Aesthetic Benefits

If you have to have a roof (which everyone does) why not make it nice to look at?

• Community Benefits – With something beautiful to increase the walkability and beauty of the neighborhood, you are contributing to the happiness and desirability of the community you’re in.
• Community Leadership – A green roof shows how much you value your community and are committed to environmental stewardship, this can help increase your company’s reputation.
• Increased Property Value – More visual appeal means more people wanting to get in on your commercial property. Green roofs are ultimately a smart investment, socially, but also financially.

Financial Incentives

All of the above contributes to cost savings in more ways than one, but there are two things you may not have considered:

• LEED Certification and Tax Incentives – LEED and Green building can entail large long-term economic savings and even tax breaks. Once you get an LEED Certificate you may qualify for amazing tax incentives and financial benefits.
• Green Building Ordinance (GBO) – A new law went into effect in Denver requiring building owners to deploy sustainability strategies to increase green space in Denver. Having a green building will satisfy this ordinance and help you avoid any fines or penalties.

Project Highlight: University of Denver Commons

Check out our green roofing expertise on our work at the University of Denver Commons. This installation showcases how green roofs can transform commercial spaces. To see the project in action, visit our project page and watch the video.

Get in Touch With a Leading Green Roofing Company

Hopefully, all the benefits listed above were enough to convince you that installing a green roof on your commercial building is a good investment for your business and the environment. Our team specializes in green roof systems for commercial buildings, offering tailored solutions that meet your sustainability goals. Give us a call if you want to start your green roof project with us.

We believe in what green roofs are doing for the industry, the environment, and commercial buildings. It’s a forward-thinking approach to building design and sustainability and we love to chat about it with our clients. Let’s get started!