Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in cities across the country. The benefits of incorporating green roof technology can be measured on many levels. Essentially, there are five main ecological advantages for adopting a green roof system, as opposed to using the traditional black or white reflective membrane roofs. The most obvious benefits are stormwater management and reduced energy costs.

Green roofs also reduce the urban heat island effect common to most large cities. Due to the ability of plants to transpire and also shade, significant use of green roofs throughout large cities can cause a cooling effect, lowering the temperature in city environments.  In addition, since green roof buildings are cooler and require less air conditioning, the subsequent ventilation of hot air from an air conditioner to the atmosphere is reduced. In addition, heat is not retained in green roofs the way it is in black roofs, thus the city can cool faster.