First opening in 2010, this Gold LEED Certified building at the corner of West Packer and Vine Street, was due for a green roof renovation. Over the summer a crew from Roofmeadow Services spent about 3 weeks removing the old green roof, installing new lightweight engineered soil, and planting pre-grown sedum mats.
Green roofs provide many benefits. A primary benefit is stormwater management. The STEPS green roof will greatly reduce the amount of stormwater running off the roof and into the municipal system In addition, it will slow down stormwater runoff during rain storms, thus reducing peak flow of runoff.
Additional benefits include evapotranspiration, which is the process by which water is returned to the atmosphere by the plants, and sound dampening. Rooftop temperatures are also decreased which provides added energy efficiency for the building and rooftop mechanical units. And by protecting the roof from extreme temperature swings and UV exposure, the longevity of the roof membrane is increased.
In late September perennial plugs will be planted which will provide a habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, as well as provide additional biodiversity, color, and height to the green roof.
