Mathis Natvik presents the latest science behind green roofs, including plant selection and geographic specificity.

1. Advancing Green Roofs in Ontario:
How we can become a leader in innovative, effective green roofs
Prepared for: Prepared by:
Toronto Mathis Natvik
Green Building Hon.B.Sc.
Festival LEED AP
Sept 9-10, 2008 www.roofgarden.ca

2. Presentation Summary
 Green Roof Myths
 Technical and Functional
Characteristics
– “Need to know’s”
 Values of Green Roofs
 Green Roof Trouble
Shooting
 How to advance our green
roof market – lessons from
mature markets
 Innovations to take
Ontario into the lead

3. Green Roof Myths
 Green roofs are leaky
 Leaks are too difficult
to find on green roofs
 Green roofs are too
heavy for most
buildings
 Green roofs are difficult
to re-roof
 Green roofs are high
maintenance

4. Technical and Functional Characteristics
– “Need to know’s”
 Modern green roofs
have evolved into
sophisticated roofing
systems with
exceptional performance
characteristics
 The benefits of these
functions vary based on
building context

5. Values of Green Roofs
Private:
 Extended Roof Life
 Low maintenance
 Lower energy use for A/C
on short buildings
 Increased building value
 Improved views over roof
decks from upper floors
 Enhanced public profile

6. Values of Green Roofs
Public:
 Improved views from
other buildings
 Reduction in urban
heat island
 Storm water mitigation
 Increase biodiversity in
urban environments
 Reduce waste and
pollution associates
with re-roofing

7. Local Research - NRC

8. Green Roof Trouble Shooting
Eliminating risks through sound design
Design Must Prevent Following:
 Fire and Wind lift
 Loss or Displacement of Growing
Medium
 Handling Severe Storms (eg.
hurricane)
 Clogged Roof Drainage
 Dead plants
 Avoiding excessive irrigation and
water demand
 Acidification of Growing
Mediums
 Transition Zones between green
and non-green roof areas

9. How to advance our green
roof market – lessons from
mature markets
 Local research must quantify:
 Life Cycle Cost Analysis
 Technical Performance
 Product Safety
 Environmental Benefits
 Social Benefits
 Plant Performance Research
 Growing Medium Performance
 Research can support development
of standards and policies
 Standards will encourage major
growth of green roof projects and
lead to:
 Local Product Development
 Eliminating Insurance Barriers
 Consumer confidence

10. Innovations
to take Ontario into the lead
 Green roof properly integrated
into site building design
 Taking advantage of views
 Innovative use of water
(rainwater harvesting, grey
water use, etc)
 Realizing plant potential for
use on roofs through
experimentation
 Providing green space for
occupants
 Demonstrating Wildlife
Potential

11. Innovations
to take Ontario into the lead
 Green roof properly integrated
into site building design
 Taking advantage of views
 Innovative use of water
(rainwater harvesting, grey
water use, etc)
 Realizing plant potential for
use on roofs through
experimentation
 Providing green space for
occupants
 Demonstrating Wildlife
Potential

12. Innovations
to take Ontario into the lead
 Encourage local industry to
take lead and create supplies
of green roof components
 Encourage development of
local plant production based
on proven research
 Demonstrate green roof
design that is well integrated
into building and site
 Break into residential market
and make it affordable

13. Innovations
to take Ontario into the lead
 Encourage local industry to
take lead and create supplies
of green roof components
 Encourage development of
local plant production based
on proven research
 Demonstrate green roof
design that is well integrated
into building and site
 Break into residential market
and make it affordable

14. Discussion
Prepared for: Prepared by:
Toronto Mathis Natvik
Green Building Hon.B.Sc.
Festival LEED AP
Sept 9-10, 2008 www.roofgarden.ca