Green roofs are becoming more popular in many parts in the world, but not in Florida.
Vegetative roofs are stunted in the Sunshine State because its building commission does not recognize them as a best management practice (BMP). The commission has concerns over how green roofs would perform in hurricanes or in other natural disasters.
Florida-based researchers have tested green roofs in a wind simulator and found that the plants and their roots mostly held up in hurricane-force winds of up to 120 mph. They also found that built-in-place green roofs performed better than modular tray green roofs in wind uplift trials.
The building commission reportedly didn’t accept the research as sufficient because it wanted to ensure stability for speeds up to 160 mph. The commission also had other concerns including fire safety and weight loads on roofs.
Related Stories
Green | Apr 13, 2018
evolv1 earns Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building-Design certification
The multi-tenant commercial office building is currently under construction.
Sustainability | Apr 11, 2018
Hampshire College is home to the largest Living Certified higher education project in the world
The project joins 16 other Living Buildings certified to date.
Green | Mar 27, 2018
The world’s biggest tropical greenhouse under one roof will be built in France
Coldefy & Associates Architects Urban Planners will design the project.
Sustainability | Mar 21, 2018
LEED v4.1 — a game changer or business as usual?
The largest number of changes in v4.1 affect materials.
Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 20, 2018
University of Hawaii Maui College on pace to become first U.S. campus to generate 100% renewable energy on-site
The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Pacific Current that will also allow four UH community college campuses on Oahu to significantly reduce their fossil fuel consumption.
Green | Feb 12, 2018
The top landscape trends of 2018
The National Association of Landscape Professionals releases its annual list of trends anticipated to infiltrate residential and commercial outdoor spaces.
Hotel Facilities | Feb 12, 2018
Circular hotel will be world’s first energy positive hotel concept above the Arctic Circle
The hotel will provide 360-degree views of the Svartisen glacier and the surrounding arctic nature.
Green | Feb 5, 2018
Does nature have a lasting positive effect on the mind?
What types of nature-inspired design elements are most effective?