An extensive green roof system may reduce a single-story building’s cooling needs by 25 percent and prevent heat loss by 26 percent. This can be a substantial energy savings as every one degree Fahrenheit can reduce electricity use for air conditioning by eight percent.

Green roofs also contribute to a building’s LEED rating, with as many as 15 credits available depending upon design and level of integration with other building systems.

While green roofs are the single component of a building that improves with age, remember that maintenance is a critical part of its success.