July 14, 2008

The Albemarle County Green Roof, which at 9,000 square feet is among the largest in central Virginia, continues to thrive as it turns three years old this summer.

The small sedum plugs planted in 2005 have spread to cover nearly the entire roof and little white flowers can be seen in full bloom.

Though the County will continue to monitor and maintain the green roof, it is safe to say that it has become a self-sustaining ecosystem that will continue to provide environmental benefits for years to come.

Thermal monitoring of rooftop temperatures continues to show the green roof to be drastically cooler in summer and warmer in the winter than the adjacent roof, which acts to reduce the energy demand for the building.

Runoff measurements indicate that up to ½ inch of water is retained during rainstorms, which is an important step in improving the health of our streams.

The number of visits to the green roof continues to increase as students, architects, builders, and other interested people from Albemarle and beyond come to learn more about the benefits of green roofs.