Green Roofs Also Capture Carbon

A new report shows that green roofs not only help by cooling the sun's rays, they also are effective for carbon sequestration.

1 minute read

December 11, 2009, 1:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur

"In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at Michigan State University have calculated the carbon sequestration benefits extensive green roofs can provide. Findings from horticulturalists Kristen Getter and Brad Rowe in October's Environmental Science & Technology revealed green roofs' potential as carbon sinks."

"The researchers estimated the city of Detroit has 219 acres of roof space available for conversion. If black tar roofs were retrofitted, 55,000 tons of CO2 could be removed from the air - enough CO2 to offset the carbon emissions of 10,000 mid-sized SUVs or trucks for an entire year, they calculated."

FULL STORY: Cooling the Asphalt Jungle

Friday, December 11, 2009 in Miller-McCune

Environment World Green Roofs Carbon Sequestration

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