Niagara Sustainability Initiative Energy Summit Talks Solutions
February 5, 2016– Living roofs and walls can help save environment, cut energy costs, summit told.
Not only do “green” of living roofs and walls have economic benefits that can help businesses and municipalities save money, they look pretty darned nice, too.
So said Nate Smelle, executive director of Greening Niagara, a non-profit organization based in St. Catharines that promotes environmental stewardship and education among other activities.
“They become tourist attractions,” Smelle said of walls covered in vegetation.
Smelle was speaking at Niagara Sustainability Initiative’s Energy Summit at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. The event brought together green industry stakeholders and business leaders who are looking for ways to cut down on energy costs and consumption. The event featured a wide array of vendors promoting green energy products, including a solar powered golf cart as well as a roster of speakers from across the sector.
It’s the same when green roof projects get underway.
“It’s amazing to watch as neighbours flock to the site and check out these structures.”
But despite all their decorative glory, green roofs and walls serve a purpose — they are good for the environment and can save businesses money on energy costs.
For example, installation of a green roof can reduce heat loss by 37 per cent in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer by an astounding 87 per cent.
That is because of the layered approach taken when creating a green roof. Heat is absorbed by the layers, and air temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are cooled to 72 degrees as air passes through.
Read the full article here.
Niagara Sustainability Initiative Energy Summit Talks Solutions
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