WHAT ARE GREEN ROOFS AND HOW CAN THEY BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON?
Green roofs are rooftop grass/plant spaces that assist with energy conservation. Buildings with green roofs experience decreased overall energy consumption. Our project focuses on the benefits of implementing green roofs on buildings throughout the University of Houston. Our roof design will also have a water collection sprinkler system. For future UH residential halls, we plan to include a "hang-out" concept to these roofs to promote outdoor, sustainable student interactions.
WHY GREEN ROOFS?
Our group consists of two engineering majors, an environmental science major, two business majors, and an architecture major. We wanted to research an idea that would fit within all of our areas of study. After preliminary research, we decided Green Roofs would be exciting to learn about.
​
Currently, there is only one green roof on the UH campus, but it only serves the purpose of educating students on different plants. Our green roof concepts will be placed on current and future UH buildings (mainly residence halls) to save energy and provide community hang-out spaces. The designs also include water collection sprinkler systems.
​
UH will benefit from green roofs because they will help the campus save energy and ultimately the costs that come with consuming that energy. Most importantly, green roofs will promote campus sustainability efforts and give students a places to hang-out, relax, and study.
GREEN ROOFS AT OTHER AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES
As a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university, UH should invest in green roofs for its main campus. Since other American universities have their own green roofs, UH can look to these schools for design inspiration and proof that green roofs can save energy and promote sustainability.
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
Penn State has several green roofs throughout its system, including a few that can be viewable to visitors. The school also has its own Center for Green Roof Research. Learn more about their green roofs here.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Loyola University Chicago has "more green roofs than any other college in the Midwest." Their green roofs are located at all of its campuses. Learn more about their green roofs here.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
The University of Iowa installed its first green roof in 2014. The university has 2020 sustainability goals, too. Read more about their green roof here.