What is New with Green Roofs

Revised GRO Code

In the light of ever growing struggle with climate change and fight for improved energy efficiency in finding new “green” solutions in construction and insulation industry, the Green Roof Organization has published the revised GRO Code containing important guidelines for proper construction and maintenance of green roofs. Although the Code is intended for London area at the most, where competent institutions in green roofing have recognized the opportunity of influencing and controlling climate change through properly designed and built green roofs, especially in new build, the GRO Code is applicable to all other areas in the UK where such solutions are feasible.

The Code has been developed by the Green Roof Organization, which was established during 2008 and has published the first GRO Guidelines in 2009, followed by the first publication of the GRO Code in 2011. The organization has been conceived as stakeholders and green roof installers and manufacturers partnership in providing the best design of green roofs, thus bringing a number of important environmental benefits. It is supported by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) as one of the largest roofing trade association, but also the Mayor of London’s Office due to the increased interest of local authorities in providing additional green surfaces where possible. It follows the requirements of the London Plan Policy which is designed to assist London in limiting climate change whereas green roofs’ potentials are found in most of all reducing  storm water run-off volumes and increasing cooling during hot summertime.

Namely, as Ray Horwood, chief executive of the NFRC stated: “Green roofs can only provide environmental benefits if designed and installed in a way that ensures that minimum performance criteria are met. This code therefore highlights the important green roof design, installation and maintenance considerations and provides guidelines as to how they can be accommodated in the final green roof scheme." On the other hand, as Matthew Pencharz, senior advisor on Environment & Energy to the Mayor, added: "I’d like to commend [GRO’s] commitment to keeping the code updated and relevant. It’s important that the industry and the market be seen to be driving quality and standards." it is important to keep the green roof specifications updated and revised. Thus, the Green Code emphasizes the green roof substrate installation and waterproofing since the waterproofing layer can be crucial in overall performance and function of green roofs.

Finally, as a reminder, green roofs are especially designed to not only benefit the aesthetics of the roof space, but also have significant influence on the level of insulation, since these types of roofs protect the under roof space from temperature changes and UV radiation, contributing to optimal thermal performance of your home, also serving as a noise barrier, which can be of relevance especially in the urban and densely populated UK areas. 

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