As the UK faces increasingly hot summers, attention is turning to sustainable solutions that can help homes and cities adapt to the changing climate. Good Housekeeping UK magazine recently explored the role of green roofs in cooling homes and improving urban environments — and once again, CIBSE’s expertise was sought to provide authoritative insights.
In the feature, Dr Zoe De Grussa, Research Manager at CIBSE, shared her knowledge on how green roofs work, their benefits and the considerations for installation and maintenance.
What are green roofs?
Dr De Grussa explained that a green roof is a system in which vegetation is planted over a waterproofing layer on a rooftop. Designed in multiple layers — including drainage, filtration, and a growing substrate — green roofs act as mini gardens in the sky.
She outlined the two main types:
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Extensive green roofs, which are lightweight, low-maintenance systems typically planted with sedum species.
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Intensive green roofs, which use deeper soil to support shrubs, lawns, and even full rooftop gardens, requiring more investment and ongoing care.
Cooling, comfort and energy savings
One of the most pressing benefits is their ability to help regulate temperature. “The soil and plants provide an additional layer of insulation, reducing heat gain in summer and retaining warmth in winter” explained Dr De Grussa. By releasing moisture into the atmosphere, green roofs also provide natural cooling — lowering the reliance on mechanical systems such as air conditioning.
Wider environmental and social benefits
Beyond regulating temperature, green roofs offer a wealth of additional benefits. They can:
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Support biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and other pollinators.
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Improve air quality by filtering pollutants.
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Reduce stormwater runoff, easing pressure on urban drainage systems and lowering flood risk.
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Enhance wellbeing by bringing nature back into urban spaces.
As Dr De Grussa noted, access to greenery also contributes to mental and physical health: “Personally, I’d much rather look out onto a green rooftop than a bare asphalt one.”
Challenges and considerations
Like any home upgrade, green roofs require careful planning. Installation costs can be significant, and not every structure is suitable without reinforcement. Maintenance also varies — from minimal care for sedum systems to regular upkeep for larger, intensive designs. Fire safety and water management must also be considered, highlighting the importance of expert advice in design and installation.
A future-ready investment
Dr De Grussa emphasised that, while not without challenges, green roofs represent a smart investment for climate resilience: “Ultimately, the long-term benefits—environmental, financial, and social—make green roofs a smart investment for future-ready buildings.”
This latest feature demonstrates once again how CIBSE’s expertise is being recognised and sought after by mainstream media, helping to raise awareness of the role building services can play in tackling climate challenges.
To read the full article, please click here What are green roofs, and why might they be the answer to these hotter summers