http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3566 The Drexel Smart House is an official student organization at Drexel University in Philadelphia. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/retrieve/14063 http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3566 Search the Channel search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/simple-search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3568 Title: Leaner Green Roof: Lightweight Green Roof Water Retention System <br/> <br/>Authors: Mickute, Monika; Magee, Michael; Malawski, Kevin; Zakutny, Matthew <br/> <br/>Abstract: The key achievements of the Leaner Green Roof system are enabling property owners to manage storm water runoff, decrease heat gain, and insulate the underlying roof, resulting in energy, water, and monetary savings. The system also sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and mitigates the urban heat island effect, helping reverse the damage caused by urban living. By developing a lightweight modular system, existing buildings can be retrofitted with a green roof, eliminating the need for costly structural reinforcement to accommodate such a system. Weighing under 10 lb/sf when fully saturated and retaining a one-inch storm, the innovation has paved the way for a more sustainable future. Currently, conventional green roof systems are very heavy, requiring structural reinforcement prior to installation on existing building stock. The soil in the vegetative roof system accounts for the majority of the weight. Replacing soil with a natural and/ or synthetic light-weight planting medium enriched with nutrients has the potential to eliminate the need to reinforce existing buildings and still provide the benefits of a vegetated roof. The Leaner Greener Roof project team designed an original modular roofing concept and planting medium, introducing a proprietary combination of lightweight materials that can grow and sustain roof vegetation while reducing the heat island effect and harmful stormwater runoff. The Leaner Greener Roof project team also leveraged Drexel Smart House outreach activities to generate public interest about sustainable living, and has been actively advising the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) on residential runoff reduction strategies. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:58:59 GMT