Communiqués de presse

The conservation of biodiversity (biological diversity) in nature, is considered to be an important basis for human well-being. Green roofs too are capable of contributing to this; it is mainly low-maintenance roofs, that is to say, quite undisturbed green roofs, that are important refuges for various animal and plant species. Beetles, wild bees and butterflies find food and shelter there. However, the development of biodiversity depends to a great extent on how the habitats that are provided for the flora and fauna on a roof are structured.

ZinCo, the innovative green roof manufacturer has developed the “Urban Climate Roof”, a new system build-up and pioneering solution to counteract the heating up of densely populated towns and cities. The “Urban Climate Roof” boasts an extremely high evaporation capacity due to its design with irrigation and special plants and, therefore, provides for the active cooling of the ambient temperature. This allows for existing roof areas to be used directly as additional green areas and to have a positive impact on the urban climate.

The private dwelling house, Gleneagles Drive Residence with its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean is in one of the most sought after neighbourhoods of West Vancouver. The flat-roof building on a hillside location, comprising a number of individual components, has an extensive green roof area totalling approx. 180 m² and presents itself as being just as cultivated and elegant as the sophisticated neighbourhood in which it is situated. ZinCo Canada Inc.

Increasingly overheated towns and cities, on the one hand, and an increase in heavy rain events, flooding and a reduction in the water table on the other are creating problems for conurbations. It is a clear sign that the ecology of the water cycle has been seriously disturbed – the result of climate change and land sealing. This is where a green roof comes into play. It stores stormwater and allows it to drain off at pre-defined intervals or to evaporate on the roof.

The combination of green roof and solar energy is not in trend for no reason. It is already well known that this combination can produce significant synergy effects: the green roof provides the superimposed load required to protect the system against wind uplift. Therefore, there is no need for roof penetration or heavy individual point loads. In addition, green roofs provide for a lower ambient temperature compared with bare or gravelled roofs and as a result they help to increase the yield from a solar energy system.

While the greening of flat roofs nowadays is very common and popular worldwide, with millions of square meters being installed every year, the greening of pitched roofs is still considered as an exceptional case.

To be clear: Pitched green roofs — properly planned and executed – are durable and safe and offer as many benefits as flat green roofs do. They retain water and delay the run-off of excess water, they enhance sound and thermal insulation and they provide habitat for animals and plants.

The contemporary office complex “Green Place” is in the heart of Viale Certosa, the most important business district in the north of Milan. The “Green Place” is particularly appealing due to its roof garden, approx. 1,100 m² in size, around which the three office buildings are situated. The plant beds in a checkerboard pattern help to create the geometric image which has become a particular highlight thanks to the unique lighting concept used there.