search
  • Why Green Roofs: Everything You Should Know

    Do we understand the challenges of environmental pollution that affect our built form?  As our cities grow, architects and urban planners face problems such as severe heat, rising pollution levels, and heavy monsoon rains. Thus, it is important to find a solution that can benefit the urban cities and the built form. Among the solutions, green roofs are an essential key to creating sustainable and smarter cities. In this article, we will explore how to enhance urban sustainability. Living or green roofs adorned with vegetation beautify the structure. They offer a practical solution to the environmentally focused changing strategy.

    What Are Green Roofs?

    Green Roofs
    Image Credits: Uru Consulting

    A green roof is a cover above the roof that is protected with vegetation, a growing medium, and a waterproofing membrane. There are two types of these roofs. An extensive green roof that is lightweight and features drought-resistant plants is used for residential and smaller commercial buildings, while intensive ones support a variety of plants, shrubs, and small trees that require less maintenance. They provide a natural solution in enriching the lives of users and protecting Mother Earth. 

    Why Green Roofs Matter for India

    Due to rapid growth, increasing pressure on building resources, and pollution of construction, infrastructure, and the environment, India’s urban area faces rising temperatures, poor air quality, and flooding. Indian metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore confront environmental, economic, and social challenges with emerging sustainable remedies. They can help to mitigate in creation of eco-friendly cities.

    Benefits of Green Roofs in India

    Green Roofs
    Image Credits: theupstudio.com

    1. Energy Efficiency

    Cities suffer from intense heat, and green roofs can act as natural air conditioners by absorbing sunlight, providing shade, and cooling the habitat. Studies have shown that these roofs can lower building temperatures by 2-3°C, reducing the need for air conditioning. In cities like Delhi, and Ahmedabad, where summers are crucial. This heat deduction directly translates into lower electricity costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

    2. Stormwater Management

    Green roofs absorb rainwater while managing stormwater with a carefully executed design, it can be slowly redirected through drainage systems. It helps in preventing waterlogging and flooding. Research from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, suggests that they can reduce rainwater runoff by up to 50%, making them a practical solution for cities with underdeveloped drainage systems.

    3. Improved Air Quality

    Air pollution is one of the biggest challenges in Indian cities, risking the health of people.  They are untouched natural air filters. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants while releasing oxygen, improving the air quality.

    4. Encouraging Biodiversity

    Recent urbanization in India has led to the destruction of natural habitats and is influencing local flora and fauna. The valuable investments are green roofs, an unexplored habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Small green roofs can contribute to conservation and restore ecological equilibrium. 

    5. Well-being of the users

    Research shows that presence in an open green area has psychological benefits and allows to release of stress, improves mental health, and promotes productivity. In the Indian context, where green spaces are less, they provide a peaceful, aesthetic, lush green visual character of urban terrain. 

    Challenges to Implementing Green Roofs in India

    Green Roofs
    Image Credits: btlliners.com

    1. High Initial Costs

    Green roofs are a long-term investment and require significant expertise in terms of specialized materials, labor, and structural transformations. The high costs in the long run help to save energy, and improve the well-being of the homeowners. There are various awareness programs and government policies to reduce energy bills and maintain stormwater benefits.

    2. Structural Considerations

    The old buildings in India lack the structural ability to support the supplemental weight of a green roof, and retrofitting buildings to adjust them requires careful planning and investment. Thus, new developments are implementing the concept of green roofs into their design to sustain green infrastructure.

    3. Maintenance Requirements

    Keeping them in good condition is a challenge in India. Proper care is essential for the long-term success, which may require skilled specialists for tasks such as watering and plant maintenance.

    Case Studies of Green Roofs

    1. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

    The green roofs initiative in the new building of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore helps to regulate thermal temperature, manage and store rainwater, and reduce energy consumption, fostering sustainable strategies. Local plants on the campus contribute to biodiversity and adopt green design. It is one of the most pleasing educational institutions, serving as an example of futuristic green architecture. 

    2. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center, New York, USA

    One of the most celebrated green roofs covered with native plants improves the principles of sustainability, providing natural insulation and helping regulate the building’s temperature. It is an experiential nature walk for the visitors, offering a unique view of the garden from above, adding aesthetic value as a part of the visit.

    3. The Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada

    One of the largest green roofs in North America, it covers more than  60,000 square feet with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers.  It also provides stunning views of the surrounding port and mountains, enhancing the regional biodiversity and ecosystem benefits. It has a large-scale system that manages stormwater and reduces the building’s energy demand.

    4. ACROS Fukuoka, Japan

    A multi-use complex in Japan has a remarkable green roof cover that is accessible to the public and provides a green space in the heart of Fukuoka’s urban setting. It has more than 35,000 plants that help to cool the building and the surrounding area, improving the urban air quality. It acts as a public space, a link with nature within a metropolis, enriching the mental well-being of the users.

    5. The Bangalore International Airport, Bangalore

    The Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore has adopted green roof technology as part of its overall environmental sustainability approach. They are created to improve the building’s vitality and efficiency from an ecological perspective.

    Materials and Methods of Green Roofs

    Constructing green roofs requires skilled labor, advanced techniques, and methods that offer myriad environmental benefits such as improved energy efficiency, stormwater management, and enhanced biodiversity. 

    • Roof Structure and Support Materials: It is necessary to add a waterproofing membrane to prevent water leakage into the building and a root barrier to stop plant roots from damaging the roof structure. 
    • Drainage Layer: Drainage sheets or a layer of gravel are employed to allow water to flow effectively..
    • Soil: To provide adequate drainage, a lightweight soil mix is used to support plant growth, and it varies depending on the type of green roof. 
    • Irrigation System: Drip irrigation is used to ensure minimal water wastage and effectively water the plants, particularly in dry conditions. 
    • Protection Layer: A filter fabric or geotextile layer covers the green roof from erosion, allowing for water drainage while preserving the growing soil.
    • Maintenance Methods: Regular maintenance and inspection of drainage systems are meaningful to ensure the roof functions optimally and stays aesthetically pleasing.

    The Future of Green Roofs

    To solve urban problems, green roofs are a potential strategy to improve energy efficiency, and air quality and to foster biodiversity. By incorporating green roofs in India, various environmental problems can be resolved with innovative techniques and technology that shape sustainable cities for tomorrow. Architects, Urban planners, and policymakers should encourage clients and stakeholders and build green roofs in their design to transform our cities into a green environment. Stakeholders and designers should collaborate to understand the issues regarding climate change, pollution, or high temperatures and find innovative solutions and strategies to foster an eco-friendly country.

    Green Roofs
    Image Credits: Thirdspace Architecture Studio

    Technological Advancements in 2025

    Green roofs will become smarter and more efficient with the latest IoT integration, AI-driven irrigation systems, and sustainable materials. There are smart sensors that can monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. Recycled materials are commonly used for drainage systems, while modular green roof systems with pre-fabricated elements are easy to install. 

    Conclusion

    The future of green roofs is optimistic, and we are looking forward to increasing awareness programs, governmental endeavors, and guidelines to transform spaces into green zones. With the right policies, incentives, and financial strategy, green roofs will be a standard element of India’s urban landscape. In building a sustainable future, green roofs are beneficial, and architects and stakeholders must recognize this in creating livable places. The adoption of green roofs as an eco-friendly innovation makes cities greener, healthier, and more endurable for generations to come. Green roofs enhance urban aesthetics, improve mental health, and encourage community engagement through rooftop gardens

    Content Writing and Research: Priyanshi Shah

    This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design

    “Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]

    Read More

    This Indian Contemporary House Design is a Tranquil Retreat | DESIGNEX

    The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]

    Read More

    This 5 Storey Building Takes Inspiration From Haveli | SJK Architects 

    This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]

    Read More

    This Residence Embraces Tradition with Stone Clad Walls | Gaurav Deore Architects

    Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]

    Read More

    This Load-Bearing House Embeds Original Integrity with Contemporary Design | Studio Kosha

    This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]

    Read More

    This Modern Approach Redefines Indian Temple Architecture | Karan Darda Architects

    Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]

    Read More

    This Compact House Design is Rooted in Tradition | Design Matters

    Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]

    Read More

    This Multi Generational Home Blends Aesthetics & Functionality | Design Consortium

    This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

    Read More

    50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

    Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]

    Read More
  • This Villa Style Concept of Home Lets The Landscape Plunge Into The Home| SDeG

    15 Architecture Fonts Every Architect Should Know