Can be "Extensive"--Lower depth and lighter in weight with grasses or sedum plantings

           or "Intensive"--Deeper, with larger plants, shrubs, trees, structures

• Known by some as "Garden Roofs", a green roof is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. 

Advantages of a green roof:

• Reduces reflected roof heat that causes the "urban heat island effect", driving the ambient temperature up in cities.
• Reduces stormwater run off
• Reduces energy bills for heating and cooling
• Provides sound insulation
• Extends the life of the roof itself
• Plantings provide some air cleaning qualities
• Provides an aesthetically pleasing environment
• Can qualify for government incentives
  

Our own "EGSI Green Roof Growth Media" meets all German FLL guidelines.

 Green walls provide the same benefits as a green roof, with the advantage of providing the community with a view!

Rain Gardens and their cousin, Bioswales, for commercial applications, are a landscaped depression in the soil, amended for adequate infiltration and surrounded by indigenous plants.  Drains/pipes tied to stormwater sewer may be utilized in the bottom, but even then, the flow of stormwater has been slowed greatly by infiltration, removing pollutants and reducing the stress on the sewer.

• Permeable paver systems reduce storm water runoff by allowing infiltration of the water through an otherwise "solid" surface.   The pervious pavers are placed over a course of washed stone over amended soil.  The finished product is as beautiful as a traditional paver area, but much friendlier to storm sewers, and they can eliminate the need for retention ponds!