green roof
a roof covered with living vegetation
In more detail
1. (noun) a roof covered with plants and soil that helps insulate the building and reduce rainwater runoff
2. (noun) the environmental or ecological benefits of using green plants in construction and urban design
Examples
- 1. The new office building has a green roof with grass and wildflowers that stays cooler in summer.
- 2. Many cities are promoting green roofs as part of their climate action plans.
How to use green roof
A green roof refers to a roofing system where vegetation and growing medium are installed on top of a building's roof structure. It is used in both technical/architectural contexts and environmental discussions to emphasize the ecological advantages, including improved insulation, stormwater management, and urban heat island reduction. The term is increasingly common in sustainable building and urban planning discourse.
Common phrases
- install a green roof
- green roof technology
- green roof benefits
- green roof garden
- maintain a green roof
Synonyms
living roof · vegetated roof · eco-roof · planted roof
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse green roofs with simple rooftop gardens; while related, green roofs are specifically engineered systems designed with waterproofing, drainage, and structural considerations, whereas rooftop gardens may be more informal plantings.
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