Track 1: Effects of Climate Change in Warm Weather Coastal Regions
General Abstract
Kenrick Hartman, PE, RBEC, LEED AP
Senior Associate
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Matthew Haberling, RA
Associate Principal
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
With growing climate change concerns and the built environment’s push towards environmental responsibility, green roofs have become a staple in sustainable design for newly constructed modern structures. Rooftop vegetation has many benefits including reductions in interior heating and cooling costs, storm water runoff, and the heat island effect. Green roofs also provide habitats for wildlife and can serve as community and building occupant amenity spaces. But what about existing roofs of modern and historic buildings that are not being used as green spaces? Can these be converted to green roofs?
This presentation will discuss considerations in converting existing roofs of modern and historic structures to green spaces. The presenter will outline and discuss topics related to the structure, roof assembly, roof overburden design, access, and fire safety and will provide strategies for evaluation and implementation of a rooftop space conversion. Egress and occupancy considerations will also be reviewed for green roofs that successfully serve as amenity spaces. Case study examples will be presented that reinforce key rooftop space conversion strategies and how these strategies can best be implemented.