"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 5

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, the article claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and do not degrade over time. The article states that the use of waterproof concrete has helped to overcome the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the elements found most speculative by users. In addition, the article mentioned that the builder’s jobs are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished more quickly as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost-effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as the growth of roots is eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

While the article underlined the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green roofs, it could include the benefits of having a green rooftop to enhance the article’s information.

One benefit of having a green roof would be the recovery of green space. With the uprising of population growth and urbanization, much of our barren lands are converted into impervious surfaces. In order to maintain our environmental quality, it is necessary for us to recover green space. According to Rowe (2011), installing green roofs is a viable option to reduce the negative impact of development while providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Advantages of having a green rooftop include improved water quality via stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of heat, reduction in air pollution and increment in biodiversity.

Another benefit of having a green rooftop would be the psychological benefits for humans. The natural characteristic of green roofs provides relief from concrete construction in urban areas and creates a vast change towards modern architecture. According to the article written by Miller (2009) entitled "Nature is Good", it mentions that nature has a positive impact on human conditions. Going for a simple walk in the park or looking at a picture of a landscape can induce psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and improvement in concentration. 

Another benefit of having a green roof would be the creation of countless job openings. The construction and maintenance of green roofs create business opportunities for roofing contractors, plant producers, and contractors. It also helps other green industry members to address pressing issues of the environmental. In the article by America’s Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (2008) entitled “Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy through Investment in Green Water Infrastructure”, the research article claims that over 190,000 jobs opportunity would be created and provide billions in revenue for suppliers and manufacturers dealing with green roof related materials.

Overall, I believe that green roofs should be implemented all over the world. The implementation of green roofs would greatly benefit the environment and increase biodiversity within urban areas. It also paves opportunities for the future generation to learn and study about green rooftops.   

References

Green Plants for Green Buildings (2014, April). Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Green-Roofs-White-Paper-April-2014-Edition.pdf

Green Rooftop. (n.d.). The Concrete Advantage. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

Greenroofs. (n.d.). About Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs/

Kaplan, J. S. (2009, March 11). Plants Make You Feel Better. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

Lowitt, P. C., Michael, K., Steven, P. (2008, March). Planning for rooftops: The benefits of green roof infrastructure. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289763701_Planning_for_rooftops_The_benefits_of_green_roof_infrastructure

Michigan State University. (n.d.). Benefits of Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenroof.hrt.msu.edu/benefits/index.html

Urban Scape. (n.d.). Social Benefits. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.green-urbanscape.com/en/content/social-benefits

Yanling, L., & Babcock, R. (2015, November 27). Green roofs against pollution and climate change. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01234839/document