Archinect - Features 2024-05-02T02:58:35-04:00 https://archinect.com/features/article/38745416/contours-designing-the-green-roof CONTOURS: Designing the Green Roof Sherin Wing 2012-02-20T15:52:00-05:00 >2012-04-13T09:46:59-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/u4/u4qk7h6beayzt26b.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p> In Germany, approximately 12% of all buildings have green rooftops. Here in the U.S., the percentage is far less and in fact, that number is not even officially documented. But it is on the rise. Some more well-known examples include the <a href="http://www.calacademy.org/academy/building/the_living_roof/" target="_blank">California Academy of Sciences</a> and the <a href="http://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=25362" target="_blank">American Society of Landscape Architects' HQ</a>. These are indeed admirable, but they are costly and difficult to replicate. Trying to persuade a client about the benefits of relatively inexpensive, passive, more sustainable building strategies is difficult enough and honestly a green roof is anything but.</p>