Green Roofs Grow... With Brown Compost

Benefits include runoff reduction, storm water flow mitigation, extended roof life, improved air quality and better insulated buildings.

LONG USED for aesthetic reasons in the landscaping industry, rooftop gardens are increasingly recognized for their environmental benefits. Regardless of the reason, composters are benefiting - because compost is a popular component of green roof media.

Green roofs are typically classified into two categories: intensive (traditional rooftop gardens) and extensive gardens. Generally, extensive gardens use a more shallow layer of growing media (2 to 4 inches), while intensive gardens use media over 6 inches in depth. Some even add a third …