Departments: High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) & Civil & Chemical Engineering

Project Summary: HMEI conducted research on energy and stormwater-related performance factors of the Butler College green roofs from installation 2009 through 2014. Relative to conventional roofs, research showed that green roofs help delay and slow stormwater runoff during light and moderate rain events, with success directly related to soil moisture content before the rain event. Results have also shown that green roofs have significantly smaller variability and peak values in surface temperature. Lower maximum and higher minimum roof membrane temperatures will likely extend the life of the waterproofing systems.