Schleman Green Roof

Summary:

As urbanization and population growth increase, creative solutions to problems such as increased stormwater runoff, heat islands, and air pollution are needed. Green roofs (building roofs that are partially or wholly vegetated) are one creative solution to offer environmental benefits in urbanized spaces. Aside from the multiple tangible benefits that green roofs offer such as rainwater uptake, purifying the air, and cooling the building beneath, they also provide intangible benefits such as the beauty and aesthetics of a building, recreational space, and help people to relax and reduces stress- something very useful for a college campus. Purdue’s Schleman green roof has been functioning since the Boiler Green Initiative fundraised for and implemented it in 2000 through LiveRoof. Since then, shallow soil and a lack of water availability have caused the plants to fail without an external water source, discrediting the reason for having a green roof. The main goal of this project was to create a sustainable green roof on Purdue’s Schleman Hall that lasts for many years and acts as a functioning recreation space for students. Therefore, three roof designs (bonsai club, perennials, and tile tech drainage system) were developed based on possible plant types, growth medium, soil weight, materials needed, water availability, the climate on the roof, and cost-effective and recreational value to update the green roof to be more sustainable and durable. In conclusion, the proposed green roof designs ensure better longevity of plants and will help absorb radiation from the sun lower cooling costs, and reduce heat island effects while providing an aesthetically pleasing touch.

FINAL REPORT