Can a normal house have a green roof?

Dear Clever Cali,

Can a normal house have a green roof?

Sincerely,

John Green (not my actual name)

Dear Not-John Green,

First of all, what is a green roof? A green roof, also called a living roof, is literally a clean cover of plants on a roof. It has several purposes, both social and environmental. They can provide connections to nature in urban spaces and help improve people’s moods and stress levels by providing a green and refreshing escape. Layers of soil and vegetation on buildings’ roofs also reduce energy needs by almost enhancing the temperature homeostasis of the building: essentially, moderating excessive heating or cooling needs. Also, plants that constitute green roofs can act as sophisticated filtration systems. Technically, green roofs can be installed anywhere as long as factors like slope of the roof, weight of the plants, drainage systems, etc., are considered and guidelines are met. They can be more practical, like the one pictured here, or elaborate and extravagant, like those on top of skyscrapers. It takes a few years for the expense and maintenance of a green roof to be justified, but paybacks are very sweet.

~ Clever Cali