Center for Green Roof Research

David J. Beattie, Director

Department of Horticulture

The Pennsylvania State University

814-364-1272

b50@psu.edu

Scientists in the departments of Horticulture and Agricultural and Biological Engineering are cooperating in a major research effort involving the efficacy of Green Roofs. We have been working in cooperation with JSP International, the worlds largest supplier of bead foam used in the manufacture of bumper energy absorbing systems. Research funding is also provided by a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Grant.

After two years of testing with ground level modules, we have purchased six small utility buildings. Our objectives will be a replicated study involving building heat flux, storm water runoff, and nutrient disposition. Three buildings will have green roofs –planted with Sedum spurium- and three without green roofs. Each building is insulated, fitted with temperature sensors, a storm water collection system, and a watt-hour meter to determine energy usage. Similarly, each building will be heated and air conditioned. A graduate student from Agricultural Engineering will coordinate data collection and analysis. From this study we hope to develop design tools for engineers and architects designing Green Roofed buildings.

Plant studies will also be included and will focus on heat and cold tolerance, growth, and transpiration efficiency. We also plan to evaluate different system components and how they perform in flat and sloped roof situations.

Related articles:

http://www.rps.psu.edu/0105/roofs.html

Green Roofs - Research/Penn State

http://aginfo.psu.edu/PSA/ss2001/mowroof.html

Time to Mow the Roof