Green roofs, or living roofs, are partly or completely covered with vegetation, planted in a growing medium, and installed over a waterproofing membrane. They may also include additional layers such as a root barrier, a drainage layer, water storage and irrigation systems. They can contribute to BREEAM credits or help a development achieve planning permission. Green roofs can help to:
Green roof systems fall into five main types: Extensive green roofs, Intensive green roofs, Semi-intensive green roofs, Biodiverse roofs and Brown roofs.