As our modern day societies grow both in population and technology, plenty of initiatives are being put in place to minimize the impact we as humans make on our planet. One emerging idea is that of ?Green Roof Technology.? Resembling the Hanging Gardens of Babylon which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it consists of having the roof of efficient covered with living plant life. However, that is not the only piece of history it holds. Thousands of years ago, homes were built in that same way where people would also use the roofs for agriculture and ceremonies.

Now, in modern times, we have found ways to counter the leakage issues and how to control the spread of wildlife. Starting during the 1970s, German engineers and scientists started the market spread of green roofs where many layers would be there, consisting of root barriers, drainage openings, and irrigation management. Other factors that appealed to customers was the lightness and cheapness of the product and a handful of environmental as well as personal benefits.  

Not only does the use of Mother Nature?s resources help out in making housing look more appealing, but it also can have plants filter water taken in from rain (and is later related to drainage systems) and helping make the air cleaner by letting out oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. For animals such as birds, the habitat provided will play a role for them.

In terms of the infrastructure itself, green roofs help maintain temperatures suitable for comfort and therefore reduces air conditioning and heating costs. The roof life can double or even triple with such technology.

One notable and successful result out of many is that of having a green roof on top of Chicago?s City Hall. In addition, it was built with the mindset to make the city the greenest one in the country. With over 20,000 plants belonging to around 150 species, the roof has walkways as to make it people friendly. Economical savings include 5000 USD each year for utility bills and this is great especially since this money could go to education facilities, other infrastructure and of course, the preservation of nature.

This is certainly a feasible project with several corporations giving services to build and plan green roofs. Imagine your hometown now fitted with this new technology. How might this impact the everyday commuter in his or her daily life? How might this impact yours? Let us spread such awareness, and hopefully, this dream can become a reality.

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