In 2007, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth (UUCD) installed a green roof system that includes more than 11,000 square feet of dirt planted with sod and native grasses that will control runoff and help insulate the building. The underlying roofing material is vinyl-free sheeting that’s expected to last up to 60 years.
A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves, at a minimum, high quality water-proofing, root repellent system, drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium, and plants. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits that include aesthetic improvements, water diversion, stormwater management, moderation of urban heat island effect, and improved air quality.