29 March 2015

New Roofs in France Must Be Green

France has just passed new legislation that will require all upcoming commercial construction projects to feature either green roofs or solar panels above their top floors.

A green roof is one that is covered in lush plant life, and the perks extend well beyond the aesthetic. Because green roofs help to insulate, buildings are able to slash seasonal energy costs for both heating and air conditioning by approximately 25%

Green roofs also help to reduce water runoff during rainstorms, combat air pollution, provide food for the buildings’ residents, make a home for birds.

Environmentalists, however, had to make some concessions. First, instead of all new buildings incorporating green roofs, just new commercial buildings will, since it's easier for businesses to afford the costs upfront. Second, roofs won't be entirely but partially covered in plants. Finally, new buildings will be able to choose between plants or solar panels.

Sure, the ultimate legislation is not as ambitious as it was initially written, but the end result is still great for the environment.

Toronto implemented a similar plan in 2010 and has saved hundreds of millions of dollars in energy costs. Whether building managers choose solar panels or green roofs, they will make back their money from the initial investment thanks to the energy savings.

Currently, 80% of the energy France consumes is nuclear. The new rooftop mandates will nudge the country closer to safer, sustainable choices like solar energy, as well as reduce the need for energy altogether.

By: Kevin Mathews 

Upcoming: Imminent
To Feature: To present
Lush: Abundant
Perks: Benefit
Beyond: Further away
To slash: To reduce expenses
Runoff: Overflowed liquid
Rainstorm: Storm with heavy rainfall
Upfront: Prepay
Investment: Devoting money
Rooftop: Top of a roof
Nudge: (figurative) small push to do sth.
Altogether: completely



Pedro Antonio Pérez, Nacho Panisello and Guillem Orfila. 
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6 comments:

  1. Anonymous24 April 2015 at 23:49

    I agree with that roofs' design. That could be a great idea to reduce the pollution in the cities because plants can improve the air's quality. In addtion, I think that these roofs are more beatifull than comonn and that's could get more atractive to the city.

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  2. Anonymous26 April 2015 at 12:37

    In my opinion, environment is one of the most important things nowadays. This measure can help the cities' air and pollution. Also, this roofs' design is not antiesthetical. With this, I want to say that you could help the environment having a beautiful home.

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  3. Anonymous26 April 2015 at 20:28

    In my opinion, I like the idea of these new green roofs. Besides being ecological, are also productive, I mean, that also can be used as gardens to provide food to the community. Moreover, it will also reduce the environmental polution that extends around the city providing to population a better world. It's important to take care of the environment for future generations. Furthermore, the best way to have beautiful and clean cities in my opinion.

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  4. Anonymous27 April 2015 at 01:07

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous28 April 2015 at 19:55

    In my opinion, it's a good idea to preserve the environment. Nowadays, humans are destroying loads of hectares to build, but we aren't conscious that plants are basic in our live. However, if we start doing what the article says, we can use big areas to plant trees in the cities to reduce the pollution and to create new ecosystems.

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  6. Anonymous29 April 2015 at 12:46

    In our society, there are a lot of applications and systems to exploit natural resources, for instance, solar panels and light bulbs. As far as I’m concerned I think that all countries should pass the same legislation as France. I believe that buildings have to feature green roofs or solar panels to insulate and reduce energy costs. Furthermore, this fact could help the environment and to reduce pollution. To sum up, I’ve never read anything about green roofs and I’m surprised by their advantages, like Andreu Crespo.

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