Green roofs aren’t just for the most progressive, environmentally focused organizations, though early practitioners should be lauded for leading the charge. The stormwater solution also saves money, protects assets, and improves workplaces — all reasons to be broadly implemented.
Flooding is a critical issue facing businesses across North America. This issue will only become more challenging as we continue to experience the long-term effects of climate change. Businesses in urban centers are particularly vulnerable to rising flood costs and resulting infrastructure damage.
Businesses in urban centers are seeing more flooding across North America, having been constructed in floodplains and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Increased precipitation as a consequence of climate change, aging and insufficient infrastructure, and the abundance of impermeable surfaces are all common issues to overcome for businesses in urban centers.
Impermeable areas prevent water from seeping into the ground as it naturally should, forcing it to flow overland into municipal storm sewers with limited capacity. Utilizing green roof systems with additional stormwater detention capacity in conjunction with other onsite green infrastructure systems can effectively restore the hydrological functions of natural areas found on corporate properties and make businesses more resilient.
Unexpected costs and disruptions to business operations are all factors related to a lack of flood resiliency. Not only are businesses prone to damage to existing assets and infrastructure, but they can also experience supply chain disruptions, negative effect on employees’ physical and mental health, and the long-term costs of stormwater charges and fees imposed by local governments.
Many municipal governments in North America have been actively promoting the use of green infrastructure systems on public lands, but there has been a lack of uptake of this notion amongst private landowners and industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. The lack of understanding in the private sector concerning the risks of urban center flooding, and minimal awareness of green infrastructure as a viable solution, have limited their effective use on corporate properties.