Green roof definitions

Extensive

A lightweight, low maintenance green roof system typically with sedums and other succulents or other hardy low growing species planted into a thinner (typically around 100mm) free draining and low nutrient substrate

Intensive

A green roof with deeper substrate and larger variety of plants, often called a ‘roof garden.’ Intensive roofs can provide a wide range of benefits generally for physical and visual human benefit. Often constructed using nutrient rich soils typically over 200mm deep. Regular maintenance and permanent irrigation is required.

Bio-diverse

Similar in construction to a sedum based extensive roof but designed to reflect the natural habitat of the area. Often including wildflowers and objects such as rock piles and wood piles to attract insects, bees and butterflies and associated local wildlife.

Brown

Alternative name for bio-diverse.

Semi intensive/extensive

An intermediate green roof that has both the characteristics of both extensive and intensive roofs.

Modular Green Roof

Pre-grown and self-contained extensive green roof system in a modular cassette for faster and easier installation. All required elements held within individual trays which can be transported by hand and click together to form instant green roof

Blue Roof

Green roof system built incorporating additional water collection and containment system built beneath the vegetation and substrate with adjustable drainage outlet to control amount of water collected and released.