green roof

Denver Botanic Gardens has opened the city's first publicly accessible green roof, on top of the Gardens' cafe, Offshoots in the Gardens. The green roof is the first green roof on a city-owned building in Denver, and is a highly visible demonstration of the many benefits of green roofs for communities and for building owners.

In addition to the environmental benefits, green roofs increase property value, reduce heating and cooling costs, and can more than double the lifespan of a roofing membrane by protecting it from sunlight and temperature variations. With the loss of natural areas to development, adding green space on top of buildings will provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Other benefits of green roofs include reduction in storm water, pollution reduction and noise reduction. Converting this concrete space to a green space provides an aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and staff.

Green Roof being built: