In Edmonton’s urban jungle, it can be difficult to get out and enjoy all of nature’s wonders. And as the climate crisis continues to worsen, it is becoming more and more important to implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices into our lives.
Green roofs address both of these issues. Installing a green roof on your home or business provides you with your very own slice of green paradise that is incorporated into the existing architecture of your building. Additionally, green roofs are a sustainable option that reduce pollution, filter out harmful substances from rainwater, reduce heating/cooling costs, and reduce the dependency on our storm water infrastructure.
Terra Landscaping Ltd. is one of the only professionally certified companies in Edmonton that installs and specializes in green roofs. Our team is committed to providing our clients with beautiful and sustainable landscaping options for their home or business. Green roofs are the perfect retrofit option to take your roof to the next level!
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we break down the real benefits of green roofs in Edmonton and how they can benefit your property.
What are Green roofs
Green roofs are specifically engineered roofs that support a variety of vegetation. They are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. The green roof can be partially or completely covered in vegetation, and there is a diverse selection of plants to choose from, including perennials, ground cover, flowering shrubs and bushes, and bulbs. You can customize your green roof to your tastes.
Green roofs can be built directly on top of existing architecture of a roof, but additional layers, including a waterproofing membrane, insulation, a root barrier, protective fabric, and a drainage and filter layer, are also added.
This ensures that the vegetation has a rich growing environment, and the waterproofing membrane and root barrier work to contain the green and ensure the green roof will thrive. ( I changed this up as I don’t want people to think that they need to protect their roof from a green roof.)
Types of Green Roofs: Extensive vs Intensive
There are two main types of green roofs: Extensive and Intensive. Knowing the difference helps you choose what works best for your Edmonton property.
- Extensive green roofs are lighter and easier to maintain, making them a popular choice for most homes in Edmonton.
- Intensive green roofs are thicker, can support bigger plants and even small trees, but they need a stronger roof structure and more care.
Benefits of green roofs in Edmonton Property
Here are some of the biggest benefits of installing green roofs in Edmonton:
Green roofs provide countless benefits.
Air Purification Benefits
At the top of the list is air purification. Green roofs absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen rich air. Other harmful airborne pollutants such as noxious gases are also absorbed and filtered out of the air by green roofs.
Energy Savings and Insulation Benefits
Green roofs also lower building energy costs. The increased insulation green roofs provide to a building or home helps retain heat during the winter, lowering heating costs. And in the summer, the vegetation absorbs light that would be otherwise be converted into heat energy. This helps reduce air conditioning costs.
Stormwater Management and Water Filtration Benefits
Green roofs act as an exemplary natural water filtration system. Rainwater is absorbed by the vegetation and plant roots which allows heavy metals to be filtered out, making any run-off water much safer to be incorporated back into the environment.
Additionally, the vegetation on green roofs reduces the amount of rainwater run-off altogether through its all-natural rainwater capture system. In the summer, about 70-90% of precipitation that falls on green roofs can be absorbed. In the winter, 25-40% of precipitation can be absorbed. This takes stress off of sewage systems and extends the life of the storm water infrastructure systems.
But the benefits don’t stop there.
Green roofs also bring several other important advantages that make them worth considering for Edmonton properties. It also increase biodiversity and provide wildlife with a habitat. Migrating birds especially enjoy green roofs.
But most importantly, green roofs significantly extend the lives of traditional roofs. The plants act as a natural fire retardant, which slows the spread of fires, and the increased insulation helps increase the life of your roof. Green roofs are specifically engineered to outlast traditional roofs.
Contact our team at Terra Landscaping Ltd. to get your very own green roof! Do your part for the planet and start enjoying all the benefits green roofs have to offer.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a green roof?
A well-built and properly looked-after green roof typically lasts 40 to 50 years — often twice as long as a conventional roof.
What is the greatest benefit of a green design roof?
For most people, it comes down to long-term energy savings and a significantly longer roof lifespan, thanks to the natural insulation and protection from the elements.
Are green roofs suitable for Edmonton’s cold climate and heavy snow?
Yes, green roofs are suitable for Edmonton’s cold climate and heavy snow when properly engineered. They handle freeze-thaw cycles well and provide excellent insulation.
Which plants are best for green roofs in Edmonton?
Hardy, cold-tolerant plants like Sedum, Stonecrop, Allium, Fescue grass, and native perennials work best as they survive Edmonton’s harsh winters and short growing season.
Are green roofs worth it in Edmonton?
Yes, green roofs are worth it in Edmonton for long-term owners. They deliver energy savings, stormwater management, and longer roof life that can justify the higher upfront cost over time.