New York University's medical center resides squarely in the middle of Lower Manhattan, one of the most dense urban centers in the world. NYU's Tisch Hospital had an out-of-warranty, aging roof that was experiencing leaks, requiring immediate attention. That alone would be a challenging project given the height of the building, the tight space for staging, and the need for a low-odor solution that would not disturb patients or staff inside the hospital.
But add NYU's ambitious sustainability goals and the project became a truly unique challenge. Garland's NYC Territory Manager Keith DeVito partnered with NYU to develop a roofing solution that would create a leak-free environment, then added a vegetative roofing system to transform the roof to improve energy efficiency, stormwater management, and aesthetics.
The trend for many building owners to specify vegetative roofs, especially in urban areas, has several underlying drivers. The insulative properties of the soil and vegetation reduce the heat absorbed by the roof and improve energy efficiency inside. The soil also retains stormwater, which is a significant benefit in cities where rapid runoff of heated rainwater from traditional roofs can disturb ecosystems in nearby waterways. Lastly, the green roof provides an outlet for "biophilia," the innate human desire to connect with nature. Even a fleeting view of nature has proven benefits for mood, which can have additional benefits for hospital patients.
Watch the full video to see the transformation of this roof.
Green roof systems help to keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing energy costs.
Green and Blue systems absorb water, alleviating the pressure on local rainwater drainage systems.
Green roofs create a visually appealing environment for building occupants and the neighbouring buildings.
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