IKO Elements green roof systems

Green roofs create habitats for various plants, insects and birds, helping to promote biodiversity in urban areas. Sedum roofing provides natural insulation too, reducing the need for heating and cooling, for all-important energy savings. Vegetation also helps stormwater management, urban heat island mitigation and air quality improvement, for further sustainability benefits.

The lifespan of a green roof depends on several factors, including quality of materials, installation and maintenance, but generally last between 20 and 50 years. By ensuring proper installation, regular maintenance and the use of high-quality materials, you can significantly extend your green roof’s lifespan.  

Green roofs provide a number of environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits, which can help attract potential buyers or tenants.

Yes, with the right design and maintenance. Selecting hardy plants such as succulents and sedum, combined with reliable drainage systems, ensures that a green roof can withstand cold weather by preventing water buildup and freezing, which could otherwise harm the plants. It’s also important to regularly maintain green roofs, by cleaning drains and gutters, re-caulking seals and removing snow. For more information on the importance of maintaining green roofs, watch this helpful video.

Rooftop gardens provide habitats for different species, including birds, insects and pollinators like bees and butterflies, which improves biodiversity in urban areas. Green roofs support biodiversity and are often the most effective way to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), helping developers meet planning requirements. Sedum roofing also creates microclimates, helping to support this diverse range of species.

By installing a layer of soil and vegetation, green roofs provide natural insulation – reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Plants on roof gardens also absorb sunlight, which cools the surrounding air and helps lower the temperature of the building.

Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of green roofs. This includes frequent inspections to check for any issues, debris removal and weed control. Monitoring the health of plants is key, ensuring they have enough water and fertiliser, if needed. Drainage systems also need to be checked, to stop water from accumulating and make sure they are functioning properly. At IKO, we recommend two inspections a year to keep green roofs in optimal condition.

Sedum roofing is a type of green roof that primarily uses sedum plants as vegetation. Since they are generally lighter than traditional green roofs, sedum roofs are a great choice for buildings with limited load-bearing capacity. They also require less maintenance than other types and are quick and easy to install. Although they support some biodiversity, there’s typically less variety in plant species compared to those with grasses, wildflowers and shrubs.

Retrofitting a green roof can offer multiple benefits, from improved energy efficiency to extending the life of the existing roof structure, but success depends on careful planning, with close attention to the building’s existing condition, load-bearing capacity and waterproofing performance. At IKO, we work closely with our partners to deliver expert guidance on retrofitting green roof systems, helping you identify the most suitable solution for your project.

We have ambitious targets in place, including achieving net-zero with a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions by 2050. As part of our commitment to meeting this goal, we have set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) and produce sustainable roofing systems, including green roofs and our IKO LI range of reduced upfront embodied carbon waterproofing, roofing and screeding solutions.

Green roofs have several environmental benefits, including improved energy efficiency, stormwater management, biodiversity, air quality improvement and urban heat island mitigation. They can also provide a recreational space, helping to foster a sense of community in urban areas and improving environmental awareness. Installing green roofing systems can enhance a company’s sustainability profile too, as well as supporting regulatory compliance and governance practices.

Yes, our roofing systems are designed to support buildings in achieving green certifications, including BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). By enhancing energy efficiency, improving thermal insulation and promoting biodiversity through green roof installations, our systems contribute to the key sustainability criteria required for BREEAM certification. Additionally, they help reduce urban heat island effects and manage stormwater efficiently, further supporting environmental performance and compliance with green building standards.

IKO offers a range of waterproofing systems that are fully compatible with green roofs. Among the most popular options is IKO Permatec LI, a hot melt waterproofing system with 50% lower upfront embodied carbon. Also available are IKO’s Roofgarden bituminous systems, engineered to support green roof build-ups while delivering long-term waterproofing performance. A key advantage across these systems is integrated anti-root protection, built into the membrane itself. Unlike other systems that require a separate root barrier layer, IKO’s built-in solution reduces cost, labour and material requirements, simplifying installation while ensuring compliance and performance.

Transparency is key to driving sustainability in the construction and manufacturing industry. At IKO, we are committed to our ESG goals and have made significant progress, although there is still more to achieve. You can explore our journey and initiatives on our sustainability page.