1.1 This standard guide identifies terminology, principles and fundamental concepts including those related to sustainability, technical requirements of construction, and types of vegetated green roof systems or green roofs used on buildings. 1.1.1 There are many features of a building which contribute to sustainability; one of them is the selection of building products. This standard addresses sustainability issues related to building products, and, in particular, to green roof systems. This standard does not address sustainability issues related to overall building design, site selection, building operations, or other features influencing sustainability. 1.1.2 The considerations for sustainable development relative to green roof systems are categorized as follows: environmental, social, and economic as consistent with ASTM 2432-05 Standard Guide for Sustainability Relative to Building. Green roof systems sustainability improvement qualities are as follows: stormwater management, noise/acoustics management, urban heat island reduction, energy efficiency, wildlife corridor and habitat, carbon sinking, quality of life, aesthetics, durability, and operation and maintenance costs. 1.1.3 The technical requirements for green roof systems pertain to the following categories: plants, media, soil reinforcement, filter layers, drainage layers, water retention capacity, irrigation, protection layers, root penetration barriers, separation or anti-bonding layers, roof membranes, pavers (or traffic-bearing surfacing), and structural loads. 1.1.4 This standard addresses intensive and extensive green roof systems for flat roofs and low-sloped roofs up to 15 percent slope 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
