Cool Roofs New Residential What are Cool Roofs? Cool roofs reflect (solar reflectance) and radiate heat (thermal emittance) away from the building and reduce roof temperature. (See Figure 1). The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) measures roof reflectance and emissivity...
Air Infiltration New Residential What is Air Infiltration? Air infiltration or air leakage refers to the uncontrolled and unintentional penetration of fresh air through leaks in the building envelope caused by wind, rising heat or stack effect, or ineffective...
Vegetated Roof New Residential What is a Vegetated Roof? A vegetated roof or green roof consists of vegetation in a lightweight growing medium placed on top of the drainage layer, root barrier, and waterproof membrane (see Figure 1). Vegetated roofs provide many...
Soil Test New Residential What is a Soil Test? A soil test refers to the technical analysis of a soil sample that provides information about nutrient content, soil pH, soil composition, and levels of contaminants such as lead. Different plants and landscapes have...
Pervious Hardscape Materials New Residential What are Pervious Hardscape Materials? Pervious paving systems absorb water, thus reducing or eliminating runoff. Pervious materials can be used in driveways, patios, walkways, parking spaces, and recreational surfaces such...
Native and Adapted Plants New Residential What are Native and Adapted Plants? Native plant species thrive naturally in a particular region, ecosystem or habitat without direct or indirect human actions.[1] Adapted plants have evolved to the physical conditions such as...
