First developed in France, SOPRANATURE, the line of vegetated systems by SOPREMA, was then rolled out across Europe, and subsequently introduced to North America in 1995. In Canada, interest in these solutions soon began to grow, particularly with the adoption of the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw in 2009, which marked a turning point by requiring their integration into new constructions.
Today, with government incentives and the awareness of climate change challenges, green roofs are becoming more popular than ever in urban environments.
SOPRANATURE Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary in Canada!
Green Roofs: A Look Back at Three Decades of Innovation
In the last 30 years, vegetated roofs have undergone a remarkable transformation. Follow us on this journey of innovation that has helped shape today’s green roofs!
Then:
Now:
There were few options available, materials were heavy, and rudimentary drainage systems limited accessibility to green roofs.
Materials and
Technologies
Products are now adapted to different climate zones! A variety of solutions are used to adapt to all conditions, such as lightweight and versatile substrates, root barrier membranes to ensure the protection of the roof’s waterproofing, and high-performance drainage systems.
Systems were extensive and consisted mainly of sedums, offering little plant diversity.
Types of
Systems
The possibilities are endless! From minimalist extensive systems to intensive roofs with vegetable gardens and trees, including modular trays and ready-to-install pre-vegetated mats, every project has its own tailor-made solution.
Green roofs were primarily installed for aesthetic or thermal insulation reasons.
Design
They are designed as multifunctional systems integrating rainwater management, biodiversity, and urban cooling, while creating additional living spaces.
Green roofs were still seen as exceptional projects and received no official recognition or regulatory support.
Regulation and
Incentives
Many cities have adopted regulations promoting the installation of green roofs, credits for stormwater management, and financial incentives.
Green Roofs: A Look Back at Three Decades of Innovation
In the last 30 years, vegetated roofs have undergone a remarkable transformation. Follow us on this journey of innovation that has helped shape today’s green roofs!
Materials and
Technologies
Then :
There were few options available, materials were heavy, and rudimentary drainage systems limited accessibility to green roofs.
Materials and
Technologies
Now:
Products are now adapted to different climate zones! A variety of solutions are used to adapt to all conditions, such as lightweight and versatile substrates, root barrier membranes to ensure the protection of the roof’s waterproofing, and high-performance drainage systems.
Types of
Systems
Then :
Systems were extensive and consisted mainly of sedums, offering little plant diversity.
Types of
Systems
Now:
The possibilities are endless! From minimalist extensive systems to intensive roofs with vegetable gardens and trees, including modular trays and ready-to-install pre-vegetated mats, every project has its own tailor-made solution.
Design
Then :
Green roofs were primarily installed for aesthetic or thermal insulation reasons.
Design
Now:
They are designed as multifunctional systems integrating rainwater management, biodiversity, and urban cooling, while creating additional living spaces.
Regulation and
Incentives
Then :
Green roofs were still seen as exceptional projects and received no official recognition or regulatory support.
Regulation and
Incentives
Now:
Many cities have adopted regulations promoting the installation of green roofs, credits for stormwater management, and financial incentives.
Over 1,500 projects
have been completed since 1995, representing 5 million ft2 (500,000 m2) of green roofs.
In the last 30 years, vegetated roofs have come a long way. However, with regulations still too hesitant in Canada, the potential for growth remains immense. The era of green roofs is just beginning, and at SOPREMA, we intend to continue to be drivers of change and innovation in the industry.
Want to Explore the Possibilities Green Roofs Have to Offer?
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