We've worked with Organic Roofs on a few projects and they have really impressed both us and our clients. Their quick and professional service was further enhanced by a their evident passion for what they do.
Adam Hinton | FosterLomas Architects
We've worked with Organic Roofs on a few projects and they have really impressed both us and our clients. Their quick and professional service was further enhanced by a their evident passion for what they do.
Adam Hinton | FosterLomas Architects
Drop us a line at
enquiries@organicroofs.co.ukor give us a call on
0203 828 7505
National guidelines for green roofs have not yet translated into Building Regs for our industry, and in their absence this has meant that the quality of green roof design and installation can vary quite significantly.
GRO guidelines
At the moment, the informal standards are contained in the GRO (Green Roof Organisation) guidelines document, which were most recently updated in 2014 .
This document makes a number of recommendations about depth and quality of substrate, which we at Organic Roofs always encourage clients to meet or exceed. We regularly discuss the strengths and limitations of the GRO guidelines with clients and during our training courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Local authorities and planning
Often with new builds and developments there may be a requirement to include a living roof / green roof as part of your build requirements. The policies surrounding green roofs vary in different areas and planning departments. For example, in London the GLA has promoted a culture of expectation that boroughs should expect major developments to incorporate living roofs and walls where feasible and reflect this principle in Local Development Framework (LDF policies). It is expected that this will include roof and wall planting that delivers as many of these objectives as possible:
• accessible roof space
• adapting to and mitigating climate change
• sustainable urban drainage
• enhancing biodiversity
• improved appearance.
They also advise that, where possible, Boroughs should also encourage the use of living roofs in smaller developments and extensions where the opportunity arises.
Assess London’s Full documentation
Living Roofs and Walls Technical Report: Supporting London Plan Policy