The exciting green roof movement is seeing significant growth in cities like Chicago, Washington DC and New York where governments are offering tax incentives, but it’s the warmer cities throughout the South that can reap greater benefits. A green roof is a configuration of plants, soil and drainage layers that are placed on the roof surface of a building in order to elicit many environmental and economic benefits. The main draw of green roofs is the ability to reduce HVAC energy costs, extend the roof life, absorb storm water and offset a phenomenon known as the “heat island effect” where the temperatures of cities are higher than rural areas. In cities like Charleston and Savannah, where there is a potential for flooding and where rooftop temperatures can exceed 150 degrees, building owners can realize the full benefits of green roof technology. With energy costs on the rise, budget conscious consumers are starting to find that a relatively small up-front investment in a green roof can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

"There is a tremendous problem across buildings and properties as it relates to wasted energy costs," said Michael Whitfield, founder of Green Roof Outfitters. "We’re confident that a quality vegetated roof system will provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution."

Companies like Green Roof Outfitters are hoping to educate potential consumers about green roofs. They find that most people are genuinely concerned about the environment, but everyone becomes interested in green roofs when they learn about the cost savings.

To learn more about green roofs, please visit GreenRoofOutfitters.com or call 843-364-7653.