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 Green Roofs

Green Roofs

Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates are an essential component for creating efficient, lightweight, and sustainable green roof systems.

Whether for extensive or intensive green roofs, Arcosa’s aggregates provide the optimal balance of structural support, water management, and plant growth, helping urban environments manage heat, reduce stormwater runoff, and promote biodiversity.

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Key Benefits

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates provide a lightweight, high-performance solution for green roof media, offering superior water retention, efficient drainage, and reduced structural load while promoting sustainable plant growth.

Lightweight Composition

Green roofs require materials that minimize structural load.

This weight reduction is essential for projects over soft or unstable soil, helping stabilize structures and minimize the need for extensive foundations.

Water Retention and Drainage

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates feature a highly porous structure.

This not only retains moisture but also allows excess water to drain efficiently. This dual ability helps plants thrive during dry periods while preventing waterlogging and reducing the pressure on urban stormwater systems.

Environmental Sustainability

Green roofs are a critical tool in reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality.

Arcosa’s aggregates contribute to this by supporting plant life that naturally cools rooftop surfaces. Additionally, the aggregates are eco-friendly, produced with minimal energy, and help promote urban biodiversity by creating suitable habitats for insects and birds.

Featured Case Studies

Structural Lightweight Concrete

Efficient Green Roof Media Placement at Long Island City Project

High above Long Island City, New York, a cutting-edge green roof installation is quietly reshaping the skyline. On the 14th floor of a newly constructed residential building, an innovative method for placing specialized growing media is transforming a bare rooftop into a lush urban oasis.

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Internal Curing

Historic Transformation: Green Roof Enhances Atlanta’s Ponce City Market

One of the central features of a revitalized Atlanta landmark is the building’s green roof, which serves as a gathering spot and recreational area for tenants and visitors. The renovated historic property, known as Ponce City Market, boasts a beautiful natural space atop its downtown rooftop made possible by expanded shale and clay from Arcosa Lightweight.

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Lightweight Concrete Masonry

Green Roof Excellence: Nashville Music City Center

The Nashville Music City Center, a sprawling convention center and public venue, brings an innovative green space to downtown Nashville, rising five stories above the city’s streets. Built in 2012 and LEED Gold certified, the center includes a 191,000-square-foot green roof, enhancing both sustainability and urban aesthetics in Nashville.

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How Arcosa Lightweight
Works in Green Roofs

Internal Water Reservoirs

Promotes Plant Health

The aggregates retain water and nutrients, slowly releasing them back to plants over time, ensuring they have the necessary resources for sustained growth, even in arid conditions.

Minimizing Shrinkage and Cracking

Facilitates Stormwater Management

The aggregates allow for efficient water infiltration and reduce runoff during heavy rainfall, contributing to the building’s stormwater management strategy.

Enhanced Density and Durability

Minimizes Structural Load

Their lightweight nature reduces the overall weight of the green roof, making them a cost-effective solution for retrofitting projects.

Why Choose Arcosa Lightweight for
Green Roofs?

  • Proven Performance: Arcosa Lightweight aggregates have been used successfully in some of the largest and most iconic green roof projects across the country. Their proven ability to reduce structural load, manage stormwater, and support healthy vegetation makes them the go-to choice for architects and engineers.
  • Expert Support: With decades of experience, Arcosa offers in-depth technical support and consulting for designing and implementing green roof systems using lightweight aggregates. Our team is available to help ensure your project meets all performance and sustainability goals.
  • Sustainability Commitment: Arcosa is committed to producing eco-friendly, sustainable materials that help reduce the environmental impact of urban development. Using our lightweight aggregates not only reduces a building’s environmental footprint but also contributes to long-term ecological health in urban areas.
Expert Photo

Ask our Expert: 1-800-342-LITE

Paul Altznauer, with 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, brings a blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work. Passionate about plants and environmental sustainability, he excels in areas such as landscape design, plant cultivation, and eco-friendly gardening practices.

Concrete Pouring

Additional Related Articles

Construction Site

Lightweight Aggregate Critical Solution for Green Infrastructure

By: Paul Altznauer

As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand for sustainable construction materials is rising. Expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) have emerged as a critical solution for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water management, plant support, and environmental sustainability. This lightweight aggregate is engineered to meet the demands of modern urban development, particularly in green roofs, bio-retention systems, and urban landscaping.

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Soil in Hand

FAQs: Horticultural Applications

By: Paul Altznauer

With a strong background in horticulture and sustainable landscape practices, Paul Altznauer shares valuable insights into the evolving role of lightweight aggregates in horticulture. Initially used for green roof media and soil amendments, lightweight aggregates are now specified in a wide range of applications, from urban landscaping to specialty designer soils. Here, Paul answers common questions about the effectiveness of lightweight aggregates in horticultural applications.

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Stormwater Management: The Role of Lightweight Aggregates

By: Paul Altznauer

With 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, Paul Altznauer brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work in sustainable landscaping and environmental solutions. His passion for eco-friendly practices and landscape design has led him to explore the versatile applications of lightweight aggregates, particularly in stormwater management and Low Impact Development (LID) systems.

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FAQs: Green Roof Applications

By: Paul Altznauer

Paul Altznauer brings nearly three decades of experience in the green industry, specializing in horticulture and sustainable landscaping solutions. Here, Paul answers some of the most frequently asked questions about lightweight aggregates in green roof applications, offering valuable insights for industry professionals.

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Soil in Hand

The Critical Role of Arcosa Lightweight Aggregates in Green Infrastructure

By: Paul Altznauer

As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand for sustainable construction materials continues to rise. Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates have emerged as essential solutions for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water management, plant support, and environmental sustainability. These lightweight aggregates are engineered to meet the demands of modern urban development, particularly in green roofs, bio-retention systems, and urban landscaping.

Read More

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