Planet Prosperity Foundation
Buildings are designed with respect to the health of those who live and work there as well as the environment. Use of daylight instead of artificial light. Natural air circulation replaces airconditioning. These measurements save energy and stimulate people's health. Building materials are safe for people, animals and plants and they are reusable.
In the Cradle to Cradle concept architects create buildings that produce oxygen, sequester carbon, fix nitrogen, distill water, provide habitat for thousands of species, accrue solar energy as fuel, build soil, create microclimates, change with the seasons, and are beautiful.
Living roof
Building according to the Cradle to Cradle principle is cheaper than a traditional design. An example is the living roof on the Ford Rouge Center. At 454,000 square feet it is the largest living roof in the world and can boast of the following advantages:
- Cleaner storm water; The living roof's primary function is to collect and filter rainfall as part of a natural storm water management system. Working together, the living roof, porous pavement, underground storage basins, natural treatment wetlands and vegetated swales significantly reduce the amount of storm water flowing into the Rouge River, while also improving water quality.
- Cooler surroundings; Planted with sedum, the living roof helps reduce the urban "heat effect" created by acres of tarred and paved surfaces. It also insulates the building, reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 5 percent. The living roof also creates habitat for birds, butterflies and insects.
- Longer roof life; By protecting the under-lying roof structure from ultraviolet radiation and the thermal shock , caused by warm days and cool nights, the living roof is expected to last at least twice as long as a conventional roof. This could save millions of dollars in roof replacement costs.
- Lightweight design; Sedum on the living roof is planted in a thin, four-layer, mat-like system instead of loose soil. Even when soaked with water, this innovative vegetation blanket weighs less than 15 pounds per square foot.
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