Project Overview

Problem Overview
This project addresses the energy efficiency of the building that the green roof is built on. Having a green roof could save energy usage and cut the cost of air conditioning during hot days since grass does not absorb as much heat as cement does. The green roof project also addresses the problem of not having many grassy areas to sit down and relax. Having a green roof on one of the many buildings on campus will give Drexel students a great place to sit and rest while waiting for their next class. Having the new green roof on an old building like the Korman Center could even make it more aesthetically pleasing without the need for reconstruction.


Pre-Existing Solutions
The uses of green roofs include the following:
* aesthetics
* storm-water management
* improving air and water run-off quality
* extending the life of the roof
* reducing the heat intake
All of these solutions have been done before, but the roof currently in design for the Design Project will take on heat reduction and aesthetics. A common heat reduction technique is the use of a substrate water complex that dramatically reduces the roof temperature and the total heat flux through the roof through a process of evapotranspiration, a combined process of water loss from the soil and plants. Evaluation of how certain plant species react to a green roof environment determines the amount of water needed for the green roof to survive as well as the aesthetics. Consequently, this also determines which plants are used for decoration.
The three types of green roof available (extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive) all involve a similar structure and design. These types vary in:
* degree of maintenance
* accessibility
* weight
* cost
* plant diversity
* growing medium (soil) depth
This design involves several layers placed on top of the existing roof. From top to bottom respectively, there is:
* the vegetation and growing medium
* a drainage layer and filter fabric
* a root barrier
* a waterproofing membrane
* a structural deck


Design Constraints 
• Size and way the roof is already constructed—Green roof has to be constructed and built with however the structure previously is and cannot exceed the area of the roof.
• Durability—The longer it lasts, the better and also saves money. Use materials that are suitable for outdoor environments.
• Weight—Heavier materials will involve a stronger underlying structure, which usually means increased use of resources that also increases costs.
• Appropriateness for rainwater collection—Cannot have materials creating leach toxic products. Green roof has be non-harmful and find a way to preserve water to feed plants and keep them alive.
• Appropriateness for adding photovoltaic cells and other solar collection equipment. Design a way to build solar panels or photovoltaic cells to save/use solar energy to be used for buildings in order to cut electricity costs.
• Resource cost of manufacture—Know how much energy is required and being able to list environmental costs such as toxic byproducts. Consider recycled materials that are efficient for the Green Roof assignment.
• Waste-stream issues—Are materials reusable? When the lifespan is over, can it be recycled? Think of the Green Movement to influence what materials are capable of using.
• Depends on climate- Are materials suitable for the climate or season the area experiences. For cooling needs, use a light color to reflect off sun’s heat and opposite if you want to warm up the building. Avoid interior moisture problems.
• Consider the environmental costs in addition to the monetary costs of shipping long distance: Research materials for the lowest possible price for the final outcome. Have a budget to know what materials to get and how much are available to use.
• Plants need to be approved- Can only use plants that the state allows. This will affect the aesthetic views and how the plants can be used to improve the building.
• Service Environment—Consider insect and bird damage that could affect plants. Understand the environment the Green Roof is built on for example knowing that the roof is going to be built in the city, especially the noise level of the city in Philadelphia. Know the average precipitation level and wind velocity in Philadelphia.
• Social, Politcal, and legal requirements—Know and follow state rules so no violations come up.



Project Goal

This project aims to fulfill several goals as well as fit into Drexel's Master Plan.  The first of the said goals would be to be able to increase the public green space.  As Drexel University expands and the student body increases, the need to places on campus simply to to sit and eat lunch increases considering the already minimal amount of green space on the urban campus.  The second goal which this project intends to meet would be to lower energy cost via the plant life's nature to absorb carbon dioxide and heat which would decrease the amount of of energy needed to cool the building. The third goal of this project is to increase the aesthetics of Drexel's campus with beautiful plant life and glowing pebbles.  Lastly, renovating the roof of a building would be much more cost efficient than attempting to demolish and completely rebuild the building.  All of the above goals will work together to help the chosen building better fit in with Drexel's changing campus.

Project Deliverables
At the end of the project there will be a well-researched and thorough report on a proposed green roof design for the modification of one of Drexel’s pre-existing buildings. In regards to the overall project, the report will include specific solutions to the green roof renovation problem:
• An outline of the proper installation techniques and benefits a green roof modification
• A design of what the roof will look like once it has been modified
• What a green roof modification gives to Drexel’s campus and community
• Why the chosen building is proposed for modification in comparison to other Drexel buildingsIn addition to a final report that will provide a proposed solution, there will also include a PowerPoint presentation that will examine goals of the project, the final proposal, and the steps that were taken to get to the end resolution.


Project Schedule
Week 3 – Project Proposal Complete, Background Research Complete, Met with Dr. Brehm
Week 4 – Organize Collective Research, Begin Design Proposal
Week 7 –Design Proposal Complete
Week 8 – Initial Powerpoint Complete
Week 9 - Refining of Powerpoint and Final Analysis

Projected Budget 

Our Freshman Design Project itself does not contain any models or prototypes and therefore will not have a cost.  We will develop a hypothetical/theoretical cost for our planned Green Roof as we develop it further.