MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Green roof system with drainage composite (80mm-300mm system depth)

Living System
composite › System › Living System
compositesystemgreen-roofsustainablethermal-massstormwaterliving-roofextensiveintensiveurban-cooling
ATLAS CODE
COM-SYS-LIV-002
Green roof system with drainage composite (80mm-300mm system depth)
Category composite
Material Family System
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
800 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
25 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50 yrs
Description

Green roof systems combine waterproofing protection, drainage, filter fabric and growing media to support vegetation on roofs. System build-ups vary from extensive (shallow) to intensive (deep) depending on planting requirements.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Residential][Industrial][Institutional]
Typical Uses
  • Commercial office buildings (CBD focus)
  • Apartment buildings for amenity spaces
  • Shopping centres and industrial buildings
  • Institutional buildings (schools, hospitals)
  • Water authority buildings for WSUD compliance
  • Corporate headquarters with sustainability targets
  • Retrofits on existing buildings with adequate structure
  • Carpark rooftops in urban developments
Recycled Content 50
Renewable Content 20
Recyclability 60
Embodied Carbon 25 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 180 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Temperature reduction: 4-6°C in buildings, 3.6-11.3°C local coolingEnergy savings: 9-50% reduction in consumptionStormwater retention: 60-70% water capacityAcoustic benefits: 3-8dB sound reductionExtended waterproofing life through UV protection50-year design life with proper maintenanceCarbon sequestration: Up to 15 kg CO2/m² over lifeBiodiversity habitat creation in urban areasGreen Star credits contribution potentialUrban heat island mitigation
Cautions
High upfront costs: $155-835/m² depending on typeStructural load requirements: 60-500kg/m² saturatedDrought stress requiring irrigation in dry summersLimited suitable native species paletteAnnual maintenance costs: $2,000-5,000Structural reinforcement may add $5,000-20,000No specific NCC provisions (Performance Solution required)Professional design team requiredWaterproofing failure risk if poorly installedAccess requirements for maintenance
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-SYS-LIV-002
Density (Dry) 800 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 1.2
Porosity 40 %
Water Absorption 60 %
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good
pH Tolerance 5.5-8.5
Compressive Strength 150 MPa
Tensile Strength 7 MPa
Impact Resistance Moderate J/m
Bearing Capacity 2 kN/m²
Creep Resistance Good
Abrasion Resistance Good
Thermal Conductivity 0.3 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.5 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1000 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 30 μm/m·K
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.6
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 20 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 29

Green roofs have ancient origins in Mesopotamian hanging gardens and Scandinavian sod roofs. Modern extensive green roof technology developed in Germany in the 1960s-70s, with FLL guidelines established in 1982. Australia's first major installation was in 2005, with industry growth accelerating post-2010 driven by urban heat island concerns and Green Star adoption. The establishment of Green Roofs Australasia as the peak body has promoted standards development. Current focus includes native plant research, lightweight systems for retrofits, and integration with solar panels (biosolar roofs) and blue roof water management systems. Climate-specific research by Australian universities continues to optimise performance across diverse climate zones.

SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-SYS-LIV-002
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Toxicity of Combustion Low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 25 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 180 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 500 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 50%
Renewable Content 20%
LEED Points 6
Circular Economy Score 7 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Professional
Crew Size 4
Installation Time 40-60 m²/day hr/m²
Setting Time 12-24 months min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 20-90% %
Required Tools
Crane or conveyor systemsSoil blowing equipmentStandard landscape toolsSafety harness and equipment
Certifications Required
Waterproofing specialist certificationWorking at heights certificationStructural engineer sign-off
Weather Limitations
No installation during heavy rainWind speed <40 km/h for safetyProtect from frost during establishment
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-SYS-LIV-002
Material Cost 155-835
Installation Cost 50-150
Annual Maintenance 35
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 600
Market Availability Good
Lead Time 1-3 weeks weeks
Design Life 50 years
Warranty Period 10 years
Maintenance Interval Bi-annual months
Service Temp Range -20 to 50°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Stable
Certifications Held
ISO 9001:2015 (quality management)WaterMark (drainage components)Global GreenTag Level A (some products)EPD Australasia certified EPDsResponsibleSteel (steel components)GREENGUARD Gold (low emissions)WELL Building Standard compatible
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 (combustibility) - achievable with <20% organicAS 3959 (bushfire) - varies by BAL ratingAS 1530.8.1 (bushfire radiant heat test)
Standards Compliance
NCC Section J (energy efficiency pathway)Performance Solution required for full complianceGreen Star J1V2 alternative compliance availableASTM E2397 (green roof systems)ASTM E2398 (water capture)ASTM E2399 (saturated water permeability)ISO 14025 (EPD framework)ISO 14040 (LCA principles)EN 13252 (drainage systems)FLL Guidelines (German green roof standards - reference)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-SYS-LIV-002 Schema: v3.0