How collaboration between ecologists and engineers can improve green roof efficiency

As part of the built environment, green roofs are being planned, accredited, and maintained as such.  But how can living, growing, greenroof ecosystems be managed like tarpaper and asphalt?  By the same token, are ecological concepts applicable to these engineered systems?  This presentation highlights the necessity of collaboration between ecologists, engineers and other scientists for understanding green roofs. As an example, the relevancy of plant physiology studies to standard engineering equations used to predict green roof function will be demonstrated.  Green roofs will be acknowledged for their ability to both ignite transdisciplinary research and foster sustainable urban design.