Green roofs, also known as living roofs, eco roofs, roof terraces or roof gardens, are a roof design of a building that is partially or completely surrounded by vegetation and growing medium, so the roof is planted on a waterproofing membrane and has additional layers, for example roof fencing and drainage. He and Jim (2010) argue that green roofs require the creation of a vegetated space above the design of the artificial structures. They can help reduce the thermal properties of buildings to save cooling energy and increase social comfort. There are two main types of green roofs: intensive and extensive. Castleton and Davison (2010) explain that intensive green roofs have a shallow substrate layer that tolerates deeper-rooted plants, so that trees and shrubs can stay alive. They are generally accessible and require regular maintenance, such as intensive irrigation and fertilization. This type of roof is generally thicker and can support a wider range of installations. These are generally heavier systems, but are therefore the most demanding when it comes to building structures. Fioretti and Palla (2010) suggest that intensive roofs are considered expensive to maintain and construct. Nagase and Dunnett (2010) discuss that extensive roofs are not suitable for plant growth and therefore have inadequate access to water and significant temperature variations. , strong exposure to wind and solar radiation which generates a very tense and sometimes disturbed environment. For this reason, an insignificant variety of plant types are usually used for extensive roofs. Sedum types are the most frequently used plants, Dunnett and Kingsbury (2008) suggest that they are greatly adapted to dry environments. Extensive green roofs...... middle of document ...... were the heavy rains that occurred over the previous fortnight, leaving the ground soggy with little capacity to absorb additional rainfall. Biodiversity An important characteristic of green roofs is their potential. To provide habitat for urban wildlife, many animal species such as rats and ants would benefit from green roofs. Coffman and Waites (2008) explain that recognized urban development practices such as green roofs provide habitat for wildlife in cities and also help increase local natural diversity. However, roof greening is not a method of ecological restoration, but a method of ecological reconciliation, in which entirely new homes are formed for non-human species. Additionally, green roofs certainly provide some form of habitat, it is also possible that the properties of the roof harm wildlife diversity..