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| DeMarco Energy Systems to embrace Green Roofs strategy DeMarco Energy Systems of America announced today its new strategy to combine it patented geothermal systems with the current initiatives in the Green Roof movement. The company will promote its technology to further the goals of the environmental movement based on shared common grounds of energy conservation and alternative energy technology. The DeMarco geothermal heating and cooling systems use proven, reliable water source heat pumps to extract heat from municipal and reuse water systems in the winter, and to sink heat to the same water in the summer. It eliminates boilers, cooling towers, and mechanical roof equipment while delivering significant operating and maintenance cost savings. The high cost of land and the trend toward greater population densities in urban areas where open spaces and undisturbed land have given way to building and roads have increased the demand for multi use roof areas. Dark rooftops and pavement absorb and store energy from the sun during the day and reflect it at night. The results are increased storm water runoff; greater temperature differences between urban areas and open, undisturbed land (known as the urban heat island effect); altered weather patterns; and a loss of greenery in metropolitan areas. DeMarco's Technology along with Green Roofs can provide a solution to these problems. What could be more inventive and resourceful than replacing rooftop equipment with plants and open landscape? Green Roofs, defined as elevated roof surfaces that are entirely covered with soil and a vegetation layer help provide an innovative storm water management solution that can simultaneously improve the energy performance of buildings, air quality and urban ecology. Rooftop microclimate is produced with cooler air, due to transpiration of the plants therefore reducing the cost of the air transfer from hot to cool in air conditioning, which translates into less expensive air conditioning. Less air conditioning means less electricity consumption which means less power generation from nuclear and fossil fuel burning plants which improves air quality further. Green Roofs presents a unique business opportunity to bring cities to life as well as interesting new prospects for architectural design - almost every building design leaves out its fifth facade, the roof's surface. The technologies not only provide the owners of buildings with a proven return on investment, but also represent new ways for significant social, economic and environmental benefits. A green roof can allow a structure to merge with the surrounding landscape, provide a dramatic accent, or reinforce the defining aspects of the structure's geometry. Green Roofs are frequently integrated into the design of hospitals, care facilities, commercial settings, multi-unit residences and hotels. In Europe, these technologies have become very well established. This has been the direct result of government legislative and financial support, at both the state and municipal level. Such support recognizes the many tangible and intangible public benefits of green roofs. This support has led to the creation of a vibrant, multi-million dollar market for green roof products and services. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |