Green Roof

Our Green Roof

Our roof helps to protect Lake Michigan

Each time it rains, our roof can hold up to 11,300 gallons of rainwater!

Helps keep excess water out of the sewer system

Saves energy by adding insulation and reducing heating and cooling costs

Extends the life of the roof by protecting it from harmful UV rays

With our investment and cooperation with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Aquatics Unlimited has installed a “Green Roof” during December of 2010. MMSD’s interest in green roofs is in capturing rainwater on rooftops, rather than passing it along to our sewage system. This means less water needs to be treated, less rainwater to runoff nearby, and also reduces combined sewage overflows to Lake Michigan during peak rain periods. The goal is for our roof to have near zero impact on the MMSD system.

The project should also reduce our energy costs, as natural and artificial insulating materials better keep the heating and cooling inside the building. In addition, the life of the roof itself should be significantly extended as the insulation and lining are protected from damaging UV radiation from sunlight.

Construction proceeded throughout December, beginning with tearing off the existing roofing materials and insulation, then applying layers of thick new foam insulation, lining material, soil and racks of assorted hardy sedum plants. A walkway and staircase were installed for future viewing. The project also incorporates a rain garden featuring a small pond on the west face of the building, and a small stream running along the north side.