Green roofs mostly consist of a waterproofing layer, drainage system, filter cloth, root protection system, growth medium, and plants. They can be modular and easy to install. Green roofs offer a green alternative to conventional grey materials and offer multiple benefits for nature and wellbeing while extending the lifetime of the roof. 

In urban areas, green roofs are especially valuable since they hold water, purify the air, hold dust particles and provide spontaneous species with a medium to grow. Green roofs can be designed to enhance biodiversity at varying degrees depending on the choice of planted species and substrate depth.