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SHANGHAI : Gardens are sprouting up on rooftops across Shanghai, as part of an effort to fight climate change.
Research has shown that these rooftop gardens can save energy and reduce pollution.
So, as an incentive, district governments are offering to pay for nearly half the cost of the conversion.
"At first, we were not very confident about setting a goal. But after last year's survey showed that about 20 million square metres of roofs can be turned green, we started adopting different ways to promote green roofs," said Li Li, section chief of The Secretary Office of Shanghai Landscaping Committee.
The government started promoting green roofs at the end of 2003, encouraging government departments, hospitals and schools to convert their rooftops.
But not all roofs can be converted to a garden in the sky.
"It depends on the bearing of the roof. If the bearing is above 60kg, light grass type of greenery can be planted. For rooftop gardens, the bearing should be above 200kg and that also depends on what type of waterproofing is needed etc," said Li Guo Hui, manager of Shanghai Shiyuan Greened of Roof Co.
Most of Shanghai's roofs are tiled without any insulation, which makes the top floors hot in summer and cold in winter.
Research has shown that rooftop gardens can reduce the indoor temperature by 3 to 4 degrees, and this in turns reduces the amount of electricity use for air-conditioning by 20 per cent. This means less greenhouse gas is discharged.
The so-called green blanket also acts to reduce the amount of pollutant particles in the air.
To encourage more such greening efforts, district governments in Shanghai will pay for nearly half the conversion costs.
The Shanghai Greenery Administrative Bureau said there are plans to convert 100,000 square metres of rooftops yearly.
While not spectacular, the effort will add to the city's efforts to fight global warming. - CNA /ls
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