Seattle Implements the "Green Factor"

New Seattle building codes will bring more green roofs, rain gardens, green walls, trees and other vegetation to commercial zones.

Urban landScaping: Not Just an Aesthetic Amenity
(from http://www.seattle.gov)

Increases property values

Cools buildings with shade

Cools cities – urban heat island effect

Insulates buildings

Green roofs increase the life of roof membrane

Green walls increase life of building cladding

Increases evapo-transpiration due to increase of surface area

Increases tree canopy

Absorbs carbon, releases oxygen

Captures urban dust, helps clean air

Muffles sound reflectivity

Provides habitat for birds and bees