About the Book

Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings. Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof.

Book Synopsis

Create Sustainable, Beautiful, and Energy-efficient Green Roofs

Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Green Roof Construction is the complete step-by-step guide to designing and installing living roofs on houses and small buildings. Learn how green roofs protect your home, improve energy efficiency, and support the environment--all while adding beauty and value.

What You'll Learn

• Long-lasting Roof Protection: Green roofs shield waterproofing layers from UV exposure and temperature extremes, extending roof lifespan.


• Energy Efficiency and Comfort: Reduce heating and cooling needs with natural insulation and thermal buffering.


• Stormwater Management and Urban Benefits: Absorb rain, reduce runoff, and help mitigate urban heat islands.


• Biodiversity and Food Production: Support pollinators, create habitat, and grow edible plants when desired.


• Design and Construction Mastery: Step-by-step guidance on planning, material selection, load assessment, roof prep, planting, and detailing for safe installation.


• Plan, Budget, and Build Confidently: Navigate building codes, site constraints, and professional consultations to ensure a durable, compliant roof.

Written by Leslie Doyle, a certified LiveRoof Installer and accredited Green Roof Professional, this guide combines hands-on experience and up to date techniques, giving DIY builders and professionals the confidence to create functional, sustainable, and visually striking green roofs.

Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials series for practical, illustrated guidance on natural building systems, high-performance envelopes, and sustainable construction techniques.

Review Quotes

In this impressive book, Leslie Doyle shares her wealth of experience and knowledge installing and maintaining green roofs. The writing is detailed and comprehensive and, importantly, easy for the average person to understand. Filled with photos, real-life case studies, and practical guidance, Essential Green Roof Construction left me with the confidence to get started with a green roof. I have some clear steps and ideas to move forward and feel like I know the right questions to ask.
--Stephen Hill, associate professor, School of the Environment, Trent University

For a thorough understanding of what constitutes a modern green or living roof, this essential guide will provide all you need to know to install and maintain a beautiful and ecological compliment to your home or office. The details are clearly described and illustrated and safety and durability are emphasized throughout, while specific engineering analysis is left for professionals on a case by case basis.
--Kelly Hart, GreenHomeBuilding.com, author Essential Earthbag Construction

Required reading for anyone building a green roof. I wish I'd had it before building my two green roofs (the first one in 1960). It begins with cautions about leaks and total weight, then lays out the many aspects of what is actually a complex process. It's well-written, well-researched, and full of clear and informative drawings and photos.
--Lloyd Kahn, editor-in-chief, Shelter Publications, author, Shelter and The Half-Acre Homestead

I can't begin to count the number of clients I've had who are interested in incorporating a green roof into their project. Now, thanks to Leslie we have an excellent resource for both DIY and design professionals.
--Tim Krahn, P. Eng. Building Alternatives Inc., author, Essential Rammed Earth Construction

Leslie Doyle has brought the art and science of green roof construction to the masses. Abundantly approachable, yet thorough and exceptionally detailed, this is a go-to resource for anyone with an interest in building their own green roof. This book is yet another excellent addition to this series -- and to my library!
--Chris Phillips, Greening Homes Ltd.

About the Author

Leslie Doyle is the owner of Restoration Gardens Inc., a green roof design and installation firm that has designed and built dozens of green roofs for residential and commercial buildings from 80 square feet to 30,000 square feet. She is a certified LiveRoof Installer and an accredited Green Roof Professional by the Industry Association, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. She shares her knowledge and passion for integrating nature in the built environment as a green roof instructor at the Endeavour Centre and formerly at Fleming College. Leslie lives in Toronto, Ontario.