Green Roofs Receive New York State Property Tax Credit

Vegetation and soil layers add an extra layer of insulation to roofs, reducing heating and cooling costs.

JUNE 23, 2008 — The New York State Legislature has approved a property tax credit for building owners who install green roofs. The credit amount is $4.50 per square foot of the roof area planted with vegetation, which is equal to approximately 25% of the typical costs of the design, materials, labor, and installation of a green roof. At least half of the roof must be covered by the vegetation surface to be eligible for the credit; the maximum credit per year is $100,000. The property tax credit takes effect January 1, 2009 and expires in 2013 unless the legislature extends it.

Green roofs offer the following benefits:

They add usable space to the roof and increase the building's property value.
Vegetation and soil layers protect roof membranes from ultraviolet radiation, extending the life of the membranes up to twice as long as a conventional roof.
The soil provides additional insulation to the roof, reducing heating and cooling costs approximately 10% to 30% and allowing the building to use smaller HVAC equipment.
The vegetation and soil layers reduce noise from traffic, planes, machinery, and other sounds for building residents.
The vegetation improves air quality from oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.
The soil absorbs rain, reducing storm water runoff.

A green roof is not suitable for every building. A host of factors must be considered, such as the construction and condition of the existing roof, its load-bearing capacity, zoning restrictions, and code compliance. A feasibility study should first be conducted to determine if the building is a candidate for a green roof, and if so, which type of green roofing system is most suitable for that particular building.

Green Roof Fact Sheet