It's not much fun for the rest of us, but the rainy March weather will help the new, "green" roof at Carilion Clinic's new outpatient facility on Reserve Avenue get off to a good start. 
Crews began lifing platforms of roofing plants onto the top of the building this week.
Crews began lifing platforms of roofing plants onto the top of the building this week. Green roofs retain rainwater,
minimizing stormwater runoff. They also reduce the surface temperature of the roof by as much as 40 degreees.
minimizing stormwater runoff. They also reduce the surface temperature of the roof by as much as 40 degreees.
The plants, usually species of 
Sedum, Delosperma, grasses and mosses, also absorb airborn toxins and release oxygen. 
Sedum, Delosperma, grasses and mosses, also absorb airborn toxins and release oxygen. 
When completed later this year, Carilion's outpatient facility will be the largest green building in the Roanoke Valley.
