Going "green" is bringing a little splash of color to one hometown building.
Monday, the city of Roanoke introduced its "green roof."
The podium roof that lines the entrance of the Noel C. Taylor building is now adorned by plants.
In addition to making the front of the building a little more inviting, organizers of the project say it will save energy and money.
"It will save natural gas and electricity because it provides 6-inches more of installation, there's actually 6-inches of substance or plant material above the plant so that makes a big difference," explains Director of General Services & Sustainability Ken Cronin.
The "live roof" is also expected to extend the life of the roof and reduce storm water run off.
The city also installed a rainwater harvesting system to catch the rain and use it to water the plants during the dry times.
