A University of Toronto researcher has delivered the first-ever analysis of green roofs' ability to keep buildings warm in winter.

"Everyone studies how green roofs operate in warm conditions," said Brad Bass of the University of Toronto Centre for Environment. "No one else has looked at winter design." Bass analyzed a test roof built in Ottawa by Karen Liu of the National Research Council's Institute for Research in Construction, to offer the first conclusive data that winter green roofs can help reduce heat loss and energy consumption during cold months. The results are currently on display in the Design For the Cold exhibition at the Chalmers Design Centre, Design Exchange.