WASHINGTON - An interesting trend, called a green roof, is cropping up across D.C. to help cut down on energy bills and help with storm water management in major cities.

The price of a green roof is roughly three times the cost of a regular roof, but some say that cost is outweighed by the benefits. "It makes sense. It makes good economic sense," said Ed Snodgrass.

Snodgrass' rural Maryland nursery is the largest manufacturer of green roof plants in North America. "The private benefits are extended roof life, energy savings," said Snodgrass.

Snodgrass raises plants from around the world that can withstand all types of weather conditions and helps transform roofs into green gardens that never need watering. "We took all this beautiful vegetated area and we made it glass, steel and concrete and asphalt. At some point, there's a price to pay for that, said Snodgrass.

In the summer, a green roof can keep a building cooler. In the winter, it can provide insulation. But for cities like Washington, where storm waters can overwhelm the aging infrastructure, a green roof can help absorb the problem. "We did it because we felt it's the right thing to do," said Bill Lamir, LCOR Director of Construction.

The environmentally friendly roofs are used increasingly to appeal to tenants at new developments. "It's something that everybody in Montgomery County (web|news) development should be doing."

Tenants like Maytal Regev agrees. She can now look out from her balcony and see green. "It's gorgeous. It gives us a lot to look at and also it's good for the environment, so what else can you ask for? It's great," said Regev.

Green roofs are also cropping up at some well-known D.C. locations like Nationals ball park and the National Zoo. Even a northern Virginia high school now has one.

One dramatic success story of a green roof is that of a brewery in England. The company used to have 14 refrigerators to keep their product cool, but after installing a green roof, they now need no refrigeration.