Scientific American has a neat article and slideshow that details the $5 million, 65,000-square-foot green roof atop the United States Postal Service’s Morgan Processing and Distribution Center in New York City. Installed in 2008, today it not only plays host to a thriving assortment of trees and flowers — and million dollar views — it also does its part in combating the heat island effect waterway-polluting rooftop runoff conditions.

Though expensive, green roofs are a triple threat. They (1) absorb less heat than blacktop roofs during the summer; (2) provide an insulating layer during the winter months; and (3) capture a greater proportion of rainwater that falls on them, lowering the amount of waste water carried out by sewers. In this case, several layers of material and an array of tall grasses and hardy plants classified as Sedum.

It’s a shame that only USPS employees get to enjoy this little urban oasis due to security concerns. Fortunately, the High Line is just a ten minute walk south and ready to greet visitors at any time.

Gallery: From Anthrax to Allium: Views from a New York Postal Facility’s Green Roof – Scientific American

Image Credit: Robin Lloyd