Ford Rouge Factory has one of largest living roofs in world

DEARBORN, Mich. (WJBK) - The Ford Rouge Factory is home to one of the largest living roofs in the world.

"It's better for the environment," Doug Ploand, Operations Manager at the Rouge River Factory tour, says.

The roof insulates the building, so it's covered with a form of greenery, "a plant like sedum," Ploand explains. It spans 454,000 square feet, or about 10.4 acres.

Greenhouses and skylights are also visible on the greenery. Part of the living roof experience is having natural light to get into the factory. When rainfall occurs, that's when the roof is most beneficial.

"When the rain goes down, it slows the process of the rain getting into this drainage system and everything ... there's the drainage mat and there's this plastic soil drainer. It cleans the water before it gets into the River Rouge. It slows the process. So less flooding and things like that," Ploand explains.

The plant is very high-tech, but at the same time, they're using good, old-fashioned mother nature to create a healthier environment.

FOX 2's The Nine will be on a "Zip Trip" in Dearborn, Friday, July 28.  Don't miss it to see more of the factory tour.

Learn more about the Henry Ford Rouge River Factory tour by visiting onsite or online at https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/ford-rouge-factory-tour/.