Photos: Academy of Sciences' living roof

The tile-like coconut husk trays will provide the basis for the roof, allowing the plant roots to grow together and form the living outer layer. The living roof will reduce storm water runoff by at least 50 percent--up to 2 million gallons of water a year. The reclaimed water will be used to flush the toilets, reducing the use of potable water for wastewater conveyance by 90 percent, according to the Academy.

Photo by James Martin/CNET News.com