Green Roof Movement Growing
Good news, eco-friends: A survey by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a nonprofit based in Toronto, shows that the North American green roof industry is up by 30 percent. That’s 2.4 million square feet of greenery planted on roofs between 2006 and 2007.
While beautifying our cities and cleaning our air, green roofs enable urbanites to grow their own food. They also reduce storm water runoff, lower air temperatures, and cut costs by naturally warming and cooling buildings. That said, significant startup expenses and safety concerns can make it hard to get a green roof going.
Some cities, however, are making green roofing easier for residents. In 2005, Chicago began a Green Roof Grants Program, which gives applicants up to $5,000 to cover green roof startup costs. Additionally, Chicago’s Green Permit Program expedites the permit approval process for projects that “incorporate innovative green building strategies.”
The Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ survey shows that these initiatives have helped Chicago outpace other North American cities. From 2006 to 2007, Chicagoans planted 517,633 square feet of new green roof—leaving top-ranking cities, like Baltimore (121,550 square feet) and Brooklyn (102,908 square feet), in the dust.
Similar Green Roof Grants program are being considered by officials in Washington D.C. and Portland, while New York may soon offer tax incentives for green roof building, according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities founder Steven Peck.
What do you think? Would you fight for green roof initiatives in your city?
How do you green your home? Let us know by emailing audrey@dwell.com.
While beautifying our cities and cleaning our air, green roofs enable urbanites to grow their own food. They also reduce storm water runoff, lower air temperatures, and cut costs by naturally warming and cooling buildings. That said, significant startup expenses and safety concerns can make it hard to get a green roof going.
Some cities, however, are making green roofing easier for residents. In 2005, Chicago began a Green Roof Grants Program, which gives applicants up to $5,000 to cover green roof startup costs. Additionally, Chicago’s Green Permit Program expedites the permit approval process for projects that “incorporate innovative green building strategies.”
The Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ survey shows that these initiatives have helped Chicago outpace other North American cities. From 2006 to 2007, Chicagoans planted 517,633 square feet of new green roof—leaving top-ranking cities, like Baltimore (121,550 square feet) and Brooklyn (102,908 square feet), in the dust.
Similar Green Roof Grants program are being considered by officials in Washington D.C. and Portland, while New York may soon offer tax incentives for green roof building, according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities founder Steven Peck.
What do you think? Would you fight for green roof initiatives in your city?
How do you green your home? Let us know by emailing audrey@dwell.com.
Posted by: Audrey Tempelsman on Jun 1, 08 at 10:50 AM PDT
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.I wonder if it could work in Arizona? Its too hot there and air is a necessitysohbet
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Green roofs can be maintained in any climate including the AZ by rounting the AC condensate to drip irrigate the roof. This has been tried already with the Green Grid system and it works, without leaks.
Posted by Carol on 08/07/08 07:05AM PDT
Any activity, programs, organizations getting involved in this in California?
Posted by noah on 06/20/08 05:46PM PDT
Re: roofs in Arizona (Ian).
You can use desert plants. Certain (and many) plants can live where it doesn't rain often.
Posted by Justin on 06/15/08 07:22PM PDT
Great article. I found that picture on another blog, http://www.cleanerairforcities.blogspot.com It also deals with green roofs. I think they are awesome, and they look great also!
Posted by Will on 06/14/08 12:24PM PDT
Doubt it could work in Arizona; there's simply not enough precipitation. What desert cities could do, though, is have solar roofs, where every building could put up photovoltaic systems to generate electricity.
Posted by Ian on 06/13/08 01:42PM PDT
Is there a similar scheme in England that anyone knows about?
Posted by Dingo on 06/12/08 01:15PM PDT
that's an awesome idea. that should be everywhere
Posted by em_diggity on 06/12/08 11:48AM PDT
I really think that's a great idea that once it catches on It would really put a dent in some of the problems ....I wonder if it could work in Arizona? Its too hot there and air is a necessity
Posted by milissa on 06/11/08 01:33PM PDT
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