Green Roofs for Healthy Cities offered Green Roof Design Courses on the following dates in the Fall and Winter 2007.  For More Information and to Register, please contact Ernestine Man of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities at: 416.971.4494, ext. 223 or: eman@greenroofs.org, or: click here.   Always check their website, as course dates are subject to change.

Design 101 Introductory Course (2nd Edition):
This course covers the components and benefits of green roofs; how to design a project for maximum client benefits; how to cost estimate; important design principles and designing for maximum LEED™ credits. This course includes the most up-to-date green roof research and design practices as well as award winning case studies.  Tuition: $395.00.  The focus of the training is on enhancing your skills in:

Identifying the costs and benefits of green roofs to reach your green roof performance goals;
Identifying a variety of green roof products and understanding the performance criteria of different green roof elements, and their relevance to your design intent;
Understanding the major design principles for a successful green roof project and the causes for error which might lead to an unsuccessful green roof project;
Determining the various professions and competencies required to optimally implement your successful green roof project.

Design 101 dates:
Indianapolis, IN (Sept. 19)
Boston, MA (Sept. 25)
Baltimore, MD (Oct. 24)
Edmonton, AB (Nov. 6)
Madison, WI (Nov. 9)
Kansas City, MO (Nov. 12)
Charleston, SC (Nov. 20)
Omaha, NE (Nov. 27)
Eugene, OR (Dec. 4)
Cleveland, OH (Dec. 4)
Miami, FL (Dec. 5)
Tampa Bay, FL (Dec. 7)

Design and Installation - 201:
This course covers the many different steps that must be understood and incorporated into any successful green roof design and implementation, including actors' roles and responsibilities, construction contracts and their administration, and how to avoid common installation errors. This course is suited to those who have already taken Design 101 or who already have a good general understanding of green roof design.  Tuition: $395.00

This course covers a multitude of implementation issues and what cannot be taught in one day will be available as supporting documentation in the participant’s manual. Covering material dealing with green roof actors' roles and responsibilities, construction contracts & administration and material implementation, Green Roof Infrastructure Design and Installation 201 has it all!

Design 201 dates:
Ottawa, ON (Sept. 18)
Boston, MA (Sept. 26)
Milwaukee, WI (Sept. 27)
Austin, TX (Oct. 4)
Toronto, ON (Oct. 21)
Baltimore, MD (Oct. 26)
Baltimore, MD (Oct. 26)
Calgary, AB (Nov. 8)
San Diego, CA (Nov. 14)
Chicago, IL (Nov. 16)
Toronto, ON (Nov. 21)
Atlanta, GA (Nov. 29)
New York, NY (Dec. 3)
Hartford, CT (Dec. 7)
Oakland (Dec. 13)

Waterproofing and Drainage - 301 (new course):
Our newest green roof course provides an overview of waterproofing and drainage construction and maintenance for green roof assemblies. It lays out the technical vocabulary and the various benefits of different waterproofing materials and presents detailed design solutions and implementation best management practices for waterproofing and drainage in green roofs. Tuition: $395.00

This course provides information that you can put to work immediately, allowing you to:

Understand the principles of waterproofing and drainage as they apply to green roofs;
Identify appropriate materials for waterproofing and drainage of your green roof project;
Understand the technical design requirements for waterproofing and drainage in green roofs; and,
Understand the potential implementation issues posed by the additional trades working on a roof and techniques for its prevention.

Design 301 dates:
Pittsburgh, PA (Sept. 26)
Indianapolis, IN (Sept. 28)
Boston, MA (Oct. 2)
Denver, CO (Oct. 22)
Cincinnati, OH (Oct. 30)
Ann Arbor, MI (Nov. 30)
Baltimore, MD (Nov. 30)
Toronto, ON (Dec. 4)
Raleigh, NC (Dec. 14)

Green Walls 101 - Introduction to Systems and Design (new course):
This course familiarizes participants with existing green wall technologies, their environmental benefits and issues related to their design and construction. It provides design details and exercises on: major functions and components; the various advantages of different green wall systems; market drivers; and designing for maximum benefits and LEED™ points. Tuition: $395.00

This course provides information that you can put to work immediately, including details and exercises on how to:

Determine major functions and components of a green wall
Describe characteristics and assess various advantages of different green wall systems
Understand market drivers encouraging green wall implementation in North America; and
Understand how to design green walls for maximum benefits and LEED™ points.

Green Walls dates:
Chicago, IL (Oct. 15)
Boston, MA (Oct. 17)
New York, NY (Oct. 19)
Washington, DC (Oct. 23)
Vancouver, BC (Oct. 30)
Atlanta, GA (Nov. 8)
Phoenix, AZ (Nov. 13)
Toronto, ON (Nov. 27)

   Always check their website, as course dates are subject to change.

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WHAT: Our 6th Annual Holiday Party + Silent Auction to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the environmental community in New York City and beyond. If you have not been all year, this was the one to attend!

WHERE: "BLVD", 199 Bowery at Spring NY, NY 10002
Subway- take the 6 to Spring and walk East to Bowery, J,M to Bowery and Delancy or F to 2nd Ave. Call 212.982.7767 or see website for directions www.blvdnyc.com

TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

WHEN: Tuesday December 11, 2007 starting at 7pm -12
Holiday Toast at 9pm, raffle prizes awarded, then Silent Auction winners announced at 10pm.

DRINKS: CASH BAR + drink specials :: $5 Holiday cocktail, $5 PEAK Organic Beer and free beer tastings.

SPECIAL TREATS: Certificate for a bottle of complimentary Organic Wine from BottleNotes. $10 gift certificate on eco-dry cleaning from Green Apple Cleaners. Indulge in samples of Sweet Riot Cacao chocolates.

RECYCLE: Bring any old clothes to donate to charity via Wearable Collections.

WIND POWER: Bring your electric bill and sign up for Wind Power, NY Wind is also donating the off-set costs for our energy usage making it carbon-neutral.

In an effort to raise end of the year funds, 100% of Auction item proceeds went to benefit environmental organizations.

Bring your check books!

Silent Auction Items over $500
- The Harmony Hotel A 5-night stay at the fabulous eco-resort, Harmony Hotel, in Costa Rica (flights NOT included)
- Leib Family Cellars mixed wine case
- Drosera Beautiful Native Plant Garden
- Steven Winter Associates - 4 hour professional green building consultation
- Bottle Notes private organic wine tasting for 10 friends
- CERC - Columbia Univ. course in Conservation Biology

Silent Auction Items under $300
- Cocoon Hair Saloon - Hair professionally styled and cut
- Renew Salon - Indulge in an organic Facial
- Voltaic Systems - Intelligent design Solar Backpack
- Nature Conservancy - Brutus Ostling Photographic print
- Priti Organic Spa Day - Enjoy full day of pampering
- Queens Botanical Garden
- Marion Cage Custom Handmade Jewelry
- Green Maps - Green Apple Bicycle Tour with founder Wendy Brawer

Free Raffle Prizes :
- Seltzer Inc specialty recycled wrapping papers
- Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct Maps+Membership
- 41 pounds.org certificate to get off junk mail
- "We are happy to serve you" mugs
- Sundance Channel Gift bag + Expedition Jacket
- Bottle Rocket Wines-4 week wine class
- Purus Organic Vodka
- Flip and Tumble shopping bags
- E, The Environmental Magazine copies
- $100 gift certificate to Green Apple Cleaners
 

This annual holiday party began as a way to celebrate and give back to all the hard working of people making a difference in the environment and this year is no different! Space holds 1200 so there is plenty of room. Silent Auction, free Raffle prizes, organic food, drinks and surprise guests! Contact donna@graceevents.net (our event coordinator).

Green Drinks is a low key, informal, self-organizing network who meet at a different place each month with people who work in the environmental field for a beer - it's a chance to mix with others to network, share info and make friends.  It is a lively group of people who work in the areas of: architecture, energy, film, finance, publishing, fundraising, graphic design, sustainability in business, eco-materials, interior design, fashion design, law as well as folks in the non-profit and for-profit worlds.  

If you like to be social and learn more about what other green folks are doing in the city, come on down! We are an informal, networking group with an average attendance of 100 people who work and study in the environmental field and have met very month since 1990.

Organizers feel this might be a way for greenroofs folks to connect with other green folks in the city, and suggest you take a chance to mix with other like-minded folks, to network, share info and make friends.  Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

Read more at www.greendrinks.org.  To get on the email circulation list, send an email to: nyc@greendrinks.org.

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The ENERGY STAR® Summit 2007

The Energy Star Summit was held on December 3 - 4, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency - Denver Tech Center in Denver, CO. E-Star Colorado and ENERGY STAR® assembled 32 educational sessions designed to meet the educational needs of: builders, contractors, home energy raters, utilities, manufacturers, architects, students and code officials. Some of the national presenters were Sam Rashkin, Mark LaLiberte, Gord Cooke, Steve Andrews and many more.

CEUs applications and various types of credits were offered.

Event topics included:
EEBA Houses That Work™
Selling High-Performance Homes
Real, Relevant and “Doable” Green Building – by Design
ENERGY STAR® Multi-Family Program
Residential Compliance with the 2006 IECC. Which Path is Right for You?
HVAC Revisited… and many more!  (Topics and speakers subject to change)

Location:
Hyatt Regency – Denver Tech Center
7800 East Tufts Ave
Denver, CO

Date:
December 3rd and 4th
Home Tour December 2nd (see website for more detail)

Cost:
Early = $175/day or $295/two day
After November 9th = $200/day or $320/two day
Optional home tour = $10
Student and group rates also available.

Download The ENERGY STAR® Summit 2007 (PDF) here, and for complete event details please visit: www.e-star.com/summit.

Questions:
Julie@conferencebuilders.com: 612.232.7598; or Robin@cascadingconnections.com: 719.641.2579.

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The National Roofing Contractors Association México - NRCA-Mexico - held its 6th International Conference & Expo 2007 “Energy Savings in Roof Systems” on November 26th and 27th at the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel in San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L., México from 8:00 am through 6:00 pm.

The main objective of this year’s event was to establish a solid communication among roofing professionals. The event is directed to all roofing peers, architects, engineers, specifiers and government agencies interested in learning more about new technology and roof systems applications.  This event will direct issues as energy savings, roof systems, greenroofs, etc., and NRCA-Mexico expect an attendance of at least 300 people at the show, which will alternate trade show hours and presentations.

Trade Show Booths were available:
USD $1,500.00 NRCA member price
USD $1,800.00 non-member price

For additional information, please contact Guillermo González Fernández at:

Arq. Guillermo González Fernández
Gerente Membresías México
NRCA-México
ggonzalez@nrca.net
www.nrca.net/espanol

National Roofing Contractors Association México
Ave. Dr. I Morones Prieto # 1101 Ote.
Col. Nuevo Repueblo
Monterrey, N.L. 64700
Tel./Fax. + 52 81 8676-3768/69

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WHAT: Green Drinks NYC ~ Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 100 or so New Yorkers who are interested in exploring all things green and sustainable meet at different fabulous locations around the city.  It’s a great chance to mix with other green-minded folks, share info and make new friends.  Open to everyone.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 13, 2007.  6 – 10pm.

WHERE: Join us this month at: ~ THE PARK, A favorite venue of Green Drinkers. 118 10th Ave at 18th Street NY, NY a favorite venue of Green Drinkers! Downstairs in the Atrium and Red Room. Take the A,C,E, 1, 2, 3, F, V to 14th Street and walk WEST or hop on the 14D bus to 10th Ave and 18th Street.

COST: $10 donation covers our time and expenses.

POWER: Bring your electric bill, sign up for Wind Power and your entrance is free!

HOW: Walk, cycle, bus, subway, pedicab, ozocar or taxi (ok if more than two passengers.)

WHO: Anyone who likes networking and being social.

WHY: Fun, contacts, alcohol, info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure.

NEW: Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

2 MIN PITCH: Write to nyc@greendrinks.org to sign up for a 2 min pitch to tell us about the green project you are working in for November's event- be sure to write "pitch" in subject line.

! STATUS: Informal, self-organizing network. Every month since July, 2002. Average attendance: 400+.

GLOBAL: London | Berlin | Bristol | Bath | Canberra | Hamburg | Munich | Oxford | Reading | Warsaw | Tokyo | Washington, DC | Peterborough | San Francisco | Chicago | Sacramento | New York City | Providence | Twin Cities | Portland, OR | Seattle | Houston ~ 129 cities worldwide!

THE BIG GREEN HOLIDAY PARTY!

Save the Date! TUESDAY DECEMBER 11, 2007 7pm - 12 at "BLVD"
199 Bowery at Spring - see BLVD website.

This annual holiday party began as a way to celebrate and give back to all the hard working of people making a difference in the environment and this year is no different! Space holds 1200 so there is plenty of room. Silent Auction, free Raffle prizes, organic food, drinks and surprise guests - stay tuned for more info! Tickets available in advance this year. Details to follow. Sponsorship still available! Volunteers wanted! Contact donna@graceevents.net(our event coordinator).

Green Drinks is a low key, informal, self-organizing network who meet at a different place each month with people who work in the environmental field for a beer - it's a chance to mix with others to network, share info and make friends.  It is a lively group of people who work in the areas of: architecture, energy, film, finance, publishing, fundraising, graphic design, sustainability in business, eco-materials, interior design, fashion design, law as well as folks in the non-profit and for-profit worlds.  

If you like to be social and learn more about what other green folks are doing in the city, come on down! We are an informal, networking group with an average attendance of 100 people who work and study in the environmental field and have met very month since 1990.

Organizers feel this might be a way for greenroofs folks to connect with other green folks in the city, and suggest you take a chance to mix with other like-minded folks, to network, share info and make friends.  Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

Read more at www.greendrinks.org.  To get on the email circulation list, send an email to: nyc@greendrinks.org.

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The San Francisco Green Festival was held on November 9-11, 2007 at the San Francisco Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco, CA. At the Green Festivals, we're celebrating what's working in our communities, for people, for businesses and for the environment. Here, green means safe, healthy communities and strong, local economies. Green is the color of hope, of social and economic justice, of ecological balance.

Join us for these huge parties with a purpose. You'll enjoy more than 200 visionary speakers and 400 green businesses in each city, great how-to workshops, green films, yoga and movement classes, green careers sessions, organic beer and wine, delicious organic cuisine and live music.

Show Hours
Friday – 2pm – 8pm
Saturday – 10am – 8pm
Sunday – 11am – 6pm

Venue Name and Address
San Francisco Concourse Exhibition Center
635 8th St (at Brannan St)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Giftcenter Pavillion Theater
888 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Special Event
Deepak Chopra: The Environment as Our Extended Body
Friday 7pm | Gift Center | Included with General Admission

Acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest leaders in the field of mind/body medicine, Dr. Deepak Chopra continues to transform our understanding of the meaning of health. His healing approach, using the integration of the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions, is changing the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellness.

See the Program Schedule and learn more about the Green Festivals around the U.S. in 2008 here!

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The Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2007 was held in Chicago at the new McCormick Place West Building on November 7-9, 2007. If designing, building, living, and working in green buildings is important to you, you're in good company.  Green building is our single greatest opportunity to take immediate, measurable action on critical issues like climate change, water conservation, and improving human health.  Join us in Chicago to learn how green building is transforming our communities, and how you can be a leader in this important movement.  Former President Bill Clinton kicked off Greenbuild 2007 as the conference's opening keynote on Wednesday morning, Nov. 7.

Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. This November, more than 18,000 building professionals from all over the world will come together for three days of outstanding educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, special seminars, networking events, and the biggest exhibit hall in Greenbuild history.

At Greenbuild 2007 we explored "Accelerating Green Communities" with outstanding educational sessions, exciting speakers, special events and tours, and our largest exhibit hall ever.  The U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.

Chicago: Aiming to be the Greenest
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has pledged to make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the world. Building on its legacy as a center of American architecture, Chicago was one of the first cities to adopt LEED. Today it has the most LEED projects of any city in the world, including the new West Building at McCormick Place, where Greenbuild will be held. Chicago's world-class culture, limitless outdoor activities, and unparalleled entertainment make it the perfect home for Greenbuild 2007.

Highlights:
Master Speakers series with internationally renowned leaders and innovators
Over 850 Exhibit Booths with the newest products and technologies
More than 100 Educational Sessions
Member Day—an exclusive event for USGBC members
Tours of 40 of Chicago’s most celebrated buildings
"Windy City Blues" Leadership Awards Celebration
"Party at the Pier" - USGBC and Chicago Host Committee Welcome Event at the historic Navy Pier

Learn more on the Greenbuild Chicago website.

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ZinCo USA is pleased to announce the 2007 schedule for ZinCo Seminars: Introduction to Green Roof Design throughout the United States.  Our initial course offering is “Introduction to Green Roof Design.”  ZinCo is an approved provider of ASLA continuing education credits:

Sept 24: Boston, MA
Oct 4: Los Angeles (Glendale), CA
Oct 10: San Francisco, CA
Oct 15: New York, NY
Oct 17: Philadelphia (King of Prussia), PA
Oct 19: Washington, DC
Nov 6: Chicago, IL

Introduction to Green Roof Design
This seminar provides an introduction to the functioning and design options for built-up green roof systems. Following is a more detailed description of the program elements.

Why Green Roofs?
This introductory lecture provides a review of the environmental and economic benefits that green roofs provide. With its modern origins as a means of reducing stormwater runoff, the understanding of green roof benefits has expanded to include wildlife habitat, urban green space, noise reduction, longer waterproofing design life, improved insulation, and a variety of other benefits.

Roof Technology for Green Roofs
This lecture will provide a brief overview of the types of roof construction and how they would relate to green roofs. Green roofs are compatible with a wide variety of roof types and waterproofing membranes, a fact that is often overlooked in the US market.

Green Roof Vegetation
In this session, there will be an overview of requirements for successful vegetation establishment on a green roof. The purpose and function of each layer in a green roof build-up will be presented, as well as a summary of green roof classifications and how requirements vary for different types of green roofs.

Green Roof System Build-ups
After lunch, this lecture will pick-up where the vegetation lecture left off—by developing in more detail how modifications in the system build-ups can provide better support for vegetation across the spectrum from extensive to intensive green roofs.

Pitched Green Roofs
Pitched roofs are a different breed of roofs from typical low slope roofs, and they impose a different set of requirements for green roofs. This lecture will provide an overview of these requirements and review sample projects where pitched roofs have been implemented successfully.

Hard Landscapes and Green Roofs
As more intensive landscapes are developed on roof tops, there is generally an increasing desire to incorporate hardscaping into the design. At its simplest level, this includes walkways, but in more complex applications, this may involve driveways, roadways, complex water features, sports facilities in a recreational park setting, or many other possibilities. This lecture introduces solutions to help achieve these complex designs.

Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
This section provides a brief overview of some of the most common problems encountered after a green roof has been constructed. The best approach to resolve these problems is almost always to have a good design in the first place!

Please visit the ZinCo USA website for contact information, registration, and updates regarding both the course offerings and schedules.

D.C. Greenworks held their First Annual Green Tie Gala on Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The British Embassy Rotunda, 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC.  Featuring:

Live Jazz by The Marshall Keys Band

Remarks by Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin

Tours of the Embassy Greenroof

Wine, Beer & Hors d’oeuvres: Tax-deductible tickets were $150 per person/ $250 per couple.
Business/Cocktail Attire

 Download the PDF and for more info, visit www.dcgreenworks.org.

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The 4th Annual Fall Green Building Conference & Trade Show was held on October 17-18, 2007 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA from 10:15-11:00 AM.  Built Green is an environmentally-friendly, non-profit, residential building program of the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County, developed in partnership with other agencies in Washington State.  This website provides consumers with easy-to-understand rating systems, which quantify environmentally friendly building practices for remodeling and new home construction, communities and multifamily development units.  We hope you will consider buying or remodeling according to Built Green standards, becoming a member of Built Green, or sponsoring our program. Please read more about us!

Greenroofs were specifically addressed here:

Session 1 A
Living Roofs (Technical/Innovation/Environment)
Patrick Carey, Hadj Design Group

Click Here to Download a form to attend the conference.

Click Here to Download a form to be a trade show vendor.

To enroll in the Built Green program contact:

BuiltGreen
Building Industry Association of Whatcom County
3323 Northwest Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360.671.4247
kristinad@biawc.com

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The Atlanta Building Envelope Council's Low-Slope Roofing Workshop was held on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 from 7:30 AM to 5:15 PM at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., Atlanta GA:  A Day of Continuing Education For Architects, Engineers, Specifiers, Contractors, Building Owners and Managers, and Building Code Officials.

Agenda

7:30 - 07:55 Check In

7:55 - 08:00 Opening Remarks by Larry Ray, President, Building Envelope Council (BEC) Atlanta

8:00 - 09:30 Low-Slope Roof System Selection Criteria - 1.5 HSW's Thomas Lee Smith, AIA, RRC, CSI

09:30 - 09:45 Break

09:45 - 11:15 Re-Roofing Considerations - 1.5 HSW's Thomas Lee Smith, AIA, RRC, CSI

11:15 - 11:30 Break

11:30 - 12:30 Protected Membrane Roofing - 1 HSW Bob Houck - Styro Systems

12:30 - 1:30 LUNCH

12:50 - 1:20 Vegetated Roof Project Lunch Presentation - .5 HSW Dagmar Epsten - The Epsten Group

1:30 - 2:30 Sustainable Roofing Options and Alternatives - 1 HSW John Larimer - Larimer/Shannon Group

2:30 - 3:30 Hot Trends in Greenroof Design 2007, and Growing Media & Vegetation Considerations
Roofing - 1 HSW - Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA Associate, LEED AP - Greenroofs.com

3:30 - 3:45 Break

3:45 - 4:45 Hot and Cold Applied Membranes for Green Roofing - 1 HSW Michael Schmeida - TREMCO

4:45 - 5:15 Drainage for Green Roofing - .5 HSW Trang Schwartz - American Wick Drain

Download the complete Agenda with Registration fee and details here (.PDF).

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Do Something Worthwhile – Grow a Roof! A one-day conference on Small-Scale & DIY Green Roofs and Rooftop Gardens was held on Saturday October 13, 2007, in Sheffield, England. Have you ever wondered how to grow a green roof?  How to turn a garden shed into a natural habitat for wildlife; put a green roof on a house extension or decrease the ecological footprint of a new development?

Groundwork Sheffield has teamed up with The Green Roof Centre to answer these questions and many more at a unique one-day conference exploring low-input, sustainable approaches to the design, build and management of small scale green roofs.

The event is for landscape architects, garden designers, architects, urban planners, developers, ecologists, conservationists, educationalists, self-build and DIY enthusiasts, home gardeners and anyone with an interest in ecological ideas or sustainable features.

Supported Rate: (OAP / student) £34.00 + VAT( £39.95) Standard Rate: (individuals & vol/com sector) £55.00 + VAT (£64.63) Full Rate: (public/ private sector) £120.00 + VAT (£141.00)

Download the Small-Scale & DIY Green Roofs and Rooftop Gardens PDF here.  For full programme information and booking details go to: www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk or call Fiona Oliver, Groundwork Sheffield on 0114 263 6421 or email fiona.oliver@groundwork.org.uk.

The conference was organised by Groundwork Sheffield on behalf of The Green Roof Centre and sponsored by Blackdown Horticulture Consultants Ltd.

Publisher's Note:  Read the April/May 2007 Guest Feature, "The Green Roof Centre - Sheffield, UK" by Jeff Sorrill, Project Manager here.

The 1st International Congress on Biological Architecture and Sustainable Design "Exploring the Secrets of Architecture" was held on October 12 - 14, 2007 at the Iberoamericana University in Mexico City, Mexico. Biological Architecture and Sustainable Designs was  co-hosted with various governmental institutions and the Iberoamericana University in Mexico City, (one of the best colleges in Latin America). The Congress was organized by Arq.ka Consultants and Psicogeometry whose primary objectives are to demonstrate the benefits of building and designing with the Biological principles of Architecture.

Three worldwide known experts on the subject  shared the latest findings about Biological Architecture!  Michael Rice from Ireland, Daniel Winter from France and Oliver Perceval came from England.  People from over 15 countries participated in this 3-day Congress and Mexico's Governmental Institutes and Sustainable Community leaders were invited to participate as well.

The three day congress provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the principles on Biological Architecture and understand the living architecture based on how life is supported and created.  The real physics and science of what shape does to serve biology directly.  Participants learned from local and international experts about the general design and implementation of Biological Architecture and Sustainable designs.  International and National case studies were featured.

"Only when science defines the symmetry of what makes life - can architects BUILD LIFE". Dan Winter

Don't miss the opportunity to know about the latest publications on Biological Architecture that are being edited by the University of Stanford!

We are gathering people to celebrate and enjoy our passions and philosophies, joined together for a common purpose: the renovation of our designs and buildings and the opening to new ways of thinking that will be required for any person that is looking forward to build a better space.

Come and learn about Biological Architecture, Sustainable Geometry, Interior Design with special geometrical forms and listen to the experts in discovering the patterns that sustain the Life Force in the buildings. Share and discuss your ideas and visions so that, as a collective consciousness, we can move forward with profound respect, comprehension and empowerment towards the Planet.

The three-day Congress was specialized on four main topic areas:

The Research and Science behind Biological Architecture.
Biological Architecture Design and Implementation.
Energy Savings and Renewable Energies.
Bioclimatic and Biological Architecture in Sustainable Communities.
 
Your registration included:

Access to the three day Congress.
Workshop and resource materials.
Access to the Exhibitors floor.
Assistance certificate.
Online Registration is available through Site

We had important discounts if you registered in advance; payment and register facilities, and detailed information.  Learn more and register at the website in either English or Spanish.

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WHAT: Green Drinks NYC ~ Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 100 or so New Yorkers who are interested in exploring all things green and sustainable meet at different fabulous locations around the city.  It’s a great chance to mix with other green-minded folks, share info and make new friends.  Open to everyone.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 9, 2007.  6 – 10pm.   Announcements, presentation and raffle begin at 7:45.

WHERE: Join us this month at: ~ THE PARK, A favorite venue of Green Drinkers. 118 10th Ave at 18th Street NY, NY a favorite venue of Green Drinkers! Downstairs in the Atrium and Red Room. Take the A,C,E, 1, 2, 3, F, V to 14th Street and walk WEST or hop on the 14D bus to 10th Ave and 18th Street.

COST: This month's sponsor covers your entrance and our time and effort as well as internet, web and mailing list expenses to keep us going and you connected.

POWER: Bring your electric bill, sign up for Wind Power.

HOW: Walk, cycle, bus, subway, pedicab, ozocar or taxi (ok if more than two passengers.)

WHO: Anyone who likes networking and being social.

WHY: Fun, contacts, alcohol, info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure.

NEW: Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

2 MIN PITCH: This month you will hear from Bradford Rand from Go Green Expo, Matt Beiber from Mobile Commons and a few other folks.

SPONSOR: This month's event was generously sponsored by GO GREEN EXPO.

! STATUS: Informal, self-organizing network. Every month since July, 2002. Average attendance: 400+.

GLOBAL: London | Berlin | Bristol | Bath | Canberra | Hamburg | Munich | Oxford | Reading | Warsaw | Tokyo | Washington, DC | Peterborough | San Francisco | Chicago | Sacramento | New York City | Providence | Twin Cities | Portland, OR | Seattle | Houston ~ 129 cities worldwide!

Green Drinks is a low key, informal, self-organizing network who meet at a different place each month with people who work in the environmental field for a beer - it's a chance to mix with others to network, share info and make friends.  It is a lively group of people who work in the areas of: architecture, energy, film, finance, publishing, fundraising, graphic design, sustainability in business, eco-materials, interior design, fashion design, law as well as folks in the non-profit and for-profit worlds.  

If you like to be social and learn more about what other green folks are doing in the city, come on down! We are an informal, networking group with an average attendance of 100 people who work and study in the environmental field and have met very month since 1990.

Organizers feel this might be a way for greenroofs folks to connect with other green folks in the city, and suggest you take a chance to mix with other like-minded folks, to network, share info and make friends.  Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

Read more at www.greendrinks.org.  To get on the email circulation list, send an email to: nyc@greendrinks.org.

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The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2007 Annual Meeting and EXPO took place from October 6-9, 2007 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. Featuring Former Vice President Al Gore, Honorary ASLA, as the closing general session speaker, visitors explored hundreds of innovative products and technologies for gardens, playgrounds, green roofs, and more. Learn from the world’s leaders who meld the built and natural environments.

Patrick W. Caughey, FASLA, President, American Society of Landscape Architects, said "Join me in San Francisco October 5-9, 2007 at ASLA's 2007 Annual Meeting and EXPO for one of the most spectacular celebrations of our profession as we explore "Designing with Nature: The Art of Balance."

Landscape architecture is the art of balance—sustaining nature through design. The 2007 reflects this and casts a wide net—providing practical insights and thought-provoking sessions on a broad range of topics to help create sustainable environments—for the most ambitious education program to date. From trends in residential design such as outdoor kitchens, the latest in digital technology, and disaster preparedness and mitigation to best practices for small firms, building sustainable sites, green roofs and more—this year's program will nourish your creativity, delight your aesthetic senses, and sharpen your problem—solving skills. Our goal is inspire and prepare you for greater stewardship, leadership, and promotion of our profession."

The 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO had many exciting features this year to engage landscape architecture professionals. Highlights of this year’s exciting lineup included: exceptional AIA accredited continuing education courses; walking and biking tours to experience firsthand San Francisco’s distinctive landscape architecture, sustainable sites, and eclectic neighborhoods; the ASLA Professional and Student Awards ceremony; a closing session with former Vice President Al Gore, Hon. ASLA; and the biggest product EXPO in the industry.

For a complete listing of events, visit Schedule at a Glance.  To learn more, please visit the American Society of Landscape Architects website here.

Thank you for visiting our Greenroofs.com supporters:

American Hydrotech, Inc., Booth #720
Green Roof Blocks, Booth #410
GreenGrid/Weston Solutions, Booth #209
LiveRoof, LLC, Booth #883
Topiary Joe, Booth #309
Tremco Incorporated, Booth # 1663
ZinCo at Booth #306

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities accepted submissions for
papers and posters to be presented at the
Sixth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities
Conference, Awards and Trade Show
April 30, May 1 & 2, 2008 in Baltimore, MD.

The Conference will raise awareness of the many benefits of green roofs,
share new research findings, provide information on the latest designs, implementation techniques and products, and broaden networks while working towards building more sustainable cities through green roof implementation.
Conference streams fall under Policy, Design and Case Studies, and Research.
 
Abstract submissions were due by September 30th, 2007

Submission requirements:
Completion of the call for papers submission form
which includes a 300-word abstract and 50-word biography,
submitted by September 30, 2007.

For more information or to download the submission form, please visit:
http://www.greenroofs.org/baltimore

 

Call for Papers for the 2008 Urban Biodiversity and Design Conference, in Erfurt, Germany was due on September 30, 2007:
 

For additional info, please visit the Conference website, or contact the Conference office:

Jan-Tobias Welzel, Conference Manager
jan-tobias.welzel@fh--erfurt.de, see addional info above.

or Prof. Dr. Manfred Köhler, Landschaftsarchitekt BDLA
Fachgebiet Landschaftsökologie
Hochschule Neubrandenburg
Studiengang Landschaftsarchitektur
Brodaer Str. 2, D-17033 Neubrandenburg, Tel. (0395) 5693 210, Fax - 299, Sekretariat - 203
E-Mail: koehler@hs-nb.de, Internet: www.HS-nb.de Green roof Centre: www.gruendach-mv.de
University of Applied Sciences
Dep. Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Brodaer Str. 2, D- 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany Phone. 0049 - 395 - 56 93 210, FAX: - 299; Sekr. - 203

Green Harmony Tours

Baltimore-Towson, Maryland, 28.May.2007:  Green Harmony Tours organized a unique summer ecotour to Germany titled “Adventure Ecotour of Germany 2007: Discovering Saxony’s Secret Green Architecture and Gardens”, which occurred on August 24 – September 5, 2007.

This ecotour is a great way to see the latest in green living concepts and cutting edge designs!  Signup Deadline was July 23, 2007. To find out more, go to the website: www.GreenHarmonyTours.com or contact the Director, Roland Oehme, at 410.825.3269 or email at info@greenharmonytours.com.

The tour director, Roland Oehme, his wife Naoko Oehme, and Achim Muller were your personal tour guides on this unique tour. Roland’s father, Wolfgang Oehme, the world renowned, German-born landscape architect, also made appearances on the tour. Roland, his father Wolfgang, and Achim have gained special insights from years of practice in landscape architecture and garden design, and from many years of travel to Germany visiting its significant buildings, parks, gardens, and unique garden shows.

The highlights of the tour included the Olympic of garden shows, the Federal Garden Show of Germany 2007, Berlin's magnificent botanic garden, Potsdam's historic & contemporary gardens (including the Foerster garden & nursery and Sanssouci (the summer residence of Friedrich the Great)), a fabulous Hundertwasser building with roofgarden, the Bauhaus architecture school & Woerlitzerpark (one of the best German estate gardens in Dessau), the dramatic restoration of the large open pit coal mine in Bitterfeld into a recreational paradise with large lakes, forests, and bike trails, Wolfgang Oehme designed meadow garden at Amber Lake, and the one of a kind Ferropolis or "city of iron".

Furthermore, the tour explored Germany's pioneering and responsible society actively pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, as exemplified in the latest in green building technology, recycling programs, beautiful public parks and gardens, climate cooling roof gardens, lively pedestrian town centers, creatively fun playgrounds, hemp & organic food stores, solar & wind power, delicious, healthy cuisine, and more unique and inspirational places and people.

This tour is designed for the person with an adventurous spirit and the ability to exercise on some days. The tour included walking large distances on most days; and on some days swimming and bike riding will be optional. The tour traveled in large vans, used public transportation, and walked as necessary.

Land costs were estimated to be $3,290, with a single room supplement of $500. Included in the cost were the accommodations and transportation for 12 days and 12 nights, all breakfasts, and 6 lunches & 6 dinners. Airfare was not included.

This wonderfully unique tour of gardens and sustainable living in an undiscovered and blossoming region of Germany only accepted a maximum of 12 people giving very personal service. Full payment and application deadline was Monday, July 23, 2007.

There is a website for more information: www.greenharmonytours.com.  Contact the tour director, Roland Oehme, for any questions regarding this trip: T: 410.825.3269 or greenharmonytours@yahoo.com.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities offered Green Roof Design Courses on the following dates in August 2007:

Design 101: San Francisco, CA (Aug 2)
Design 201: San Francisco, CA (Aug 3)
Design 301: New York, NY (Aug 8); Calgary, AL (Aug 13); Vancouver, BC (Aug 15); Seattle, WA (Aug 17); Los Angeles, CA (Aug 27); San Francisco, CA (Aug 29); Portland, OR (Aug 31)
 

EcoManor, Atlanta, Georgia
 

EcoManor, Atlanta, Georgia

A replay about the building of EcoManor in Atlanta, Georgia was offered on Sunday, August 5 at 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on HGTV's Ground Breakers.  One of the most environmentally progressive homes in the country is nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Buckhead neighborhood. EcoManor (www.ecomanor.com), set to be the first U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified residence in the Southeast, was built to inspire a change in urban design by showcasing how the latest green technologies can be incorporated into a traditionally beautiful Tudor house.

EcoManor will serve as an educational tool for builders, architects, designers, landscapers and homeowners to promote green living, conservation and advanced residential building practices.

Over the three-car garage and through several sets of French doors overlooking the backyard is the rooftop garden. J-DRain Geonet (www.j-drain.com) was installed under tapered insulation board, installed to create sloped drainage to the drain hole and into the rainwater harvest system. Rainwater will be collected from the rooftop and used for flushing the toilets and irrigating the landscape. The Water ReUse System reclaims the gray water for irrigating the landscape, primarily the lawn.

J-DRain Greenroof System (GRS), one-inch drain core with water retention cups, was installed on top of the insulation layer and will assist in capturing rainwater and using it as a resource for the plants.

Though a much larger home than previously occupied the site, less storm water exits the site now than before because the RainHarvest System (www.rainharvestcompany.com) captures it and reclaims it. The water irrigates the landscape then naturally percolates into the soil instead of flowing down the gutters into the street.

The lush and beautiful gardens surrounding the Eco Manor will not be a burden on the local water supply. As drinking water becomes more valuable, and water bans may become permanent, the homeowner’s will always be able to irrigate their gardens with their collected gray water.

You can watch their building process and see the result on on HGTV's Ground Breakers.
 

Read the Advertiser Press Release from JDR Enterprises, Inc. - 6.04.07:
EcoManor uses JDRain Products in the first LEED certified residence in the Southeast