2007

Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Publication Number EPA 841-F-07-006,
December 2007

North America. "...report providing information to cities, counties, states, private-sector developers and others on the costs and benefits of using Low Impact Development (LID) strategies and practices to help protect and restore water quality. This report provides information on the cost savings and benefits that can be achieved by implementing LID practices versus conventional stormwater practices, and summarizes 17 case studies of developments that include LID practices and concludes that applying LID techniques can reduce project costs and improve environmental performance..."

A carpet of green UM business school's eco-friendly expansion to include green roof topped with hardy sedum
MLive.com, by Dave Gershman
December 31, 2007

Ann Arbor, MI. "...The expansion of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business is being done with several eco-friendly measures in mind, and one of them is the addition of a roof covered in plant material...Adding the green roof will save money because the business school won't have to build a retention tank for stormwater, and the underlying roof material is expected to last longer. But it's not only a question of dollars and cents. Installing the green roof is just the right thing to do, said Graham Mercer, assistant dean at the..."

Record rains
Waukegan News Sun, by Frank Abderholden
December 31, 2007

Waukegan, IL. "...In September Waukegan unveiled its community garden downtown in the appropriately called Green Town Development. People can join the Green Town project for a $20 membership. It aims to make the city greener with gardens, wind-power projects and green roofs on buildings...At the College of Lake County, the South Lake Educational Center scored a county first with its energy saving green roof project. Instead of a hard roof where water runs off, the new roof has plants that absorb some of the stormwater runoff..."

FOR HARTFORD
Hartford Courant, by Staff
December 30, 2007

Hartford, CT. "...Going green. In addition to developing a comprehensive green plan for buildings, vehicles and other facilities, Mr. Perez and the city council should lead an effort to attract green businesses. This is a burgeoning, $341-billion-a-year industry, which includes manufacturing with recycled materials, installing solar panels and green roofs, and sustainable landscaping. Somebody's going to grab the "green..."

Greece to transform airport into a park
Spero News, by Cordelia Madden
December 28, 2007

Athens, Greece. "...Their 700 million euro plan for a 530ha (hectare) park combines areas of indigenous vegetation with low-scale construction comprising housing for up to 20,000 inhabitants, as well as sporting and leisure facilities and a business centre that would accommodate 15,000 people. The buildings will be developed with respect to the environment, says Serero. Green roofs and balcony gardens are an integral part of the plan..."

Toronto Public Housing Gets Green Makeover
Architectural Record, by Alex Bozikovic
December 27, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "...the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is pushing the agenda on design and sustainability with a $1 billion effort to rebuild an inner city housing project...Stephen Teeple describes the twelve-story building’s character as “a kind of clear urbanity, cut and opened up by nature and green roofs.” The square-plan tower will be built around a wide, irregularly shaped atrium, with a Piranesian network of planted terraces and a pedestrian bridge across the middle..."

Case Study: Center For Health And Healing
Construction.com, by Randy Gragg
December 27, 2007

Portland, OR. "...The team’s efforts to curb water usage and disposal grew as ambitious as Wilde’s energy goals. Green roofs and an on-site bioreactor were designed to process every drop of rainwater, groundwater seepage, and sewage on site, to then be reused for landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, or radiant cooling, as well as to charge a bio-swale that seeps into the nearby Willamette River...The newly-planted green roofs and landscapes have demanded more water than anticipated, Schnackenberg says, leaving the building’s cistern too empty at times to flush the toilets...”

Money to Help Kitsap Make Gains in Managing Sewage
Stormwater Kitsap Sun, by Christopher Dunagan
December 26, 2007

Puget Sound, WA. "...Stormwater Management Grants: Lions Park, $1 million: About 120,000 square feet of pavement will be removed and replaced with pervious pavement, which allows water to pass through. Vegetated filter strips and rain gardens will capture the flow from ball fields. The project also includes a new restroom with a "green roof" to showcase stormwater techniques. The project is designed to reduce pollution flowing into Port Washington..."

Congressional Briefs: Norton's Subcommittee Sets Ambitious Requirements for Federal and Commercial Sectors in Energy Legislation Signed into Law
Redding News Review, by Staff
December 24, 2007

Washington, D.C. "...Norton's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management contributed sections in the bill on federal and commercial buildings that have "tandem effects,"...Norton will announce a greening D.C. initiative next year to invigorate the federal leadership role in energy conservation and renewable technologies and in the use of other greening strategies, such as green roofs..."

UMB plans to extend a development trend
Baltimore Sun, by Edward Gunts
December 24, 2007

Baltimore, MD. "...The Marriott hotel will rise on the west side of the block. Early plans call for a five-story hotel over a four-level garage, with retail space and a hotel lobby at street level. Besides preserving the historic buildings, the architects say they will try to include eco-friendly features such as "green" roofs that limit rainwater runoff..."

Green roofs taking root
The Register-Guard, by Susan Palmer
December 24, 2007

Eugene, OR. "The periwinkle died, but the moss thrived and so did the sedums, hardy succulents whose leaves store water. Now with autumn rains, young shoots of grass have begun poking up on Barbara Shaw’s roof. This is not your typical Oregon roof with unwanted greenery sprouting between shingles. Shaw, a Eugene homeowner interested in environmentally sustainable building techniques, installed the green roof on an addition two years ago..."

A springlike renewal for Lakeside
Richmond Times Dispatch, by Will Jones
December 24, 2007

Richmond, VA. "Business could bloom along Lakeside Avenue in Henrico County if the commercial stretch goes "green," according to a recent study by students at Virginia Commonwealth University...the Lakeside plan echoes many of the earlier ideas, but it also offers new ones, such as marketing the district to local Internet blogs and establishing it as a "green" business zone. The students suggested expanding Henrico's enterprise-zone incentives to encourage such practices as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable paving and energy-efficient lighting..."

HOK New York Designs First Commercial Building in Korea Aiming to Achieve LEED Platinum Criteria
PR-USA.net, Press Release
December 23, 2007

Incheon, South Korea. "...Gale International's new headquarters in Korea, a portion of the building and the site will be devoted to an extensive public exhibit area showcasing cutting-edge sustainable building materials, systems and technologies from United Technologies Corporation. The entire Songdo IBD was recently named a "green urbanism" pilot project by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building is designed to include raingardens, native landscaping, solar electric automobile charging stations, full daylight office space, optimized natural ventilation, fuel cells, rooftop wind turbines, a greywater recovery system, green roofs...The ability of the newly created habitat at both roof and ground levels will also be monitored to measure its ability to support insect and bird populations in conjunction with local high school science programs..."

Chicago's Next Lead: The Green Alley Project
Inhabitat, posted by Ali
December 22, 2007

Chicago, IL. "Chicago Mayor Richard Daly, who has already sent a successful wave of green roofs over the Windy City, has turned his sights towards his next environmental challenge: greening the city’s alleys... Neighboring property owners will also play a role in greening the city’s alleyways. The city is encouraging residents to contribute to the health of the urban ecosystem by implementing best management practices like using native landscaping, building raingardens, installing rain barrels, composting and, no surprise, considering green roofs."

Tip No. 94 of 100: Build green roofs
Carroll County Times, by Jordan Bartel
December 22, 2007

The World. "...Environment Canada found that a typical one-story building with a grass roof and about 4 inches of growing medium would result in a 25 percent reduction in summer cooling needs. Field experiments by Karen Liu in Ottawa found that a 6-inch extensive green roof reduced heat gains by 95 percent and heat losses by 26 percent compared to a conventional roof. Green roofs can already be found all over the world, from Switzerland and Canada to atop skyscrapers in Chicago. And as far as the EPA is concerned, they are certainly practicing what they preach. Dozens of EPA buildings stretching from Corvallis, Ore., to Narragansett, R.I., are outfitted with green roofs..."

Mixed-use modernism
Washington Times, by Deborah K. Dietsch
December 22, 2007

Washington, D.C. "After years of debate and revisions, the architectural designs for the old Washington Convention Center site finally got the go-ahead this week. These pairs of office, rental apartment and condominium buildings will inject a refreshing dose of contemporary "green" architecture into the heart of downtown with planted roofs and energy-conserving building systems..."

UniverCity population to triple
Burnaby Now, by Brooke Larsen
December 21, 2007

Burnaby, Canada. "...Phase 3 will also make the project the first in Canada to require developers to use green building practices, Mikkelsen said. Until now, those features - including green roofs - have been recommended, not required. "The people buying up where will get a more energy-efficient and healthier home," he added..."

UCF & Students Oversee Florida's Showcase Green Envirohome's (FSGE's) Green Roof Design & Installation
Florida's Showcase Green Envirohome, Press Release
December 20, 2007

Indialantic, FL. "UCF Stormwater Management Academy, with the aid of UCF students, will begin FSGE’s Stormwater Design implementation with a multi-phase green roof installation to help FSGE become a “Near-Zero Runoff Home™”. Germany has ~13% green rooftops, and FSGE, a hurricane rebuild and educational awareness project open to the public at no charge for one year of scheduled walkthroughs starting March 11, 2008, will increase awareness of this practice through the added outreach assistance of UCF, the 6th largest university in the U.S...."

Baltimore to hold major green roof event
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Press Release
December 20, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), in concert with the City of Baltimore, is pleased to announce that the agenda for the 6th Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards and Trade Show is now online. “We welcome the global green roof community to Baltimore, especially since we’re committed to making our city the greenest in America,” says City of Baltimore Councilman, James B. Kraft, who is also the chair of the Local Host Committee..."

A green ceiling
USA Today, by Annette Fuentes
December 20, 2007

U.S. "...From "green" buildings designed with energy efficiencies to research into renewable energy, lots of smart money is going into an array of solutions to clean up our collective act. But who will participate in the blossoming and profitable green economy?...Sustainable South Bronx, a partner in Green for All, is modeling the kind of green-collar job development that could benefit people across the country..."

Tired of paying energy bills?
HeraldNet, by Sarah Jackson
December 20, 2007

Bellevue, WA. "...the Zero Energy Idea House, a Bellevue project by Issaquah-based Shirey Contracting. Scheduled to be completed this spring, the 1,700-square-foot home will "show how comfortable and stylish an energy-efficient house can be by generating its own solar and wind power, while minimizing energy needs through a vegetated green roof..."

Beautifying Michigan
Novi News, by Kelly Murad
December 20, 2007

Novi, MI. "...Deputy community development director Barb McBeth was recruited to speak about green building initiatives in Novi and surrounding communities. "We thought the topic would be of particular interest to that group," Robinson said. Members of the audience seemed particularly interested in the concept of green roofs, which is a roof completely or partially covered in vegetation..."

Intrinsic Landscaping, Inc. Launches The Dream Green Team™- A Single Source Delivery Solution for Green Roof Projects
PR Newswire, Press Release
December 19, 2007

Glenview, IL. "With more and more builders discovering the benefits of green roofing, Intrinsic Landscaping Inc., one of the nation's premier installers of green roofs, has launched an innovative new approach for green roofing called The Dream Green Team™..."

STC mall site to get new life
Kane County Chronicle, by Amelia Flood
December 19, 2007

St. Charles, IL. "...An outdoor skating rink, green roofs, and about 800 apartments and condominiums could be built on the vacant St. Charles Mall site...ShoDeen also is looking to install green roofs and other environmentally-sensitive features, Eric Shodeen said..."

New face of Broad Lane in £15m development
The Star, by Bob Rae
December 19, 2007

Sheffield, England. "...The project, designed by a team from SMC Gower Architects, led by associate, Paul Gott, will also incorporate a 76-space basement car park and 10,000 sq ft of green roofing for small plants to compensate for the habitat lost by the redevelopment of the brownfield site which lies within the St Vincent's conservation area..."

Markham plans changes at Yonge and Steeles
York Region Era Banner, by David Fleischer
December 19, 2007

Markham, Canada. "...Liberty is in constant discussions with the town and Mr. O'Donnell said he was optimistic a compromise could be found. One piece of good news is that Liberty is aiming to equip the buildings with green roofs and other environmental features..."

S. Burlington commission holds City Center work session
BurlingtonFreePress.com, by Sara Buscher
December 18, 2007

South Burlington, VT. "...ideas were based on Seattle's "Green Factor" development strategy. Green roofs and green walls hosting vertical vegetation, community groupings of trees and plants versus traditional lollipop street-tree siting and raised container plantings were among the possibilities mentioned for mitigation of the runoff traveling toward Potash Brook and its associated wetlands..."

Ricciotti Designs Bamboo 'Pterodactyl' Nest
Architectural Record, by Robert Such
December 17, 2007

Paris, France. "...Wrapped in a bamboo latticework skin, the building is divided into three principal parts by a T-shaped courtyard. Ricciotti, who won the French Grand Prix d’Architecture in 2006, offers here a different approach to traditional Parisian courtyard design...In Ricciotti’s project, plant life will hang from green roofs in what he describes as an “imaginary Eden...”

'Green roof' to top redevelopment project
Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette, by Debra Pressey
December 16, 2007

Champaign, IL. "There may not be room to plant a forest in downtown Champaign, but local developers found a place to add an island. A green one, 44 feet off the ground. Work on a "green roof" that will top a two-story building undergoing redevelopment at 112 E. Washington St...the new University of Illinois College of Business building under construction will have a partial green roof... Markstahler said he also has long-term plans to develop two more green roof systems downtown: for his Uptown on Columbia condominiums and for Escobar's restaurant on East Columbia Avenue."

Center City Church Commissions "Green" Architect Frank Harmon for New Master Plan
PR.com, Press Release
December 16, 2007

Raleigh, NC. "First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh has commissioned Frank Harmon Architect to design a master plan for the entire church campus...The new building will feature such “green” elements as a vegetated roof..."

Fed-up Auckland apartment expert leaves for capital
National Business Review, by Bob Dey
December 16, 2007

New Zealand. "...In a recent development we put in measures to reduce stormwater, detention tanks, green roofs, reduced the impervious surface. The council doesn't take account of the positives we do..."

Green Building
Washington Post, Editorial
December 15, 2007

Washington, D.C. "The explosion of development in the Washington area speaks to its vibrancy and the opportunity that many seek and find. But this good fortune is a double-edged sword. The buildings and roads constructed to meet the demand take a toll on the environment...COG's recommendations center on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings, which are considered the gold standard of green building. We're talking solar panels, the use of recycled construction materials and green roofs that not only insulate but also absorb water..."

Roof raises local air quality
Albany Times Union, by Brian Nearing
December 14, 2007

Albany, NY. "The headquarters of the Social Justice Center will get one of the first "green" roofs in the city to help clean the air and insulate the building. Using a $25,000 grant from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the center will install a rooftop layer of plants and grass atop the 800-square-foot surface, center Director Victorio Reyes said...Projects eligible to receive grants include inventories of polluting facilities in the community, air monitoring, green rooftops..."

Residents, businesses shell out for $2.1B tunnel tab
Washington Business Journal, by Vandana Sinha
December 14, 2007

Washington, D.C. "By next October, D.C. residents and businesses are likely to start paying another new tax...The fee places the burden on those with bigger parking lots and roofs that cause the dirty storm-water runoff... Adebo is under no illusion that the city's residents and companies will welcome a new tax. But he said the tax would offset other-wise projected increases in the water-and-sewer fees...WASA plans to give tax breaks to those who invest in water-saving devices like rain gardens or green roofs..."

['Tis The Season] Building Green
Jackson Free Press, by Kelly Bryan Smith
December 12, 2007

MS. "...Polk is the architect designing Lily Valley, a walkable eco-community centered around...Green roofs, highly insulated walls, solar hot-water heaters, and window ventilation will also reduce heating and cooling costs dramatically...Energy usage in the buildings will be 30 to 50 percent better than code; builders plan to use the latest green technologies such as low-flow showerheads, LED traffic signals and parking decks with green roofs for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design..."

Going Deep
Philadelphia citypaper.net, by Jason Tomassini
December 12, 2007

Philadelphia, PA. "...The Friends Center already has some solar panels and recently added a vegetated roof to help with the heating and cooling..."

Paying the price for leading the way
BBC News, by Chris Hogg
December 11, 2007

Tokyo, Japan. "On the flat roof of a department store in Tokyo's fashionable shopping district Ginza there is a wide patch of grass and some flower beds. It is about the size of a small suburban garden...In the summer when the temperature on the exposed concrete of the roof hovers between 60 and 70 degrees, underneath the soil it is just 30 degrees..."

Portland breeds another chic urban neighborhood
Crosscut, by Sam Bridges
December 11, 2007

Portland, OR. "...Trammell Crow Real Estate's Alexan, a 22-story apartment building under construction at the south end of the neighborhood, is designed to meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ-mental Design) gold standard. It will have a green roof, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and an energy-efficient skin, according to Kip Richardson, whose firm, Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, designed the apartment building. Similarly, The Meriwether and John Ross have sustainable features such as exterior glazing to reduce heating and cooling needs, green roofs..."

Baltimore Not Just for Orioles and Ravens -- Hilton Hotel to Bring as Many Birds as Conventioneers
Web Services Journal, by Marketwire
December 11, 2007

Baltimore. MD. "Hensel Phelps Announces Completion of One of Two Green Roofs to Top the New Downtown Baltimore Hilton Hotel; Hilton Green Roof W...Construction of the green roofs began in early November and the green roof on the East building is now complete, including 60,000 one-inch plugs of six different species of plants...The leading supplier of plants and plant expertise for extensive green roof systems, Emory Knoll Farms of Street, MD, is providing the six different species of plants for the green roofs on the Baltimore Hilton Hotel..."

Gov. Rendell: Advantage Grants Help Small Businesses Conserve Energy, Reduce Expenses
Earthtimes.org, Press Release
December 11, 2007

PA. "By upgrading a lighting system, purchasing high-efficiency manufacturing equipment, or installing solar power systems and vegetated roofs, a small business can improve its competitive advantage against by reducing energy consumption and cutting costs, said Governor Edward G. Rendell today. The Governor today said 48 small businesses across the state will receive $300,000 in Small Business Advantage Grants to incorporate innovative technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution...the 48 Small Business Advantage Grants projects, by county...PHILADELPHIA COUNTY BluPath Design Inc. - $7,500 for an energy-efficient boiler and prevegetated, modular green roof system..."

Arts center could help revitalize downtown Minot
Minot Daily News, by Jill Shramm
December 11, 2007

Minot, ND. "Downtown Minot’s revitalization efforts got a boost last week with an announcement that Artspace plans to build at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue...Preliminary plans call for private roof gardens for the artists and a community roof and sculpture garden. Backes said the building would be Minot’s first “green” building, referring to its environmental friendliness. Artspace is considering incorporating solar energy into..."

Courtyard Living
Metropolis Magazine, by Linda Baker
December 10, 2007

Portland, OR. "A Portland-based competition announces the winning proposals that promote high-density housing...a commendation award was given to a design that stacks recycled shipping containers around a courtyard framed by wood trellises, eco-roofs, and pedestrian bridges..."

'A Simple, Practical Solution'
Voice of San Diego, by Jim Mumford
December 10, 2007

San Diego, CA. "Cities are facing climate change. Urban areas are warming up. Storm water overflow is contaminating beaches, bays, rivers and lakes. Development continues to encroach on the natural environment. Green roofs (or "eco-roofs") provide a simple, practical solution to all these problems...I planted San Diego's first occupied commercial green roof at my own business in Kearny Mesa..."

Snohomish County urban flooding likely hurt salmon
HeraldNet, by Lukas Velush
December 10, 2007

Snohomish County, WA. "Struggling salmon populations in south Snohomish County took a beating last week when normally tranquil streams such as North Creek and Little Bear Creek filled to over-flowing, biologists said...He said builders should be required to build up to reduce the footprint of structures, to build using porous concrete, to incorporate green roofs and rain gardens and to design projects to contain all storm water runoff on their..."

Finding the Financing for Your Green Building Project
GreenBiz, by Tilde Herrera
December 10, 2007

U.S. "...So these guidelines do mean for a building owner that there is a tax advantage to some of the opportunities in going green...these items can be used to reduce heating and cooling bills, as can cool or vegetated roofing. Vegetated roofing, which is plantings, is frequently quite expensive and increases the load on the roof, but is a nice amenity for occupants..."

Mpls. Arts Co. To Build In Minot
WCCO, by AP
December 10, 2007

Minot, ND. "Business leaders are excited about plans for a new downtown center for artists...The four-story building will have more than 50,000 square feet. The second, third and fourth floors will hold living quarters and studios for 26 artists. Preliminary plans call for private roof gardens, and a community roof and sculpture garden..."

More vacationers could enjoy park
Atlanta Journal Constitution, by Jim Langford
December 10, 2007

Jekyll Island, GA. "...With assistance from the nonprofit Southface Energy Institute, the village will feature Earthcraft and LEED construction standards. This means recycled water runoff systems, green roofs, multiuse trails and porous surfaces. We believe Jekyll can become a model for sustainable building practices in coastal environments..."

Kaine to Visit Charlottesville Monday
WCAV, by Matt Holmes
December 9, 2007

Charlottesville, VA. "...University of Virginia's School of Architecture and School of Engineering came to us about three years ago with the idea of finding a way to build affordable housing that's very green, very cutting edge," says Peter Loach, Deputy Director of the Piedmont Housing Alliance. Now that the historic home has been restored into an eco-Mod home, complete with green roofs and solar paneling, Governor Kaine comes Monday to check it out..."

Hyatt Regency Toronto Airport to Debut in 2010
Reuters, Business Wire
December 7, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "...Hyatt Regency Toronto Airport will be an environmentally sustainable project, designed to LEED silver standards. It will be energy efficient using state-of-the-art occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lights and guestroom televisions, and will feature green roofs and recycled building materials..."

What works to cut data centre energy usage
ITWorld Canada, by Carolyn Duffy Marsan
December 7, 2007

Suitland, MD. "...NOAA's Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, Md., also has an innovative roof. The building has one of the largest so-called "green" roofs in the Washington D.C. area...The landscaped roof helped NSOF, a 60,000 square foot building with 549 employees, receive the LEED Gold rating in early November..."

UK's first 'super garrison' step closer after meeting
The Northern Echo, by Jim Entwistle
December 7, 2007

Catterick Garrison, England. "Plans to build Britain's first "super garrison" in the North- East took another step forward last night...Public transport will also be improved, while "eco-roofs" on buildings will recycle rainwater for residents' gardens. Water will be heated by solar panels and the developers have vowed to use local and sustainably- sourced building materials...."

Energizers in State LEGO Robotics Competition
Centre View, by Roshni Gorur
December 6, 2007

VA. "...This year's theme was energy conservation and the challenge was to audit a community building and offer up recommendations. The team chose Greenbriar West Elementary's library..they made some recommendations that included programmable thermostats, green roofs..."

Civic Alert: At last a small tax increase!
Westmount Examiner, by Don Wedge
December 6, 2007

Montreal, Canada. "...Since her council days, Aitken has wanted to increase the use of Westmount property and in recent years has lobbied for green roofs. Environment Committee chair Jenny Patton shares those ambitions, but was looking for the right way to launch it in the City..."

Green, tech are next-decade themes
MLive.com, by Lynn Stevens
December 6, 2007

Grand Rapids, MI. "Construction is on the brink of change as drastic as the mass production of the automobile was. Mark Woods, COO of Signature Associates, confirmed the national trend. He predicted green roofs on all commercial buildings construction a decade from now. Woods, Frownfelter and Gary Lowe, senior director of McGraw-Hill Cos.'s Contractors and Services Segment, were part of a question-and-answer panel at the forum, which followed a series of roundtables during which attendees could chose from among 11 different topics, each led by industry experts..."

Sydney Plans to Green the City's Roofs
Inhabitat, by Jeremy
December 6, 2007

Sydney, Australia. "If Sydney-based architect Tone Wheeler gets his way, the Australian metropolis will soon be sporting brand-new rooftop playgrounds and open space areas as a means to green the city. How? By greening every single roof in Sydney! At least that’s the plan, thanks to a $48,000 grant from the City of Sydney Council to Wheeler’s group. The grant was given for research the possibility of installing green roofs on existing buildings..."

Rainfall Simulator, Green Roof Chambers Part of New UCF Stormwater Lab
University of Central Florida, by Chad Binette
December 5, 2007

Orlando, FL. "A new University of Central Florida lab that features a rainfall simulator, green roof experiments and more will host an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. The UCF Stormwater Management Academy lab is home to the world’s largest rainfall simulator, an 8-foot-wide by 30-foot-long arrangement of pipes that is connected to a 1,500-gallon water tank, said academy director Marty Wanielista...The lab includes 16 chambers in which researchers are experimenting with different plants and other materials that can be used on green roofs. The lab’s roof contains UCF’s second green roof. The first was installed on the Student Union expansion in 2004..."

Specialist focus: roofing: Liverpool's Paradise Project
Contract Journal, by Staff
December 5, 2007

Liverpool, England. "...Liverpool's vast new shopping development, led by main contactor Laing O'Rourke, is one of the most ambitious and eco-friendly in Britain, part of a dramatic phased regeneration scheme in the city costing nearly £1bn...However, it is not just retail therapy that will draw people in. The roofs of all the retail units and car parks are being planted with turf, trees and flowers to create a finish that is both beautiful and sustainable. This will be one of the largest green roofing projects in the UK were you to fly over the development, it would look more like a park than a retail complex..."

7 things you need to know about
Michigan Daily, by Jessica Vosgerchian
December 5, 2007

MI. "...Chicago is the model for the environmental policies of the nation's major cities. Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley imagines the entire city will appear green from above because of the frequency of vegetation-covered green roofs. In Michigan, Grand Rapids beats out every city, including Ann Arbor, for environmental progress..."

Flooded in 2006, frustrated residents again mopping up
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by Angela Galloway and Debera Carlton Harrell
December 5, 2007

Seattle, WA. "...For the second time in slightly less than a year, Seattleites swabbed out flooded basements in the wake of torrential rains on Monday...But don't look to the city for an easy fix based on expanding capacity, officials said. The city is not going to spend "billions and billions of dollars" to construct a larger system, Nickels said...Property owners can also help with "green" building strategies, such as vegetated roofs, mulched lawns..."

EPA and District of Columbia Agree to Go Green to Protect Rivers from Storm Water Runoff
U.S. EPA.gov, Press Release
December 4, 2007

Washington, D.C. "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a landmark agreement with the District of Columbia to implement major green infrastructure enhancements to protect the Potomac and Anacostia rivers from storm water runoff. In modifications to a Clean Water Act permit, the District has agreed to undertake innovative measures to stem storm water flow and pollution, using natural systems such as trees, green roofs, and vegetated...Highlights of the new measures include:...Creating a tax-incentive plan for the installation of green roofs. Requiring all new District-owned buildings and, where feasible, all major renovations of District-owned buildings to include green roofs..."

TTC rockets toward green
Toronto Star, by Tess Kalinowski
December 4, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "...The full cost of initiatives such as green roofs and more energy-efficient buildings won't be known until designs are done. In June, the commission approved a green roof (covered in plants for cooling) for the Victoria Park station redevelopment..."

Art and History vie for Presidio spot
San Francisco Bay Guardian, posted by Amanda Witherel
December 4, 2007

San Francisco, CA. "...The plans agreed on one issue -- parking would go underground. After that, they differ radically...A glassed atrium with photovoltaic film windows would provide heat and electrical power for the galleries and sod roof gardens would insulate parts of the buildings and “make them disappear.”..."

At conference, city will plan ways to lead in 'going green'
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, by Rich Lord
December 3, 2007

Pittsburgh, PA. "A Green Summit in February could lead to a raft of pro-environment legislation in Pittsburgh City Council, promoting everything from urban farms and more recycling to rubber sidewalks, Councilman William Peduto said last week...Residents could garden on vacant lots, using compost made from city-collected vegetable waste. Schools would have botanical "green roofs" that reduce storm water runoff..."

Peterson Air Force Base installs green roof
Fox 21, by Laura Forbes
November 30, 2007

Colorado Springs, CO. "In an effort to become more environmentally friendly, Peterson Air Force Base is installing a green roof on its headquarters. Its the first ever of its kind here in Colorado Springs. The project marks the beginning of a two year study to see if this roof really is as efficient and eco-friendly as officials hope it will be. If so, there could be more green roofs to..."

Downtown green: Eco-friendly housing projects becoming an urban trend
Deseret News, by Jasen Lee
November 30, 2007

Salt Lake City, UT. "...Various developers are targeting downtown and the nearby areas as locations to construct trendy condominium and townhouse projects, many of which will be "green" and energy-efficient. Information about many of those projects was on display at the Downtown Alliance's annual meeting Thursday at the Marriott hotel on West Temple Street...A lot of these buildings have white membrane roofs or green roofs to cut down on the heat in the city, using glass that conserves energy and lighting that uses less energy," said Angela Carlson with Radi8 Condos..."

Developers Use Green Thumb for Falls Church Blueprints
Falls Church News Press, by Diana Glazer
November 29, 2007

Falls Church, VA. "...the new Read building at 404 W. Broad Street, although not LEED certified, were recently spotlighted in the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce newsletter for its green components, as was the Waterford Development building the Spectrum, newly completed at 444 W. Broad Street. The Read building also boasts some additional green features...Both buildings boast the first green rooftops to grace the city..."

Seriously 'Green' Building Looks ... Normal
LiveScience.com, by Dan Kulpinski
November 29, 2007

Rockville, MD. "smart planning and design -and some smart technology-make the new building at the University System of Maryland's Shady Grove campus in Rockville an energy-efficient, green place...The 192,000-square-foot building, named the Camille Kendall Academic Center, is 29 percent more energy efficient than minimum design standards developed by the heating and cooling industry...Two green roofs, covered with plants, provide additional insulation and reduce stormwater runoff..."

Green Winter: Ski areas battling effects of climate change
Daily Camera, by David Reindel
November 29, 2007

Vail, CO. "...All across the country, ski areas are making moves to protect their playgrounds while becoming environmental examples for other industries...the company is one of only a few participating in a new pilot program designation for LEED neighborhoods. Ever Vail will incorporate geothermal sidewalks, green roofs, runoff control and micro-turbines set in a creek to run streetlights..."

Up On The Roof
KSNT, by Staff
November 28, 2007

Topeka, KS. "Many universities and businesses are now following LEED Building Principles. Short for leadership, energy and environmental design, LEED principles look at ways to conserve energy when constructing or renovating a building Washburn University is no stranger to these principals, and added it's newest green project to the science rooftop...Over five plants native to Kansas inhabit the rooftop of the science hall offering a little to no cost conservation of energy..."

Bill proposes green construction from 2010
Globes Online, by Lilach Weissman and Dalia Tal
November 28, 2007

Israel. "MK Ophir Pines-Paz (Labor) and MK Yohanan Plesner (Kadima) have submitted a private members bill mandating environmentally friendly construction in new public and private buildings on the basis of environmental standards to be set by the Standards Institutions of Israel and the Ministry of the Environment...The bill also establishes incentives, including discounts on local property taxes for all apartment blocks that apply rooftop gardens (green roofs) and use recycled water..."

Green Roofs Growing in Popularity, Study Finds
GreenerBuildings.com, by Staff
November 28, 2007

East Lansing, MI. "A Michigan State University study recently found that the area covered by green roofs increased 80 percent in 2006 compared to the year before. The study found that while growing, cost is a barrier to the spread of green roofs, which can cost twice as much as a conventional roof but lasts two or three times..."

A green industry is growing…on the roof
MSU Today, by Gordon Shetler
November 28, 2007

East Lansing, MI. "...Five years ago, the North American green roof trade show was held in a parking garage with cars driving by, Rowe said, one of the authors of the study. “Last year, the trade show was the real thing, with companies representing 25 countries in attendance.”...For example, based on data from other studies, the green roof on a portion of Rowe’s office building on campus is estimated to reduce cooling costs by 50 percent..."

W.P. Hickman Systems Partners With Earth Pledge in Urban Sustainable Development Effort
PrimeNewsWire, Press Release
November 26, 2007

New York, NY. "...through an innovative program known as Viridian, W.P. Hickman Systems and Earth Pledge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development, are committed to bringing sustainable "green" or vegetative roof installations to major metropolitan areas across the United States. The Viridian program's goal is to design and install 200 green roofs by 2010, specifically targeting low income housing developments and educational institutions across the country. Sixteen major metropolitan areas have been chosen for green roof installations..."

Grand plans for green design
FT.com, by Oliver Lowenstein
November 24 2007

Malmo, Sweden. "...Autumn sunlight glinted off the water in the western harbour; roof gardens were alive with flowers...Bo01 – named for the Swedish word bonollet (meaning “to dwell”) and the year 2001, when it was launched – is the first chapter in Malmo’s 20-year plan to create a sustainable “city of tomorrow” for an estimated 300,000 residents, transforming itself from a Baltic ship-building hub to a high-tech gateway to the region..."

PREFAB FRIDAY: Construisons Demain Green Prefab
Inhabitat, by Ali
November 23, 2007

Paris, France. "French designers continue to put the “fab” in prefab: Construisons Demain, a brilliant design from architect Eric Wuilmot, premiered at Batimat in Paris earlier this month. The system showcases low-energy living with three prefabricated wooden modules, resource and energy efficient systems, healthy finish materials, and inviting living spaces...At roof level, the courtyard is flanked by vegetated roofs that retain and recover rainwater..."

Eco-apartments on the market
edie.net, by Kate Martin
November 22, 2007

Brighton, England. "Rooftop allotments and on-site wind turbines are just two of the eco-friendly features that developers are using to attract buyers to a new development in Brighton...Residents will be able to make use of features such as roof top allotments where they can grow their own food, and roof gardens where they can relax..."

Gotham's Christmas tree gets greener
CNET News.com, by Martin LaMonica
November 21, 2007

New York, NY. "...In addition to the energy-conservation measures for this holiday season, Tishman Speyer said that next year Rockefeller Center will have a green roof and an ice chiller installed. The green roof, which will sit on top of Radio City Music Hall, will include desert plantings to reduce waste-water runoff. Green roofs also act as an insulator..."

What is the proposed Stormwater Management Ordinance?
TimesCommunity.com, by Beverly Hunter
November 21, 2007

Rappahannock County, VA. "This article summarizes key concepts about this proposed Ordinance, in response to questions asked by Rappahannock citizens and RappFLOW volunteers...Examples of LID site design cited in the draft ordinance include:...capturing rain water on a green roof..."

Turning disaster into a green building showcase
Contractor Mag, by Steven Spaulding
November 20, 2007

Indialantic, FL. "Mark Baker and his contacting business had been doing home construction on Florida’s Atlantic coast for more than 30 years, and in that time he had seen the worst that nature could inflict...Any runoff from the 85-gal. reservoir goes to a 5,000-gal. cistern. The cistern also collects rainwater, and has an attached irrigation pump. That pump then directs water to one of the Envirohome’s “living roofs.” The green roofs have 3- in. of soil media that will eventually be a home to approximately 60 native species..."

New plaza will have glass but not grass
OregonLive.com, by Fred Leeson
November 19, 2007

Portland, OR. "...The Portland Bureau of Parks & Recreation has earned final approval and plans to begin construction in January on a new urban plaza...The structure also contains a single public toilet. A vegetated eco-roof will be watered by rain or by water collected in a cistern..."

A garden in the sky
denverpost.com, by Joel M. Lerner, APLD, Special to The Washington Post
Updated November 19, 2007

Denver, CO. "...the Denver Botanic Gardens will soon unveil its publicly accessible green roof on top of the gift shop. "The Gardens is taking the lead in researching the most effective green roof plant material for the Rocky Mountain region," said Mark Fusco, senior horticulturalist and green roof designer..."

Global Warming: Wisdom should dawn on the developed world!
Merinews, by Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee
November 19, 2007

New Delhi, India. "...Eco-friendly buildings should have green roof. Besides aesthetic value, the green roof concept is a green idea for eco-friendly buildings in the urban environment. Such roofs facilitate biodiversity and manage excess rainwater. Green roofs will not be a cash cow for multinational corporations. They do not require any expensive hardware to sell. They can be built and maintained locally..."

Clinton Library Gets 'Green' Roof
The Associated Press, by Andrew DeMillo
November 19, 2007

Little Rock, AR. "Bill Clinton likes to brag about his presidential library being an eco-friendly building. Now even the roof is going green. Over the past two weeks, workers have been hoisting 90 species of plants and more than four truckloads of soil atop the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum to create a garden on an area surrounding Clinton's penthouse apartment. Instead of bare concrete, the glass and steel building will be topped with strawberries, ferns, switch grass, roses and other greenery..."

Green roof turns brown
The State, by Victoria Cherrie
November 19, 2007

Charlotte, NC. "The city’s first “green” roof atop the Discovery Place museum isn’t so green at all. In fact, the city recently replaced 3,000 drought-fried plants and spent an unexpected $5,000 on an irrigation system to keep the energy-saving experiment alive. The city launched the project last year, sharing a trend with cities across the nation that plant vegetation on rooftops to help lower roof temperatures and absorb harmful particles in stormwater..."

Water quality in NKY streams not improving
Community Press, by Jason Feldmann
November 17, 2007

KY. "...Increased awareness and public education, along with the implementation of green infrastructure approaches, are the only ways to begin fixing the problem, said Guilfoile and Yvonne Meichtry, chairperson of the Licking River Watershed Watch group. Effective measures, they say, include the creation of roof gardens..."

Green roof at new Guardian HQ 'dull, bland and cheap'
Camden New Journal, by Peter Gruner
November 16, 2007

London, England. "The Guardian newspaper – that bastion of social responsibility – was embroiled in a row this week over the “environmental” quality of a green roof at its new seven-storey building at King’s Cross...One of Britain’s foremost experts on green roofs, Dusty Gedge, who has advised Islington Council and King’s Cross developer Argent, said: “Of course, it depends on what kind of sedum roof they get..."

Kemp Hall Construction Ahead of Schedule
The Daily Gazette, by Myles Louis Dakan
November 16, 2007

Swarthmore, PA. "...The roof of Kemp Hall, pending the acquisition of an additional grant, will sport not one but three sections of green roof. Unlike the green roof of New Dorm, one of these sections will be accessible from a door as opposed to a ladder. Boyd estimates the cost of green roofing as between four and six dollars per square foot, and seemed confident that it would be installed..."

Hardy Succulents Take on a New Glow
New York Times, by Anne Raver
November 15, 2007

Street, MD. "...last week, I dropped by Emory Knoll Farms to visit with Edmund and Lucie Snodgrass, who have turned this old farm in Harford County, about an hour northeast of Baltimore, into an epicenter of green-roof plants. Over the past eight years, they have supplied projects as small as that 1,200-square-foot rooftop meadow in the Village, and as large as the five-acre roof atop a Library of Congress building in Culpeper, Va...."

Roof group gets grants for plants
Lancaster Newspapers, by Tom Knapp
November 15, 2007

Harrisburg, PA. "...Harrisburg has allocated nearly a half-million dollars to support a green-roof initiative in Lancaster County. "We got everything we asked for," Mary Gattis-Schell, a senior planner with the Land Recycling Program of the county planning commission, said Wednesday. "We're thrilled." The project will foliate the roofs of seven buildings in the county...The grant from Gov. Ed Rendell's Energy Harvest program totals $479,333 and will cover an estimated 79,000 square feet of rooftop in seven locations..."

Greener Green Roofs
ArchitectureWeek, by Christian Werthmann
November 14, 2007

The World. "The sedum roofs of today symbolize performance-oriented green roof design. Like fine-tuned engines, they run on leaner artificial substrates with almost no organic matter; volcanic rock or expanded shale, baked at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (1093 degrees Celsius), make the substrates lighter and soil depths as thin as possible. They seem to be race cars in the fleet of green roofs — maximum performance paired with minimum weight..."

Green Goes Mainstream at Greenbuild 2007
CoStar Group, by Sasha M Pardy
November 14, 2007

Chicago, IL. "...Of course, Greenbuild 2007 had to be green itself. President Clinton opened the conference by congratulating representatives of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) -- the owner and operator of McCormick Place (the convention center where the conference was held) for receiving LEED Certification for the new McCormick Place West Building. The USGBC says the 720,000-square-foot building is the largest new-construction facility in the country to be certified. Green features of McCormick West include an 150,000-square-foot green roofs..."

Proponents of Marietta Armory renovation are thinking green
Marietta Times, by Sam Shawver
November 14, 2007

Marietta, OH. "...Mayor Michael Mullen agreed. “The use of passive solar energy, geothermal heating, and roof gardens are concepts we want to include in this project,” he said. “And with a green building you not only get energy efficiency, but it also would make operating the facility easier for a non-profit group like WASCO to manage more efficiently...”

City gets energy grant to build 'living' roofs
Lancaster Newspapers, by Ad Crable
November 14, 2007

Harrisburg, PA. "...The green roof grants will provide some but not most of the $1 million estimated to build the living roofs on 79,000 square feet in the city. Planning to build green roofs are: New YMCA on Harrisburg Avenue; Renovation of the Bare Building, the former city police station, 202 N. Duke St; National Novelty Brush Co., 505 E. Fulton St; Penn Stone, 190 W. Ross St; Two Dudes Painting, 744 Poplar St; Box Company Flats, 225 E. Grant St. Columbia Borough also was to share in the grant, but has dropped plans for a green roof on borough hall because of structural problems..."

Landscaping choices can boost healthy environment
San Antonio Express, by Rebeca Chapa
November 14, 2007

U.S. "...As awareness about climate change, renewable resources and a healthier environment grows, so grows the dictionary we use to talk about these topics...I traveled to Portland, Ore., earlier this year for a story about green building. The city is a leader in sustainable development and eco-friendly practices. A common sight is the "eco-rooftop," or a vegetated roof..."

Marks wants sustainable Westmount
The Suburban, by Dan Delmar
November 14, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "...The City of Toronto recently won a sustainability award for its Green Roof program. The CDN-NDG borough put the city’s first green roof on top of the Maison de la Culture on Côte des Neiges over the summer..."

Q&A: Can we avoid more flooding?
BBC News, answered by Professor Tom Coulthard
November 13, 2007

UK. "...The use of intensive and extensive roofs (green roofs with plants, shrubs and grass) can help to control rainwater run off and attenuate surface water drainage...But the planning authorities are reluctant to pass them and builders don't want to build them. When is the UK going to really start combating global warming and flooding by installing more of these roofs?..."

Once-hot office park may be rebuilt as Edina 'Gateway'
Minneapolis Star Tribune, by Mary Jane Smetanka
November 13, 2007

Edina, MN. "...Representatives of Miller Dunwiddie Architecture told the city Planning Commission last month that the development would be "green" in design, stressing energy efficiency, good use of daylight, solar lighting and green roofs that can absorb storm water..."

Brighton eco apartments up for sale
Green Building Press, by Staff
November 13, 2007

Brighton, England. "...The development will also include a community centre that will house a number of charitable organisations and provide a resource for local people to use. Residents at One Brighton will be able to make use of several green features, including growing their own food on roof top allotments, and enjoying sky and roof gardens..."

Overland Park City Council action: 'Green' storm water regulations pass
Kansas City Star, by Jennifer Bhargava
November 13, 2007

Overland Park, MO. "...Some examples of green solutions that will be more expensive are incorporating natural retention ponds and wetlands that can handle a lot of water after a heavy storm. Other suggestions include rain gardens and green roofs..."

The greening of innkeeping
Providence Journal, by Christine Dunn
November 11, 2007

Westerly, RI. "... Miller said the Weekapaug Inn and the Stone House Club may become the first hotels in Rhode Island to be Leader-ship in Energy & Environmental Design certified...Other environmental features planned for the Weekapaug Inn include a vegetated “green roof” in one section to offset the heat-loss of a flat roof..."

Lancaster acting locally on world climate pact
Lancaster Newspapers, by Bernard Harris
November 10, 2007

Lancaster, PA. "...At a ceremony Tuesday afternoon, Gray, the Lancaster City mayor, will pledge the city to working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions...and some city businesses are considering installing "green" roofs, roofs topped with grass or some other vegetation. Green roofs reduce the rain water that would otherwise go through the city sewer system and vegetation-reducing carbon dioxide in the air..."

Next thing that may go green? Your roof
Nevada Appeal, by Joanne Skelley
November 10, 2007

Carson City, NV. "Green roofs may be the next eco-building design wave...A green roof sounds like a great idea, particularly in areas where rain falls. But, what about in Nevada? Since we receive little precipitation through the summer, we would need to put sprinklers or other irrigation on the roof for plants to grow. Another concern is whether there is a qualified roofing contractor in..."

D.C. offers up cash to buildings to go green on top
Washington Business Journal, by Vandana Sinha
November 9, 2007

Washington, D.C. "D.C. is coaxing the city's landlords and homeowners to make the tops of their buildings more green -- and offering them a little green, in turn, to get there. The city's Department of Environment is extending a five-year subsidy program for building new green roofs to existing building owners, hoping the move bumps up the fewer than 300,000 square feet of green rooftops, a miniscule fraction of the city's 250 million square feet of roof space..."

75th anniversary celebrated at Scottsdale's Taliesin West
AZ Central.com, by Kate Nolan
November 9, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ. "...Schuler laughed when someone asked whether cultivating roof gardens was a solution for Phoenix's heat island problem, as some environmentalists have recommended. "We need the roof for energy collectors, and water is too valuable here to put a garden on the roof..."

Up on the roof is where this garden - and jobs - will grow
AXcess News, by James Baetke
November 8, 2007

Washington, D.C. "...The green economy is a $341 billion-dollar industry and creates 5.3 million jobs, according to a 2006 study by Management Information Systems Inc., rivaling or exceeding the chemical industry, the apparel industry and the pharmaceutical industry. Clay belongs to D.C. Green Works, an environmental nonprofit group hired by the District of Columbia to integrate green roofs on city-owned terraces and rooftops. On Tuesday, Clay and several other green-collar workers were planting a variety of low-maintenance sedum and other plants that can withstand dry conditions and wind on the ninth-floor terrace of a D.C. government building to create a "carpet of..."

'Green Roof' is a First in Northern Montgomery County
Earthtimes.org, Press Release
November 7, 2007

Germantown, MD. "Northern Montgomery County's first non-residential green roof has been successfully installed in a three-story office building by Therrien Waddell Construction Group (TW). The 8" to 12" sedum plants will blanket the roof of Germantown's 19875 Crystal Rock Drive..."

Green building expo showcases industry's $60 billion potential
Medill Reports, by Jim Collins and Ki Mae Heussner
November 7, 2007

Chicago, IL. "...Through Friday at McCormick Place, purveyors of eco-roofs, permeable concrete, high-efficiency toilets and other sustainable products will try to capitalize on this growth..."

Green homes for Hereford
24dash, by Jane Gething-Lewis
November 7, 2007

Hereford, England. "Green roofs have been installed on a ground-breaking development of new affordable homes in Hereford to help cut the cost of living in them. The four houses developed for Herefordshire Housing off Kilvert Road, Newton Farm, have roofs planted with sedum, a low maintenance plant, to boost insulation...The £500,000 development on the site of former derelict garages was made possible by Spectrum Development Partnership..."

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities recognized for leadership in Green Building
GRHC, Press Release
November 7, 2007

Toronto, Canada. "Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a not-for-profit association for the green roof industry, has earned a spot on Green@Work magazine’s Green Build Top 25 List. The list, which recognizes leadership in the green building industry, is featured in the November 2007edition of the US-based magazine for corporate social responsibility. The issue’s release will coincide with the US Green Building Council’s annual Green Build show taking place Nov. 7-9th in..."

Daley weighs ambitious plan to promote 'green'
Chicago Tribune, by David Greising
November 6, 2007

Chicago, IL. "Wind turbines on Sears Tower and a "green" roof on the Merchandise Mart are two high-profile concepts on the drawing board as part of a wide-ranging, environmentally friendly development plan under consideration by the city...A first step toward Chicago's plan will be revealed Wednesday when former President Bill Clinton visits Chicago to announce assistance for retrofits of large commercial buildings. Chicago will pilot test the "Clinton Climate Initiative," a program backed by $5 billion in funding from some of the world's largest banks..."

Greenroofs as High Performance Design
Reed Construction Data, by Linda S. Velazquez
Posted November 5, 2007

The World. "Increasingly, high performance buildings, green design practices, and sustainable technologies are becoming major architectural influences and are now setting standards within the international construction industry...Greenroofs are fast becoming green staples of chic sustainability in mainstream architecture and high performance building. Greenroofs are vibrant and exciting alternatives to the average..."

Publisher's Note:  This is my first in a series of occassional columns with Reed Construction Data.

Shelter from the storm
scenta, by Staff
November 5, 2007

UK. "Our houses are built to shelter us from the elements, but more and more is being done to design buildings which care for the environment as well...The phenomenon is already widespread in Germany, where over 30 million square metres of green roofs have been erected since 2000, and grassy verges just might be coming soon to a rooftop near you. ‘Green Roofs are certainly increasing in popularity in the UK,’ says Anna Cooper from the Green Roof Centre..."

Garden with a view: Rooftop can expand your space
Chicago Daily Herald, by Pat Rubin
November 4, 2007

Chicago, IL. "A 4-foot ladder leaning against a narrow, shoulder-high deck takes you face to face with Bob and Fran Clarke's roof garden. Take a few steps to the left, and another, taller ladder leads you up onto the roof of the house and under the massive limbs of a 43-year-old pin oak, where you get a bird's-eye view of the wildflowers and succulents that inhabit the 4-by-16-foot shed roof garden. A catwalk on the lower side gives Bob room to walk the length..."

Green roof enhances house's uniqueness
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Kevin Kirkland
November 3, 2007

Pittsburgh, PA. "...that didn't stop Eric and Mary Fisher from making one part of the second-story deck at the house Mr. Fisher designed for them in Shadyside. Though the house is surrounded on three sides by traditional homes, the living roof looks to its neighbors more like a patio garden than an over-grown roof. A rectangle measuring 41 by 14 feet, it is level with the decking and accessible from the couple's bedroom..."

Turning a Roof Into a Garden in the Sky
washingtonpost.com, by Joel M. Lerner
November 3, 2007

U.S. "...The benefits of gardening on the roof are so many that the Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging cities to start roof garden programs. The EPA's goal is decreasing the heat-island effect found in cities, which raises temperatures in urban and suburban areas by several degrees. The agency estimates that increasing an urban area's acreage of planted space by just a few percentage points can lower temperatures several degrees, significantly reducing smog and saving millions of dollars in energy costs..."

Beachwood firm Tremco to build Clinton Library's "green" roof
Cleveland.com, by Peter Krouse
November 2, 2007

Little Rock, AR. "A Beachwood firm has been tapped to put a green roof on the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Ark. Tremco Inc. submitted the winning bid for the project, which includes putting a variety of plants and grasses over a section of roof that will double as a garden area for former President Clinton's personal office and residence. "He'll be able to walk out into it," said Ralph Velasquez, manager for sustainable technologies in Tremco's roofing and building maintenance group..."

Shades of Green
Colorado Biz Magazine, by David Lewis
November, 2007

Denver, CO. "...If not for the crane gracing the skyline, you probably wouldn’t realize the image on the cover of this month’s ColoradoBiz was taken atop an office tower. About 20,000 square feet of the Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters in Denver is covered with vegetation planted to insulate the building and minimize storm-water runoff. The 418,000-square-foot building at Wynkoop and 16th streets, which opened in September 2006, was built for the EPA to LEED standards..."

Champions of Sustainability
Midwest Construction, by Don Talend
November, 2007

Chicago, IL. "...But city government is not the only driving force behind the sustainable construction movement in Chicago. Three private-sector initiatives are relying heavily on the Internet to connect contractors, developers, owners, architects and engineers to sustainable construction resources and each other...Another Chicago-based sustainable construction growth initiative is a nonprofit entity for now: GreenBean, a Web-based central repository of information about sustainable construction projects in the Chicago metro area..."

A unifying force
Professional Roofing, by Kaylee Alberico
November, 2007

U.S. "The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress is probably the most important industry organization you know the least about...the Alliance contributed $100,000 to Penn State, State College, Pa., to help fund the university's green roofing and solar energy research, which includes research of green roof systems' R-values conducted by Jelena Srebric, a Penn State associate professor of architectural engineering and adjunct professor of mechanical and nuclear..."

Up on a (Green) Roof
Hawaii Business, by David K. Choo
November, 2007

Manoa, HI. "In a sunny corner of Manoa, Leyla Cabugos, a master's candidate in botany at the University of Hawaii, is conducting one of only two research projects that are studying green-roof applications in the Islands. Currently, she is carefully monitoring the growth of five different native Hawaiian ground covers and sedges in 28 planter boxes, 576 square feet in all..."

A landscape in the sky
Shed Style, posted by Debra Prinzing
November 2, 2007

Los Angeles, CA. "Wouldn’t it be great if succulents could transform the residential rooftops of the West? Well, it’s happening…one roof at a time...Designed by Pamela Berstler and Marilee Kuhlmann for a client in LA’s Sherman Oaks community, this green roof is a spectacular example of how overhead plantings enhance a..."

The California Academy of Sciences' beautiful new living-roof may well spark a revolution
San Francisco Chronicle, by Carol Lloyd
November 2, 2007

San Francisco, CA. "...It's also arguably the greenest museum in the world, built to achieve a platinum rating from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's Green Building Rating System. But the undulating green roof, planted with four native ground covers and five local wildflowers, will be a destination in itself. And in some ways, these hills of 1.7 million plants growing in 50,000 biodegradable coconut husk trays comprise the most inspiring element of the whole museum...According to Mark Palmer of San Francisco's Department of the Environment, the green roof is gaining in popularity. "We're seeing more and more residential applications for turf roofs in the building department," he said, adding that the Department of Building Inspection is currently working on a set of criteria for living roofs..."

Smith College to erect new science building
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, by Leah Thorton
November 2, 2007

Northampton, MA. "...Designed by architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the building's innovative design aims to promote energy efficiencies through the use of renewable resources for construction and natural elements for climate control. The building will have green roofs, porous pave-ment, vegetated swales, and the use of shading for natural temperature control - all as a means to promote..."

Green Roofs as Urban Ecosystems: Ecological Structures, Functions, and Services
BioOne Online Journals, by Erica Oberndorfer, Jeremy Lundholm, Brad Bass, Reid R. Coffman, Hitesh Doshi, Nigel Dunnett, Stuart Gaffin, Manfred Köhler, Karen K. Y. Liu, and Bradley Rowe
November, 2007

The World. "Green roofs (roofs with a vegetated surface and substrate) provide ecosystem services in urban areas, including improved storm-water management, better regulation of building temperatures, reduced urban heat-island effects, and increased urban wildlife habitat. This article reviews the evidence for these benefits and examines the biotic and abiotic components that contribute to overall ecosystem services..."

Green roofs offer energy savings, storm-water control
EurekAlert, Press Release
November 1, 2007

The World. "An article in the November 2007 issue of BioScience describes the history and summarizes the benefits and challenges of green roofs—roofs with a vegetated surface and substrate...The complete list of research articles in the November 2007 issue of BioScience is as follows: Green Roofs as Urban Ecosystems: Ecological Structures, Functions, and Services. Erica Oberndorfer, Jeremy Lundholm, Brad Bass, Reid R. Coffman, Hitesh Doshi, Nigel Dunnett, Stuart Gaffin, Manfred Köhler, Karen K. Y. Liu, and Bradley Rowe..."

Higgins Group: record results for 13th year as profit hits £11m
Contract Journal, by John Leitch
November 1, 2007

London, England. "...“The highest MMC score, well above 58%, is on our £6m project for London and Quadrant Group where we have such features as green roofing and biomass boilers. This is a client who is always looking to try out new options.” Asked if having green roofs results in having rabbits scampering up on the rooftops, Llewellyn said no. However there are more insects and birds..."

The art of the living roof
Los Angeles Times, by Debra Prinzing
November 1, 2007

Los Angeles, CA. "Plant a rooftop; change your life. That's Pamela Berstler's mission. By converting traditional heat-generating roofs into energy-saving ecosystems where succulents and wildflowers flourish, the West Los Angeles landscape designer hopes to transform the local landscape, one green roof at a time...Pasadena recently included green roofs in its mandatory green building policies for new municipal buildings..."

Greener Green Roofs
Architecture Week, by Christian Werthmann
October 31, 2007

Basel, Switzerland. "...They seem to be race cars in the fleet of green roofs — maximum performance paired with minimum weight. The simple soil mixtures and roof sections of the early days of green roofs developed into multilayered complex systems supporting the homogenous surface of succulents...Stephan Brenneisen, a Swiss green roof specialist and ecologist, claims that many of the thin substrates on sedum roofs lose their effectiveness over time..."

Green roofs start to sprout on urban homes
Christian Science Monitor, by Caitlin Carpenter
October 31, 2007

U.S. "...after a substantial renovation, their flat roof has come alive – literally...But besides finding a practical solution to a recurrent problem, Carter and Chase wanted a tangible way to show they were "walking the walk" when it came to their environmentalism...Karen Weber, founder of the green-roof promoting organization, Earth Our Only Home, says there are numerous benefits to green roofs...Until recently, several factors have limited the number of green roofs on homes, says Melissa Muroff of Roofscapes in Philadelphia..."

Businesses have variety of options to make their buildings eco friendly
Examiner.com, by Aaron Cahall
October 30, 2007

Baltimore, MD. "From simple air-friendly paints to big-ticket roof gardens, there are more options than ever for businesses looking to go green with a new building, or with renovations to their existing workspace..."

Stevenson teacher to incorporate green roof into classroom project
Chicago Daily Herald, by Abby Scalf
October 29, 2007

Chicago, IL. "Ron Carmichael plans to add some greenery to Stevenson High School. But once it's installed, no one will be able to see the green roof. That is, unless they study the temperature in the room below it. Carmichael, along with his environmental science students, plan later this year to install a 750-square-foot green roof above his east building classroom..."

Winthrop Club: Where luxury meets LEED
Chicago Sun-Times, by Marcy Marro
October 29, 2007

Evanston, IL. "...The Winthrop Club is set to become the first residential building to achieve Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through the U.S. Green Building Council by incorporating 25 green initiatives into the building...Green roofs on the parking garage and the building roof will consist of native landscaping that thrives in Illinois. Rainwater will be recaptured and reused for vegetation...“Eco-friendly building is the direction the industry is going, and builders who are doing it now are ahead of the curve,” Horner continued. “The need to incorporate green practices into our building is a response to the growing demand among socially conscious buyers. It is also driven by a shrinking supply of raw materials and the increased availability of rapidly-renewing resources...”

Homegrown Restoration
Monterey County Herald, by Laith Agha
October 29, 2007

Monterey, CA. "They call it a "living roof" — the flora-covered top of the California Academy of Sciences Museum under construction in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park...Before heading to San Francisco, the plants are grown in "biotray" modules — biodegradable trays designed by Rana Creek for the academy roof. The biotrays, which are 17 inches by 17 inches and 3 to 6 inches deep, are made of coconut coir — the fibers between the outer shell and the husk — and filled with soil. The trays are placed on the 160,000-square-foot rooflike tiles..."

'Green roof' researched at SIUE figures in TV show
Belleville News Democrat, by Teri Maddox
October 28, 2007

Edwardsville, IL. "...The associate biology professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was part of a St. Louis team that traveled to Arizona in April to put a green roof on an environmentally friendly home that will be featured on tonight's episode of the ABC reality series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." "It was awesome," said Retzlaff, 48, of Glen Carbon, who also serves as chairman of the SIUE biology department. "Where else can you go and see hundreds of people building an environmentally friendly home and completing the project in seven days? It was a real testament to what we can do when we put our minds to it..."

Publisher's Note: Read about this project here, and see this ABC Extreme Makeover - Home Edition episode on Greenroofs.TV.

Underground parking looks up
Robertson County Times, by Staff
October 27, 2007

Nashville, TN. "...One of the best places to start when discussing the advantages of underground parking can be found at Metro's Public Square. Nashville won an international award from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities with its green space at the Metro Courthouse. The park visible when traveling by the courthouse is actually a "green roof" to an underground parking lot..."

Weekend Pass
Scotsman.com, by Alex Aikman-Smith
October 27, 2007

Balmaha, Scotland. "...Our tastefully decorated bedrooms were on the first level and both had balconies from which to absorb the breathtaking scenery. Some of the lodges are single level and have 'living eco roofs' made from sedum alpines..."

PREFAB FRIDAY: pieceHomes
Inhabitat, by Ali Kriscenski
October 26, 2007

U.S. West Coast. "pieceHomes premiered at Dwell on Design last month with seven modern prefab designs that take full green advantage of factory-built construction...The flexibility gives homeowners the chance to bring affordability into the pieceHomes prefab package which can include solar panels, green roofs and low or no-VOC paints and finishes among other green building elements..."

Lessons from green roofs in Elk River and St. Paul
Coon Rapids ECM Publishers, by Joe Nathan
October 26, 2007

MN. "Folks in Elk River and St. Paul now have green plants up in the sky. That’s because Elk River’s Twin Lakes Elementary School, and Community of Peace, a St. Paul chartered public school, have installed “green roofs.” Everything I read urges communities to adopt this idea...Beyond the green roofs, these two schools illustrate something else. There is so much to be learned from innovative, effective district and chartered public schools. We must get better at spreading what the most talented educators have created."

Green-roof guru delivers the gospel
Louisville Courier-Journal, by James Bruggers
October 26, 2007

Louisville, KY. "...With the city of Louisville moving forward with its first "green roof," Mayor Jerry Abramson welcomed one of the movement's leading experts last night. Trying to inspire, Ed Snodgrass of Emory Knoll Farms in Maryland took more than 100 local architects, developers and other invited guests on a photographic tour of green roofs around the world..."."

Report looks at green
University of North Carolina The Daily Tar Heel, by Emily Stephenson
October 26, 2007

Chapel Hill, NC. "...The report also praised initiatives such as UNC's water-retaining "green roofs." These planted areas on roof-tops absorb moisture to prevent runoff. The green roof atop the new FedEx Global Education Center also recycles collected rain water, which flushes the building's..."

Ballet school and student residence for Hatfields
London SE1, by Staff
October 26, 2007

London, England. "...Residents of the student accommodation – which would be accessed from the Paris Garden side of the building – would enjoy the use of roof gardens and a terrace with trees on the podium between the towers. The south-western and south-eastern corners of the towers would feature 'living walls' of greenery..."

Beloit College's largest project
Beloit Daily News, by Ashley Rhodebeck
October 26, 2007

Beloit, WI. "...Recycling the old hall ties into the Center for the Sciences' commitment to environmental features. Beloit College is seeking a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, and the process is going well, Spencer said. The facility's green features were planned to include a green vegetated roof..."

Penn Sprouts Down-to-Earth Green Roof
Architectural Record, by Violet Law
October 25, 2007

Philadelphia, PA. "Most green roofs are located out of sight and beyond reach, but the future tenants of a residential and retail project now under construction in Philadelphia will get to enjoy a green roof designed to serve as both a garden and a storm-water treatment system. The roof will be located atop the ground-floor retail podium of the Radian, a 154-unit privately owned student housing-complex on the University of Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia campus...Locally based Pennoni Associates is responsible for the landscaping and engineering, while Roofscapes, a green-roof specialist also of Philadelphia, is providing technical assistance..."

Green Roofs Cost More, Pay Dividends
KETV.com, by Staff
October 25, 2007

Omaha, NE. "...The areas of Omaha that have combined sewers -- if you can reduce the amount of water going into these sewers, you are reducing the problem," said Kent Holm of the Douglas County Environmental Services Department. "You are not going to solve the problem with green roofs but you are going to be able to reduce some of that water..."

FOLLOW MY LEED
New York Post, by Katherine Dykstra
October 25, 2007

U.S. "...Buildings accrue points for their eco-friendly elements, such as bike storage, proximity to public transportation, reuse of existing materials and maximization of daylight. And, though most people think solar panels and green roofs when they hear "green building," it's often what you can't see that makes a building eco-friendly..."

Wachovia Greens Its Data Centers
Wall Street & Technology, Posted by Penny Crosman
October 24, 2007

U.S. "...Wachovia plans to build at least 300 green financial centers, in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification standards, by the year 2010, starting with eight green banking offices in California. By the end of 2008, every new Wachovia financial center opened throughout the U.S. will be built to LEED specifications. Wachovia also is building a green, 1.2 million-square-foot office tower at its Charlotte headquarters. This building will feature a green (vegetated) roof, will harvest rainwater for site irrigation..."

Charter school goes green in big way
Minneapolis Star Tribune, by James Walsh
October 24, 2007

Minneapolis, MN. "...Today, the school dedicates its new gymnasium building, complete with one of the first "green roofs" on a public school building in Minnesota. The gym roof, covered with soil and plants, is designed to make the building gentler on the environment, said Karen Rusthoven, Community of Peace's director and..."

Surge in Green Roofs Research Helps Planet
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Press Release
October 24, 2007</