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Green Roof Industry Survey Notes 80 Percent Growth
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a nonprofit industry association whose
mission is to increase the development of the green roof industry across
North America, has announced the results of its first corporate members
Survey independently administered by Kendon Light, E.A.
The survey asked member companies to report on their completed 2004 and
2005 green roof projects in North America. Results indicate a 72 percent
growth in green roof square footage across North America between 2004
and 2005, and more than 80 percent growth in the United States. North
American green roof infrastructure implementation increased from 1.3
million square feet in 2004 to 2.5 million square feet in 2005.
"We're very excited to see the actual growth numbers, which match the
huge increase in green roof interest our association members see on a
daily basis," said Steven Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for
Healthy Cities. "We anticipate even greater growth in the future."
Boston, Mass., which ranked 4th in the 2004 Top Ten Cities list is the
co-host of the 4th Annual Green Roof Conference, Awards and Trade Show
on May 11-12, 2006. "Boston is proud to host this year's Green Roofs
Conference," Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. "Our city is committed to
sustainability through high-performance green buildings and green roofs
will be an important component in meeting LEED(TM) standards, slowing
climate change, and keeping our environment clean and healthy for the
future of our cities."
The Top 10 cities by square footage planted in 2005 are as follows:
Chicago, Ill.; Washington, D.C.; Suitland, Md.; Ashburn, Va.; New York,
N.Y.; Culpepper, Va.; Austin, Texas; Arlington, Va.; Des Moines, Iowa;
and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
"Given their many public benefits, more and more cities, states and
utilities are developing policies that support widespread green roof
implementation," said Peter Lowitt, chairman of Green Roofs for Healthy
Cities.
Green roof infrastructure (eco-roofs and vegetated roofs) involves the
use of technologies that incorporate drainage systems, high-quality
waterproofing, a root-repellant layer, light-weight growing media and
specially selected plants onto the roofs of buildings. The benefits of
green roofing include a significant reduction in storm-water run-off,
better heat and sound insulation, energy savings, improved air quality,
and reduction in the city's urban heat island. Other benefits include
increased park space, improved aesthetics, community gardening and
biodiversity.
Published 04/14/2006
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