Chicago Ranked #1 in Survey of Green Roofs Planted

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a non-profit industry association whose mission is to increase the development of the green roof industry across North America is pleased to announce the results from the first survey of its Corporate Members independently administered by Kendon Light, E.A.

The top ten cities by square footage planted in 2005 are as follows:

1. Chicago, Ill.

2. Washington D,C.

3. Suitland, Md.

4. Ashburn, Va.

5. New York, N.Y.

6. Culpepper, Va.

7. Austin, Texas

8. Arlington, Va.

9. Des Moines, Iowa

10. Ottawa, Ont.

The survey asked member-companies to report on their completed 2004 and 2005 green roof projects in North America.

Results indicate a 72% growth in green roof square footage across North America between 2004 and 2005, and over 80% growth in the U.S.. 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 & President of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “We anticipate even greater growth in the future.”

Green roof infrastructure (a.k.a. eco-roofs and vegetated roofs) involve the use of technologies that incorporate drainage systems, high quality waterproofing, a root-repellant layer, specialized growing media and specially selected plants onto the roofs of buildings.

The benefits of green roofing are widespread and 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.

Source: Greenroof.org