April 27, 2007—Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American green roof industry association is pleased to announce the results from its Second Annual Industry Survey of corporate members’ completed green roof projects in 2006. The survey indicates a growth rate of more than 25% over 2005, representing more than 3 million square feet installed in 2006, says the association
For intensive green roofs that typically incorporate larger plants, the growth rate was 110% in 2006.
Green roof infrastructure involves the use of technologies that incorporate drainage/filtering systems, quality waterproofing, root-repellency, engineered growing media and plants. The benefits of green roofs include a reduction in storm water run-off, better heat and sound insulation, energy savings, improved air quality and reduction in the urban heat island. Other benefits include increased park space, improved aesthetics, community gardening and biodiversity.
The City of Chicago, which has policies in place to support green roofs and urban greening, implemented the most square feet of green roofs in 2006 of any city, followed closely by Washington, D.C. The top cities, from the top down, by total square footage installed, are: Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; Wildwood Crest, NJ; Dulles, VA; Kansas City, MO; Phoenix, AZ; Milwaukee, WI; New York City; NY; Portland, OR and Columbus, OH.
For more on the association, see the Web site.
