Green Roof Industry Grows by more than 25
per cent in 2006
With over 100 per cent growth in the
Intensive, Green roof garden market segment
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North
American green roof industry association has announced the results of its
second annual Industry Survey of corporate members’ completed green roof
projects in 2006. The Survey indicates a growth rate of more than 25 per cent
over 2005, representing more than three million square feet installed in 2006.
For Intensive green roofs that typically incorporate larger plants, the growth
rate was 110 per cent in 2006.
“The green roof industry is growing rapidly
in response to the pressing need for cleaner air, better storm water
management, improved energy efficiency and more usable green space in our
communities,” said Steven Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for
Healthy Cities. “Green roofs have really captured many people’s attention as a
beautiful way to help fight climate change and save money. Green roofs deliver
more public and private benefits than any other green building technology, so
we anticipate that strong growth will continue into the future.”
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, DC. “My
goal is to make Chicago the greenest, most environmentally friendly city in the
nation and we are leading by example in our green roof development,” said Mayor
Richard M. Daley. “With over one million square feet of green roofs completed
in Chicago and another two million in development, our city has truly embraced
this practice as a way to help conserve Chicago for future generations.”
The 2006 Top 10 Cities list, from the top
down, by total square footage installed, includes: Chicago, IL; Washington, DC;
Wildwood Crest, NJ; Dulles, VA; Kansas City, MO; Phoenix, AZ; Milwaukee, WI;
New York City, NY; Portland, OR and Columbus, OH. Evidence of the rapidly
growing industry is reflected in the steadily increasing number of delegates
registered for the Fifth Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities
Conference, Awards and Tradeshow event which was held Apr. 29 to May 1, 2007,
in Minneapolis, Minn. More than 80 exhibitors featured the latest in green roof
products and services at the event.
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.
