2008:

Massive Saanich shopping centre redevelopment goes green
Journal of Commerce, by Shannon Moneo
December 31, 2008

Saanich, Canada. "...Green roofs will be used on a number of Uptown’s low-rise buildings. Most will have flat, ground cover, but one building will feature an accessible roof where people can meet. An integrated, in-water collection system will harvest the Island’s abundant precipitation, which will be used to irrigate the green roofs and the vegetation accenting Uptown..."

Toronto's green report card
Toronto Star, by Moira Welsh
December 29, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...CLEAN AIR-The Good: The Live Green Toronto program started this year with a budget of $1.5 million, set to increase to $20 million by 2012 if budget requests are met. The program will help community groups carry out environmental projects such as tree planting and building green roofs..."

Building green
Richmond Times Dispatch, by Doug Childers
December 28, 2008

Richmond, VA. "...The financial incentive to build -- and buy -- green is powerful. Building a green home can increase its construction costs by as little as 1 percent to 2 percent, but homeowners can recoup the extra expense through energy savings. For instance, the award-winning town home Scandia built in Rocketts Landing is 42 percent more energy-efficient than standard homes. Its vegetated roof cuts down on the storm water runoff by 80 percent..."

Museum Center considers roof of plants
Cincinnati.com, by Lauren Bishop
December 28, 2008

Cincinnati, OH. "...The Museum Center in Queensgate is embarking on an estimated $8.35 million restoration project that includes replacing the 19-year-old roof, which leaks and has caused water damage throughout the 75-year-old national historic landmark, Museum Center officials say. But rather than install a conventional roof, the Museum Center is testing the feasibility of planting vegetation on the flat areas of its roof -- not its iconic dome - - because of the projected cost savings, durability and environmental benefits..."

Vegetation to top tower at Ball Memorial Hospital
Muncie Star Press, by Seth Slabaugh
December 27, 2008

Muncie, IN. "Muncie is getting its second green roof, which will be much bigger than the first one. Ball Memorial Hospital will install more than 30,000 square feet of vegetation on top of its new, $87 million South Tower...Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded a $120,000 grant to help pay for the hospital's green roof, estimated to cost $400,000 to $550,000. The American Elec-tric Power Foundation has granted another $200,000 for the green roof..."

Graze the Roof, a rooftop garden at Glide
San Francisco Chronicle, by Matthew Green
December 27, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "Deep in the heart of winter, a small garden continues to flourish, producing winter crops such as kale, tur-nips, radishes, carrots and leafy greens. During the summer, this plot of land high above San Francisco's Tenderloin neighbor-hood, seven stories closer to the sun, was a lush edible rooftop landscape..."

Veg.itecture #47
Landscape+Urbanism, by Jason King
December 27, 2008

The World. "...is there something more needed to increase the dialogue and informational aspects of vegetated architecture...project from Chile came via World Architecture Community provides some graphics of the Centro intercultural indigena, by Pablo Correa. The stepped forms allow for a delicate insertion into the surrounding site, as well as usable open spaces - particularly the fully accessible upper roof...a similar quickie from eye candy features a verdant rooftop scene from nabil gholam architects..."

Rooftop landscaping project at Tobyhanna Army Depot nears completion
Pocono Record, by Staff
December 26, 2008

Tobyhanna, PA. "Workers from Silvercool Roof recently installed the second of four green roofs on Building 11's Wing C at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Each green roof will cover about 14,000 square feet with about 1,500 pre-planted modules of plants..."

LEED Offers More Options for Your Growing Business
Lawn & Landscape, by Chris Howe
December 22, 2008

U.S. "...Vegetated walls can be cement block landscape retaining walls with planted, soil-filled cavities between the blocks, plastic soil holding modules attached to exterior building walls or even interior building walls...In addition to completely new territory to plant, green roofs, rain gardens and vegetated walls bring more areas that require ongoing maintenance. This includes the management of fertility, soil, weeds, trimming and cleaning up..."

MWCD may offer credit Businesses could save through conservation
Wooster Daily Record, by Katy Ganz
December 22, 2008

Muskingum Watershed, OH. "...As the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District's 2009 assessment remains in limbo, the MWCD voted this week in favor of offering business a possible 30 percent assessment credit to promote storm water conservation practices...Other programs that qualify include rain gardens, vegetative roof gardens and rain barrels..."

The Jalousie Enclave Launches In St. Lucia
Hotel Interactive, Inc., Press Release
December 22, 2008

St. Lucia. "..All structures at The Jalousie Enclave will be built to the United States Green Building Council’s highest Leader-ship in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards ensuring the preservation of the area’s protected natural resources. The Jalousie Enclave will complement the natural beauty of its surroundings with carefully designed homes, amenities and landscaping...As a true model for sustainable living, The Jalousie Enclave will use filtered “gray” water in each home’s WCs, solar-powered water heaters and some green roofs..."

10 Ideas for An Environmentally Friendly Roof
Discovery Technology, by Madelyn Mahon
December 22, 2008

U.S.  "...Ralph Velasquez, director of sustainable technology for Tremco, a sustainability focused roofing company in Beachwood, Ohio, notes a growing desire for environmentally friendly roofing products as Americans become more conscious of their environmental impact... 2. The Perfect Plant. Velasquez says his company has hired a horticulturalist to work on their green roof projects to select plants native to the region, as indigenous plants require minimal care...4. Green Paks. For individuals that are looking for an easy way to set up a vegetated roof without professional help or a lot of investment, Green Paks are the way to go..."

Sarasota County looks to save money by saving energy
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Zac Anderson
December 21, 2008

Sarasota County, FL. "...Green roofs and solar devices are two aspects of Sarasota County's new comprehensive energy management plan, the first of its kind in Southwest Florida and something county leaders hope will spur..."

ACUI brings sustainability education to campus community builders
Media Newswire, Press Release
December 20, 2008

U.S. "The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) is on a mission to further the sustainability education of college union and student activities professionals by acting as a resource...The program took an in-depth look at many sustainability topics relevant to higher education, including the triple bottom line, green roofs, the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, funding for student sustainability projects..."

Students plan green makeover for old factory
Princeton University, by Chris Emery
December 18, 2008

Princeton, NJ."...Harris teaches the students to apply a holistic approach to efficiency and environmental sustainability by asking them to evaluate a wide range of measures, such as harvesting rainwater, exchanging energy with the ground to heat and cool a building, and installing rooftop solar panels and green roofs. In the process, they learn rare skills likely to be in high demand in coming years..."

Fife leads in low-impact development
Fife Free Press, by Meghan Erkkinen
December 18, 2008

Fife, WA. "...instead of using storm ponds to collect excess runoff from impervious surfaces such as buildings or pavement, a developer could opt for pervious pavement, which allows water to seep through into the ground, or roof gardens, which would collect and soak up rainwater. Under the new requirements, low-impact techniques would be required as part of all stormwater drainage permits within the city..."

New Green Roof Graces Department of the Interior Building
NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, by ENS
December 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. "Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today cut the ribbon opening a new green roof that has been planted on the third wing of the Main Interior Building in Washington. "What more suitable place for a green roof than the headquarters of America's conservation department in Washington, DC?"...The roof was installed by Roofscapes, Inc. of Philadelphia, the award-winning company that installed the famous green roof on Chicago City Hall..."

Living green can make the city more cost-effective
Staunton News Leader, by Bruce Dorries
December 17, 2008

Staunton, VA. "...Options include growing more food locally, and finding ways to encourage less commuting and more walking or cycling. Converting unused parking lots to pocket parks and carbon pools makes sense, as does helping property owners install "green roofs" and other energy saving improvements..."

UK Building Clients Push for Recycled Materials
GreenerBuildings, by Staff
December 16, 2008

UK. "Architects and clients throughout the U.K. are striving to make greener buildings, with many attracted to cost savings... Software maker Autodesk and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) asked...Practices expected to grow over the next five years include green roofs...Many of the figures from the survey mirror those from Autodesk's U.S. survey, which is conduct(ed) with the American Institute of Architects..."

Totton College £40m rebuild gets the green light
Southern Daily Echo, by Chris Yandell
December 16, 2008

Hampshire, England. "...The new-look campus will comprise a three-storey complex with three wedge-shaped wings. It will boast a futuristic design as well as several eco-friendly features including “green” roofs covered in plants, solar panels and facilities that will enable the college to recycle rainwater..."

Sustainability Already High on GSA Priority List
NewsLI, by Jim Williams
December 16, 2008

U.S. "...GSA has made sustainable design a priority because it helps preserve natural resources, spurs innovation, and saves taxpayer dollars over the long run...GSA achievements in energy efficiency include: installing more than 500,000 square feet of planted roofs, including one of the largest green roofs on the Eastern Seaboard that saved the government more than $1 million in costs related to stormwater..."

As 'green' architecture advances, glass buildings pose hazard to birds
Boston Globe, by Bina Venkataraman
December 15, 2008

Boston, MA. "...Roof gardens, aimed at decreasing runoff and improving energy efficiency in buildings, also contribute to bird kills by attracting birds too close to plated glass, said Kate Orff, a landscape architect and professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architec-ture. "Green roofs are all the rage now," said Orff, speaking at the recent GreenBuild International Conference in Boston. "This has become a crucial problem in contemporary architecture..."

Land Matters: Is Sustainable Affordable?
LAND Online, by Bill Thompson, FASLA
December 15, 2008

San Francisco, CA. and U.S. "More and more these days, I’m seeing residential landscapes with the tag “sustainable” attached...This month’s cover project, “La Casa Verde” in San Francisco’s Mission District, goes far beyond such tokenism. It features, among other things, a wind turbine to produce electricity for the house and two large cisterns under the patio that collect rainwater for use in the house and to be fed into a drip irrigation system for the garden and terraces. Other features include green roof panels for insulation..."

Jamesville prison officials seek to test 4 'green' roofing options on buildings
Syracuse.com, by John Mariani
December 15, 2008

Jamesville, NY. "A routine roofing project at the Onondaga County Correctional Facility in Jamesville is morphing into an experiment testing "green" roofing techniques...Because the units are of the same design, in the same place and exposed to the same weather conditions, he said, they can provide an "apples-to-apples comparison" of four different roofing options: a conventional roof, two sunlight-reflecting systems and a roof covered with living plants..."

Green Is the New Color of Lobbying
Wall Street Journal, by Brody Mullins
December 13, 2008

Washington, D.C. "Lobbying for green energy has become a red hot business here. From electric cars to "green" roofs, companies that produce renewable fuels and energy-efficient products have snapped up Washington lobbyists at a rapid clip to get a helping hand from the federal government...Green lobbyists are watching the coming economic-stimulus bill, which President-elect Barack Obama says will include grants and tax incentives for energy-efficient products and renewable fuels..."It's all very positive for those in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry," says Craig Silvertooth, executive director of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing..."

Pilsen and Englewood plan for new, low-income housing
Chi-Town Daily News, by Megan Cottrell
December 12, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Both developments will be built according to "green" building standards. Englewood apartments will be LEED certified and have a green roof, high-efficiency insulation, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, rain gardens and native landscape. Casa Maravilla will also incorporate various green elements into the design including: water permeable paving, highly efficient mechanical systems, and green roofing and insulation..."

Green space ideas blossom
Daily Breeze, by Staff
December 11, 2008

Los Angeles area, CA. "...The approval this week of a $102.5 million satellite campus for San Pedro High School included plans to create what is billed as a model of "green" building, complete with roofs that will be covered in vegetation. Such green roofs have the advantage of keeping buildings cool and providing organic produce. In a parallel -- or maybe a better word in this case is perpendicular -- development, the nonprofit group Urban Farming this year established four "edible" green walls in downtown Los Angeles..."

City likely to OK $5.3M for Target Center green roof
Minneapolis Star Tribune, by Steve Brandt
December 11, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "The green roof expected to be approved today for the Target Center in Minneapolis represents a bet by city leaders that the arena will remain viable beyond the city's lease with the Timberwolves..."This is about the most simplistic roof that there is for doing right by the environment," Goodman said. Consultants say they think the roof would represent the largest such thin green roof in Minnesota."

Stimulate Greening in the Public Square II
Huffington Post, by Amitai Etzioni
December 11, 2008

U.S. "...The greening of the public square should be set as a requirement for all new facilities and tools (e.g., all new buildings should be required to meet basic green standards, all new vehicles to meet higher and rising CAFE standards, etc.) and applied to the retrofitting of old ones (through improved insulation, green roofs and so on)..."

‘Plants on a hot tin roof’; Theater plans to go green
The Villager, by Casey Samulski
December 10 - 16, 2008

New York, NY. "...Having gone from trashed, broken and in debt to full-house runs, an ambitious film-screening program and a number of hit plays, Theater for the New City’s board is looking to continue improving upon what they’ve built. A green roof is the next big step, and many, like environmental expert Paul Bartlett, see the innovative idea as another opportunity to give back to their patrons..."

DEP Grant Funds Largest Green Roof In The State
WJHG-TV, Dee Ann Miller
December 10, 2008

Escambia County, FL. "The county will use the funding for construction of a green roof as well as for a pervious pavement parking lot with recessed landscape islands at its One Stop Permitting Center, where all county development applications and building permits will be processed. When the complete, the green roof will total 33,160 square feet, the largest in Florida... This is the third, and final, green roof research and demonstration project DEP has helped to fund in the past..."

Housebuilder and school create eco-Christmas tree
Easier, by Staff
December 10, 2008

Upton, England. "...Barratt Northampton's NU@D2 and the Upton Meadow Primary School, who both incorporate eco-features within their homes and building, created the five foot tree during December...Homes at NU@D2 incorporate solar panels to supply hot water, PV panels to generate electricity, and ‘living' roofs, made of sedum, to help with storm water runoff..."

OPRF going 'green'
River Forest Leaves, by Chris Lafortune
December 10, 2008

Oak Park, IL. "Oak Park-River Forest High School is looking at how it can be more environmentally friendly campus. Right now, District 200 has various people studying areas such as plastics recycling, paper reduction, green roofs, solar panels and wind turbines, Operations Assistant Superintendent Jack Lanenga..."

Legislation Update: Industry Challenges for 2009
Lawn & Landscape, by Tom Delaney
December 9, 2008

IL. " In recent months, the United Union of Roofers, Water Roofers and Allied Workers Local No. 11 have launched a campaign to establish roofers as the primary installers of green roof systems...The roofers’ union apparently feels that any construction that occurs on a roof falls within the domain of a roofer. This position is misguided considering that heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors and other tradesmen do construction on roofs all the time and are not roofers..."

Fridley firm submits low bid for green Target Center roof
Finance and Commerce, Brian Johnson
December 9, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "Stock Roofing Co., a 20-year-old Fridley firm, is the apparent choice to put a new vegetated green roof on the Target Center. Stock Roofing submitted bid of $5.32 million to put a green lid on the Minneapolis-owned arena, beating out North St. Paul-based Berwald Roofing ($7.47 million), and Minneapolis-based John A. Dalsin & Sons ($7.68 million), according to city documents..."

Daniel Libeskind’s Soaring Green Garden Tower for NYC
Inhabitat, by Bridgette Steffen
December 9, 2008

New York, NY. "Daniel Libeskind recently unveiled a soaring green skyscraper for New York that is constructed of mostly glass and stands to be the city’s tallest residential structure at 900 feet. Dubbed the New York Tower at One Madison Avenue, the 54-story apartment building features a series of ‘sky gardens‘ cut out from its facade that provide green space and terraced balconies for residents..."

Engineers study impact of green roofs
4029tv.com, by Staff and AP
December 8, 2008

Fayetteville, AR. "In a research project at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Watershed Research and Education Center, graduate student Chan-non Toland is studying the use of green roofs to control the storm water that now runs off of manmade structures. Working with Brian Haggard, director of the Arkansas Water Resources Center, and Mark Boyer, head of the department of landscape architecture, Toland built 15 mock green roofs at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Watershed Research and Education Center in Fayetteville..."

St. Albans' Marriott Hall Tops Out
Associated Construction Publications, by Christina Fisher
December 8, 2008

Washington, D.C. "St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., recently celebrated a significant milestone – the topping out of the new Marriott Hall...The 75-foot-high structure incorporates a multitude of intermediate levels and houses nine new classrooms as well as 13 new faculty offices. The project also provides numerous “green” roofs, and incorporates an accessible garden and patio..."

Add green to zoning scheme
Dallas Morning News, by Joan Ravkind Susman
December 7, 2008

Dallas, TX. "Zoning proposal aims for urban living -- 'Form-based' plan would bend codes to allow denser building...Other parts include preserving open spaces, expanding park acreages, and planting lots of trees, including on downtown and uptown roof gardens..."

Green Streets plan creates opportunity
The Tennessean, by Parker Toler
December 6, 2008

Nashville, TN. "...The green infrastructure means an approach to wet weather management that is cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly. This legislation incorporates a management approach that captures and reuses storm water to maintain and restore plant life. This could include rain gardens, porous pavement, green roofs, infiltration planters, trees and tree boxes, swales and curb extensions..."

Students provide field trip to a future on South Tacoma Way
TheNewsTribune.com, Kathleen Merryman
December 6, 2008

Tacoma, WA. "...The grocery store for which residents yearn would be the marquee centerpiece of Benjamin Ledford’s block of town homes, apartments and a parking garage topped by roof gardens... The dream team would build a promenade to the Water Ditch Trail, and a profusion of plazas, roof gardens..."

After EPA rejection, it’s back to drawing board for MSD
Bizjournals.com, by Dan Monk
December 5, 2008

Cincinnati, OH. "...The upgrades were ordered by a 2004 consent decree that settled an EPA lawsuit alleging the sewer system violated the federal Clean Water Act. The sewer district was hoping to use rain gardens, green roofs and other natural solutions to divert water from the sewers. The EPA instead has pushed for construction of a 5.7-mile tunnel to temporarily store 160 million gallons of sewage during heavy rain. The tunnel and sewer connections to it would cost nearly $1 billion..."

Taking stock of the city’s efforts to get greener
Downtown Journal, by Sarah McKenzie
December 5, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "Gayle Prest is the point person for the city's sustainability efforts...We have so many more rain gardens, green roofs, stormwater ponds than we had just a few years ago. People are understanding that there are viable options to the classic asphalt and concrete..."

Southern Convention Centers Embrace Green
Successful Meetings, by Matt Alderton
December 3, 2008

Athens, GA. "...We are considering three more green areas for next year, including food composting, improved storm water management, and experiential green roofs," said Philip Verrastro, assistant executive director at the Classic Center..."

Downtown-Based HOPE Program Launches ‘Green Collar Project’
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, by Sarah Tobol
December 3, 2008

Brooklyn, NY. "...Students in the Green Collar Project will complete the usual work-readiness training, but will also be trained to work in the “green economy,” said Delsman. Someone could get a job as an Environmental Remediation Technician, which includes removal of asbestos and lead, “green maintenance and waste management, recycling, urban forestry, waterfront restoration, green roofs, and energy efficiently practices..”

(Modern) Hanging Gardens Chill Urbania
Center For American Progress, by Staff
December 3, 2008

U.S. "David Hart, with Tremco Inc., talks with Rahn Wuest, a supervisor for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Cincinnati, atop a green roof at a sewer district station on October 1, 2008, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati plans to offer financial incentives to property owners to replace tar and shingles with vegetation...Installing a green roof is one more solution to climate problems that has a long list of great benefits..."

Benefits of Green Roofs
MLive.com, by Lynn Stevens
December 3, 2008

MI. "...The values outweigh the upfront cost for some customers, if the rapid growth of LiveRoof in Spring Lake is an indicator. The company, a subsidiary of Nunica-based Hortech Inc., installed its first modular green roof in April 2007. Later that year it grew and installed Haworth Inc.'s 45,000-square-foot green roof..."

Installation of campus's second green roof delayed
Diamondback Online, by Tirza Austin
December 3, 2008

College Park, MD. "...The $2.7-million project will upgrade the 35-year-old roofs that were passed over during Stamp's previous renovation project. The rooms were originally designed as outdoor courtyards and were enclosed later, causing pooling water on the roofs, which leak when it rains. The vegetation on the green roof will prevent the leaks by absorbing the water, Gnadt said..."

The new front door at the house of TJ
C-Ville Weekly, by Erika Howsare
December 2, 2008

Monticello, VA. "...then there's the vegetated roof on the building that houses the (absolutely enormous) gift shop, which —because of that slope I mentioned —is at eye level when you're waiting for the bus to take you up to the house. Which amounts to a nice big ad for green roofs that half a million people a year will see..."

Trammell Crow Shares Timeline for Austin Development
Texas Contractor, by Staff
December 1, 2008

Austin, TX. "...The site, where the Green Water Treatment Plant and the adjoining Austin Energy Control Center sit along the north bank of Lady Bird Lake, together represent Austin’s largest downtown redevelopment effort to date. The plan includes delivering a LEED...Gold certification on the entire project, including buildings outfitted with solar thermal collectors, double skin membranes, solar screens, and vegetated roofs..."

Building getting city's first 'green roof'
Louisville Courier-Journal, by James Bruggers
November 28, 2008

Louisville, KY. "Thousands of plants are finding a new home atop Louisville's seven-story Economic Development Building, giving metro government its first "green roof." Workers are placing each of the tiny, young plants in beds about 20 feet long and 12 feet wide, separated by gravel walkways. Four small hawthorn trees, their red berries still clinging to their branches, grow in containers positioned atop the support pillars of the building, also known as the "444 Building" at 444 S. Fifth St..."

Charlottesville goes for more green
Charlottesville Daily Progress, by Rachana Dixit
November 28, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "Most of the water saved in Atwood’s project will be used to flush toilets, while some will also be used for landscaping and cooling purposes. Green roofs are useful and contribute to energy savings, he said, but even that invention has its weaknesses. “Most green roofs have stress because it’s a difficult environment for a plant to survive...”

Fury at Forest Hill eco-plan
South London Press Today, by Michael Stringer
November 28, 2008

London, England. "...Stuart Cuncliffe, project director for developers Loromah Estates, said: “All the proposed buildings would have “green” or “living” roofs, some of which would form wildflower meadows. “There are a range of measures to encourage biodiversity.” But Mr Wood said: “A development that is a death sentence for local trees and wildlife doesn’t get any better by giving it a green roof and putting up a few bat boxes...”

Davenport lauded for green projects
Quad City Times, by Tory Brecht
November 27, 2008

Davenport, IA. "Green roofs, hybrid cars added to the city fleet, brownfields converted to parks and even waterless urinals helped Davenport garner a national sustainability award..."

Town of Forest Heights mulls going ‘green'
Business Gazette, by Joshua Garner
November 27, 2008

Forest Heights, MD. "...The town is currently accepting proposals and bids for both green roofs and traditional roof tops, with the hope of making a decision by the end of December, in anticipation of winter weather, and starting construction early next year...If town officials choose to build the green roof, the roof would be financed by grants and state bonds totaling more than $200,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources..."

Guest Opinion: Treading On A Taboo
Record Courier, by Jack Hart
November 27, 2008

Portland, OR. "Each Tuesday I carry the recycling to the curb and look out over a city bristling with light rail, street cars, bicycles, eco-roofs, and little yellow bins like mine...When it comes to global warming, we’re ignoring one simple truth: The Earth doesn’t care about per-capita greenhouse-gas production. It’s the total amount of CO2 in the air that..."

Green Dreams on Madison Square
New York Magazine, by Justin Davidson
November 26, 2008

New York, NY. "Six years after Daniel Libeskind alighted in the middle of the World Trade Center circus, bearing images of glass towers dripping with sky gardens, the architect has unveiled a proposal for his first New York building: a glass tower dripping with sky gardens..."

Building a green skyline
Eye Weekly, by Paul Gallant
November 26, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...Next month, city council will vote on changes to Toronto’s Green Standard and, if they approve them, even the laziest of Toronto developers will be required to beat the National Energy Code by at least 25 per cent...mandatory for all new mid-sized and large buildings, if council approves the accompanying Green Roofs bylaw...Council will also vote on an Eco-roof Initiative Program, which would give up to $100,000 to owners of existing buildings installing green or cool roofs in the next year..."

A Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Business Lexington, by Margaret Buranen
November 26, 2008

Lexington, KY. "The new storm sewer tax Lexington property owners will have to pay is one that many communities around the country have had in place for years... Property owners who incorporate these strategies would then apply to the city for an inspection to verify that standards have been met and once approved, receive a credit...Overview: A green roof..."

With Denim Insulation, California Museum is Green Pioneer
Women's Wear Daily, by Joanna Ramey
November 26, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "...But it is Piano’s living roof of 1.7 million plants and wild-flowers native to California that is the building’s signature feature. Officials said the rooftop keeps the interior of the structure an average of 10 degrees cooler than a conventional roof and the vegetation turns carbon dioxide into oxygen, keeps rain-water from running off into storm drains and cuts down energy needs...."

Board approves conservation plan for White Oak rec center
Business Gazette, by Robert Dongu
November 26, 2008

Montgomery County, MD. "...The Planning Board decided on the forest conservation plan because the site is in a park. After the August 2008 mandatory referral, the county Department of Recreation suggested measures such as adding a vegetated roof and reducing the impact of storm water outfalls, according to the report..."

Sainsbury's super-sizes its new headquarters!
Islington Gazette, by Staff
November 26, 2008

London, England. "...The supermarket giant unveiled designs for a huge nine-storey, 250,000 square feet office block with roof gardens, cafes and shops as it officially applied for planning permission to Camden Council..."

Environment Report: Roof Gardens
WBFO, by Joyce Kryszak
November 25, 2008

Buffalo, NY. "When most people put a new roof on their home they usually use standard asphalt or tile roofing. But other people are going for something more natural. They're planting grass and flowers on their houses. In this report filed for the Environment Report, WBFO's Joyce Kryszak talked with a local builder who planted a green roof on his garage to show his neighbors how it works..."

RHS promotes urban design at London show
GleeWire, by Mary Clarke
November 25, 2008

London, England. "...The theme of the show will be a boon to London Mayor Boris Johnson’s hopes for a capital full of roof gardens. In August, Johnson called for Londoners to increase the number of green spaces in the city to soak up rainwater and prevent flooding..."

Working for a Greener Harlem
Gotham Gazette, by Melissa Checker
November, 2008

New York, NY. "...Another of PlaNYC's strategies to offset the "urban heat island effect" is to encourage green roofs, roofs that are at least partially covered with vegetation to absorb storm water, reflect sunlight and insulate the building. To launch that effort, WEACT is raising funds from private donors for its "From Tar Beach to Green Roofs" initiative to create green roofs all along 125th Street. It plans to start with some of the public buildings, including two schools where students will be involved in the design process..."

The truth about life in a 'green' house
Independent, by Donnachadh McCarthy
November 26, 2008

Bristol, England. "...According to government targets, only carbon-zero houses can legally be built after 2016. Given that most of us will either be living in an eco-build or have to reduce our CO2 emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, what is it like living in a green house?...The roof also saves a lot of energy. It's very well insulated. In fact, it's covered with rubber, soil and flowers and made getting building insurance a nightmare. Green roofs are a haven for wildlife..."

Green scene in Boston
Cape Cod Times, by Sarah Shemkus
November 25, 2008

Boston, MA. "At the Greenbuild Conference and Expo last week, 807 exhibitors showcased products and services from recycled paper to advanced, high-efficiency climate control systems...Another popular trend among exhibitors was green roofs..."

Event tackles basics of green roofs
Property Week News, by Staff
November 25, 2008

London, England. "Architects, local authorities and planners will assemble at Building Design’s Living Roofs and Walls conference on 27 January 2009 to discuss the long-term economic benefits of installing living roofs and walls...Speakers include Buro Happold, Max Fordham, Sheffield City Council, Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Dusty Gedge from Living Roofs."

Contractor takes issue with taxpayer cost for Dubuque to install special roof on facility
Dubuque Telegraph Herald, by Andy Piper
November 24, 2008

Dubuque, IA. "...Jim Giese realizes that his criticism of the $189,920 plan to install a "green roof" atop Fire Department head-quarters might be construed as sour grapes ...Mayor Roy Buol understands concerns about the up-front costs, but he said there are many intangibles that have to be considered, not the least of which is the city's leadership role in green initiatives and serving as a model for others..."

Enviro-cities
Creative Loafing, by Karen Shugart
November 24, 2008

Charlotte, NC. "...city staff hope to apply the lessons learned to other government buildings and reap the environmental benefits of the rooftop gardens. A recent analysis found the Government Center would not be a good candidate, said City Councilman Edwin Peacock, who heads the council's environmental committee. But the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department headquarters, due for a new roof at the end of 2009, might..."

Green roofs hold key to sustainability
Government News, by Staff
November 24, 2008

Madrid, Spain. "Spanish researchers are trialling a third-generation ecological roof using indigenous plants in a bid to make buildings more sustainable while retaining visual attraction. According to a Science Daily report, researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) have built a roof covered with plants and a watering system designed to optimise insulation effects..."

'Living' roofs give a green benefit
Scarborough Today, by Staff
November 24, 2008

Scarborough, England. "Eco-green innovations are literally hitting the roof in Scarborough where there are at least two successful living plant roofs...the Sure Start centre in Briercliffe, which provides support for young families, a third of the roof is sedum...The sedum roof at Woodend Creative Workspace has been installed for around a year and is roughly the size of a tennis court on the new wing..."

Eco features on offer at Northampton development
Easier, by Staff
November 24, 2008

Upton, England. "Selling electricity back to your utility supplier and roofs layered with plants sounds like new homes of the future. But these and more eco friendly features are being installed at a housing development in Upton, Northampton...The environmentally friendly features are all part of Barratt's vision for NU@D2 to create a sustainable and healthy living environment, where residents are encouraged to walk and cycle to amenities, rather than rely on cars, via ground-breaking urban..."

Jackson Square rebuilding with an emphasis on green
Boston Globe, by Kimberly Sanfeliz
November 23, 2008

Boston, MA. "...The pilot program that certified the Jackson Square project focuses on entire neighborhood designs, as opposed to single buildings. The new structures will be constructed to meet certain benchmarks, including using energy efficient lighting, recyclable building materials, and "green roofs," which help to control and filter storm-water runoff and also provide additional insulation..."

Urban growers go high-tech to feed city dwellers
API, by Jacob Adelman
Linked by Michael Levenston, City Farmer News
November 21, 2008

CA. "Terry Fujimoto sees the future of agriculture in the exposed roots of the leafy greens he and his students grow in thin streams of water at a campus greenhouse...Because hydroponic farming requires less water and less land than traditional field farming, Fujimoto and researchers-turned-growers in other U.S. cities see it as ideal to bring agriculture to apartment buildings, rooftops and vacant lots..."

Sustainability videos, film to be screened
Princeton University, by Staff
November 21, 2008

Princeton, NJ. "...This past summer, seven Princeton students participated in "Communicating Sustainability: Video and Radio Training." Through the intensive four-week program, the students explored sustainability issues such as green roofs and food waste through the creation of videos and podcasts. Two of their videos will be shown: "It's Greener On Top: A Look at Green Roofs" directed by students Jessica Hsu, Amy Seymour and Alex Renaud..."

Portland has grants for more ecoroofs
OregonLive.com, by James Mayer
November 20, 2008

Portland, OR. "...The Bureau of Environmental Services began offering grants for new ecoroofs last month but has received only a handful of applications so far and hopes to get more — especially from the commercial and industrial sectors. The city has $360,000 in grants for this fiscal year, says bureau spokesman Linc Mann. A committee reviews applications and awards grants quarterly. The grant application deadline for this quarter is Dec. 1. The city wants to add 43 acres of new ecoroofs in five years — there are now about nine acres scattered among more than 90 buildings, from kiosks at Portland State University to the 17,500-square-foot, prairielike garden atop the 15-story Portland Building..."

Waterproof Membranes – from Russia to the Middle East
Azom.com, by Staff
November 20, 2008

Europe. "...The overall trend is towards Green Roofing Systems...The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing has looked at the environmental impact of membranes...Waterproof membranes have a vital role in a range of environmental applications from water conservation, to greening of the cities, insulation and reduction of storm water runoff with roof gardens, to active energy production with built in solar cells. An international forum is held in November each year in Cologne by Applied Market Information to debate these developments."

Green Jobs Training: Asheville GO!
It's Getting Hot In Here, by Nina Otter
November 20, 2008

Asheville, NC. "...The GO members not only learn how to grow food, build living roofs and cob ovens made from Buncombe County’s own red clay, they also learn valuable life and job skills. Embracing a growing green economy, Asheville GO focuses on resource savings... GO members will prepare for apprenticeships with businesses in local green industry through service projects in the Asheville community. The program focuses on five career pathways: green building, clean energy, materials recycling, sustainable agriculture and landscaping, and ecosystem restoration..."

That noise from the penthouse? Lawn mower
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Harold Bubil
November 20, 2008

Sarasota, FL. "...A section of outdoor space in his two-level apartment is being covered with a green roof, which is among the most trendy technologies of the sustainability movement...His 5,200-square-foot apartment has, among its 2,200 square feet of outdoor spaces, a rooftop that had been covered by a 1,500-square-foot patch of modified bitumen roofing with unsightly seams. Not the most pleasant thing to look out on from the upstairs bedroom of the condo, which Biter bought a year ago for $3.8 million..."

Blue Is the New Green
New York Times, by Allison Arieff
November 20, 2008

U.S. "...Living (or “green”) roofs are one of several integrated water management systems. Vegetation is ideal for managing water, and provides benefits that are otherwise hard to capture. Green roofs have overcome their once-ingrained association with ‘70s-style earth architecture, thanks to improved technology, better aesthetics and increased building incentive programs like tax abatements...Living walls are far less common at present, but can be similarly effective at reducing building cooling demand and restoring bird and butterfly habitats..."

Q&A: Going Green in Senior Living
MHN Online, A by Steve Leone
November 19, 2008

The World. "...The things that I’ve seen that are more unique that some people don’t necessarily associate with green are the use of living roofs—planted roofs that have a bottom-line orientation to the building in terms of keeping energy consumption and storm water mitigated and that are beneficial to residents because you can landscape a deck that might ordinarily be paved. It becomes an amenity..."

Jarmel Kizel Constructs International Retail Headquarters and Flagship in United States
ParamusPost.com, by Mel Fabrikant
November 19, 2008

Clifton, N.J. "...Aside from BIM, additional technologies utilized include GBS Building Energy Analysis tools as well as high performance HVAC equipment and a building automation system that both aid in increasing occupant comfort and minimizing energy use. The building will also incorporate green roofing technology to help control and minimize storm water runoff, increase building mass and reduce heat island effect..."

Green Rental Breaks Ground in East Harlem
GlobeSt. com, by Paul Bubny
November 19, 2008

New York, NY. "Jonathan Rose Cos. broke ground Tuesday for what reportedly will be East Harlem’s first–ever affordable and mixed-income residential rental development designed to LEED Silver standards...the project’s green features will include a "smart growth" location in a dense, mixed-use neighborhood; a high-performance building envelop; green roofs..."

Atop Marina Tower, a green roof with golden views
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Staff
November 19, 2008

Sarasota, FL. "An old landmark returned to the Sarasota skyline this morning – a construction crane. No, a new building is not being built. The purpose of the crane is to install a green roof on a penthouse apartment in Marina Tower, on Gulf Stream Avenue at Cocoanut Avenue.

Schools to get £8m to help turn them green
Peterborough Today, by Asha Mehta
November 19, 2008

Peterborough, England. "...Isabel Clark, planning and development manager within Peterborough City Council's children's services, added: "Building on our current investment and track record of incorporating such things as green roofs and grey water recycling, we intend to go further in trying to meet the Government's target of zero carbon schools by 2016..."

Monitoring Green Roof Performance with Weather Stations
Renewable Energy World.com, by Jessie Gunnard
November 19, 2008

U.S. "...Whether the goal is LEED certification, measurement and verification of performance, pre-design data collection, research or all of the above, data logging weather stations can help construction executives make wise, money- and resource-saving decisions about design, materials and maintenance of green roofs..."

HOK's Bill Hellmuth: On top of the world
Washington Business Journal, by Deborah K. Dietsch
November 18, 2008

College Park, MD. "...When opened next spring, the 385,000-square-foot complex will become the research park’s first silver-rated project in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment program. The offices, where meteorological data will be analyzed, will overlook planted roofs through floor-to-ceiling windows providing abundant daylight..."

Time Running to Get DC to Pay for Your Green Roof
NBC Washington, by Staff
November 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. "It's last call for D.C. residents who want to participate in the city's green roof program. The city is paying residents up to $12,000 to offset the cost of putting a green roof on their homes. Green roofs help control rainwater runoff so it doesn't pollute rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The applications have to be in by Jan. 15. To see if your home qualifies go to the D.C. Greenworks Web site..."

UB picks Ayers/Saint/Gross and German firm for new law school building
Daily Record, by Andy Rosen
November 17, 2008

Baltimore, MD. "...He said he was drawn to the possibility that the building could be designed to receive a LEED-gold certification, a rating that designates energy efficiency and “green” design standards. The building, as conceived in the initial design, would include roof gardens and would potentially use geothermal energy sources..."

How Ford Lost Focus
Mother Jones, by Fara Warner
November/December 2008 Issue

Dearborn, MI. "...Bill Ford's—indeed, the company's—greatest environmental accomplishment has been the Rouge factory overhaul. The rebuilt plant has one of the world's largest living roofs, plus solar cells and skylights to reduce lighting costs. Rouge now serves as a benchmark for Ford's other factories; overall the automaker has reduced energy use by 30 percent and trimmed emissions from its manufacturing facilities by 39 percent since 2000, boasts John Viera..."

Taking farming downtown
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Margaret Lowman
November 17, 2008

The World. "Hurricane Katrina was a sobering example of urban dependency on a complex system of deliveries for food and services; when interrupted, people can literally starve or face life-threatening health catastrophes...New solutions to the challenges of feeding urban populations with fresh produce include creative green architecture...Another scenario envisions a farmers market on the ground floor, with a tower of diverse crops in multiple floors overhead..."

Five diverse designs presented for UB's new $107M law school building
Daily Record, by Robbie Whelan
November 16, 2008

Baltimore, MD. "...Ayers/Saint/Gross, also a local firm, presented the most conventional of the designs: a boxy, vertically oriented building that emphasized open facades, ventilation and natural lighting. The building would also include roof gardens and potentially use geothermal energy sources; it would be certified as LEED-gold..."

Mapping the future of water supply
The National, by Gretchen Peters
November 16, 2008

Tempe, AZ. "..Though much of their work is focused on the western US and Arizona in particular, the centre is attracting the attention of desert communities around the world, including in the Gulf. In October, it was awarded the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water, a biannual cash award from the environmental research centre at King Saud University in Riyadh...that programme would not work as well in desert climates, where the lack of moisture means roof gardens would have to be watered..."

Latest Technology in Green Roofs in Golden Gate Park
MyMotherLode.com, by Joan Bergsund
November 16, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "...The seven layers of varying materials weigh 2.6 million pounds, including the soil and plants. The 1.7 million plants were selected, planted in 50,000 trays made of coconut husks and installed months before the building was open to the public. When they were installed upon the roof, the trays were tightly packed to assure the plants would not slide or give way to forces of gravity. The trays are bio-degradable and will simply mesh with the growing medium in several..."

Here Comes the Green Brigade
istockAnalyst.com, by Julia Jamaldin
November 15, 2008

Malaysia. "...For SP Setia's Eco Villas, the company's chief executive officer Koe Peng Kang said the green features include full height windows that provide good cross ventilation and a sky garden with mini foliage on part of the flat roof, which acts as a cooling agent...roofs should also be properly treated either by insulating them to minimise heat exchange or by installing roof gardens..."

O-Tower next generation tower with fusion of engineering and technology
AME Info, by Staff
November 15, 2008

Dubai, UAE. "With this extreme in height and the incorporation of wrap around garden terraces, views of apartments can be further enhanced...Along with the use of vegetated infill panels and automatically louvers system on the façade, it can effectively help to reduce heat gain and save energy to the building..."

MSD awaits EPA go-ahead for green projects
Business Courier, by Dan Monk
November 14, 2008

Cincinnati, OH. "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency might be cooking up a $1 billion turkey for Hamilton County taxpayers this Thanksgiving...The sewer district proposed green remedies to deal with up to 14 billion gallons of rainy-weather overflows in the county each year. The green improvements would use rain gardens, restored wetlands and green roofs to keep storm water out of..."

In Big Oil Country, a Green District Sprouts
CoStar Group, by Andrew C. Burr
November 14, 2008

Pearland, TX. "...Features like man-made wetlands, renewable power, green roofs and stormwater retention and reuse systems are being planned for, and where possible, implemented now to create a solid base of LEED points that will pave an easier path for individual buildings to achieve certification later on..."

Time to think even greener
Chelsea Now, by Staff
November 14, 2008

New York, NY. "...Green roofs are another novel way to improve our environment. P.S. 41 is fundraising for one on its W. 11th St. building. It certainly would help if the city and local elected officials..."

Holmes targets elite buyers with new eco-project
Calgary Herald, by Emma Gilchrist
November 14, 2008

Alberta, Canada. "...Holmes Homes are intelligently designed with environmentally superior materials, have a 75- to 100-year lifespan, provide excellent indoor air quality, utilize solar hot water heating and -- the icing on the cake: accessible green roofs..."

Stormwater retention should be consideration for green roofs
Daily Commercial News, by Korky Koroluk
November 14, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "We’ve all heard by now of the benefits of green roofs — how they can save some of the energy that would otherwise go to heating and cooling, how they can be used to create park-like spaces for building staff, how they can contribute greatly to stormwater retention and management. All true, of course, but there can be a lot of variability in that last category - stormwater retention..."

McDonald’s Plans To Build ‘Green’ McDonald’s In North Miami
NBC6.net, by Jeff Burnside
November 13, 2008

North Miami, FL. and Chicago, IL. "A McDonald’s golden arches are about to turn green in North Miami...A McDonald’s in Chicago near company headquarters is the first green prototype opening in August...It features a front counter made of recycled detergent bottles, bamboo ceiling, recycled glass windows, permeable concrete and even vegetated rooftops..."

See video, too.

Bidding for Swank K-9 Condo Starts at $15000
WNBC, by Elizabeth Bougerol
November 13, 2008

New York, NY. "...That's just the starting auction price for the ultra-mod pooch pad designed by architect William Pedersen, mind you. Who knows what the final number will be? The Observer reports that the abode, currently on display at the West Village's One Jackson Square sales center, boasts "undulating 'wave-like' topography" and "planted 'green' roof"..."

Raising the (green) roof on the new Butler
The Daily Princetonian, by Leah Samaha
November 13, 2008

Princeton, NJ. "...Students will also have the chance to monitor the green roofs this spring through ENV 340: Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. This course will be taught by PEI Undergraduate Lab director Eileen Zerba and will focus "on environmental challenges and sustainable solutions related to interrelationships between constructed and natural processes," including the advantages of green roofs..."

Animal shelter gets new home
Turn to 10.com, by Staff
November 13, 2008

Providence, RI. "The Potter League for Animals unveiled its new, state-of-the-art facility Thursday...Green design techniques were used to construct the new building, which has a “vegetated” roof."

See video, too.

Mount Tabor: Park yard, nursery to air design plan
OregonLive.com, by Rebecca Koffman
November 13, 2008

Portland, OR. "The city of Portland will host an open house 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at coffee shop Gigibar, 5941 S.E. Division St., to show the preferred design for the new facility at Mt. Tabor Central Yard and Nursery — the central maintenance, dispatch and support facility for Portland parks. The plans by Opsis Architects feature green-building elements such as solar panels and eco-roofs..."

Photo Essay: Sustainable Neighborhoods in Malmo
WorldChanging, by Adele Peters
November 12, 2008

Malmö, Sweden. "On the roof in Malmo, Sweden, at the International Green Roof Institute. Faced with a rundown 1950s housing development, the city decided to make it an eco-neighborhood in the 1990s, and built several green roofs..."

Up on the roof
Mississauga News, by Radhika Panjwani
November 12, 2008

Ontario, Canada. "...The green roofs can help change all of that.” The lightweight, low cost, green roof has been installed on many buildings around the world including the Ford ..."

Green housing on B Street denied by council
The California Aggie Online, by Jeremy Ogul
November 12, 2008

Davis, CA. "...Designed by Davis architect Maria Ogrydziak, the project included a number of environmentally friendly features, including green roofs - flat roofs with landscaping to reduce..."

Graduate students' research foundation for local building's 'green ...
TCU Daily Skiff, by Melissa Hawkes
November 12, 2008

Fort Worth, TX. "...Jon Kinder, an environmental studies graduate student, decided to pursue "green roofs" as a research project and was joined by fellow classmate David ..."

Gassing Up Green
Plenty Magazine, by Jennifer Acosta Scott
November 12, 2008

Dallas, TX. "...Good to Go, if Nikolas’ vision is realized, will be built to silver LEED standards, using only energy-efficient LED lighting and mostly renewable building materials. The carwash will have a vegetated roof and a water reclamation system using only..."

Update on DC's Stormwater Management
Washington Post Blogs, by Ann Posegate
November 12, 2008

Washington, D.C. "...What pollutants are the raindrops carrying into your local stream or river? Do they warm up from the heat-absorbing pavement over which they travel? Will they enter the nearby reservoir and become your drinking water? What if there were more parks, forests, gardens, and green roofs to absorb them, or what if they landed on permeable..."

Taking the LEED
Oak Brook Business Ledger, by Sherri Dauskurdas
November 11, 2008

Wheeling, IL. "...“When we began our branch project, we had not heard of LEED. But we did want a green roof on our new building,” said Dan Loundy, vice president of business banking. “We discovered green roofs were often incorporated into LEED buildings and through research found that LEED is a good measurement tool and a good check list for things we could do that would further improve the design, energy conservation and comfort...”

Next thing that may go green? Your roof
NevadaAppeal.com, by Joanne Skelley
November 10, 2008

Nevada. "...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 this area with expertise in green roof installation and maintenance..."

In search of an urban plan
Grist Magazine, by Ryan Avent
November 10, 2008

Seattle, WA. "...Designers are wonderfully creative people, and the conference was littered with ideas for ecological city systems, green roofs and walls and floors and roads, buildings covered with algea and windmills able to provide positive power to the grid, and so on...I felt that the world's designers, in reveling in the functional strangeness of their creations, missed the point of it all...Designers must try and build a mass market for affordable, attractive, emission-reducing technologies..."

Dignitaries gather for some urban planting
Vancouver Sun, by Mary Frances Hill
November 7, 2008

Vancouver, B.C., Canada. "Premier Gordon Campbell practised his green thumb Thursday on the "living" rooftop of the new Vancouver Convention Centre. He was surrounded by green -- a rooftop ecosystem measuring nearly 2.5 hectares -- on a soggy morning as he promoted the eco-friendly features of the Coal Harbour building, scheduled to open in March 2009. There are 400,000 indigenous plants on the rooftop..."

Crops planted on rooftops, underground create new jobs, lower temperatures
Agence France-Presse, by Harumi Ozawa
Linked by Michael Levenston, City Farmer News
November 5, 2008

Tokyo, Japan. "Tomohiro Kitazawa makes an unlikely farmer. He works neither under the sun nor in the fields, instead reporting for duty in the bustling heart of Tokyo. As Japan’s capital city struggles with problems from food safety to global warming to unemployment, a growing number of people in the famously crowded metropolis are becoming city farmers, planting crops atop tall buildings..."

DM applies 'Green Roofs' initiative on its buildings
AMEInfo, Press Release
November 5, 2008

Dubai, UAE. "Dubai Municipality has embarked on an initiative called 'Green Roofs' during the Green Dubai Forum, which was held recently...Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the Municipality has launched the initiative in line with the law on the application of green building specifications in Dubai...He said the Green Roofs project aims at transforming the roofs of all buildings and houses in Dubai to cultivated space, where the water dropped out of air-conditioners should be used for irrigation of plants..."

Tempe building to be supergreen
Arizona Republic, by William Hermann
November 4, 2008

Phoenix, AZ. "...Those features, which are expected to make it 50 percent more energy-efficient than traditional buildings, include: A vegetated green roof that is the first of its kind in a commercial Arizona building ..."

McDonald's Going Green
The Korea Times, By Jane Han
November 4, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Vegetative green roofs, permeable street pavings and table tops made from recycled milk containers ― all of this may sound like experimental eco-friendly features in a distant lab somewhere..."

Butler College dorms rise again
Princeton University, by Ruth Stevens
November 4, 2008

Princeton, NJ. "...The project incorporates many sustainability features, including green roofs on more than half of the buildings. Green roofs typically consist of a waterproofing membrane, an insulation layer, structural support, four inches of growth medium and plant..."  

London roof gardens to feed 2012 Olympians
holidaylettings.co.uk, by Staff
November 4, 2008

Oxford, England, UK "...The city's mayor, Boris Johnson, has outlined plans to create roof gardens to feed the 2012 Olympic athletes. The scheme is set to be launched today...."

The green heart of San Francisco?
Sustainable Industries, by Sara Stroud
November 3, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "... the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), the plan features solar rooftop photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, living roofs and water conservation fixtures. ..."

University installs green roof at ESIA
GW Hatchet, by Alex Altskan
November 3, 2008

Washington, DC. "...Green roofs are additional layers of vegetation and waterproof covering placed on top of a building's existing structure. The roofs help offset carbon..."

Green roofs take root as way to save energy
Akron Beacon Journal, by Denise Ellsworth
November 1, 2008

Akron, OH. "...One of the most innovative aspects of the building is the green roof and associated living wall...For the Metro Parks green roof, King selected a mixed planting with about 75 percent sedum, interplanted with coneflowers, penstemon and butterfly weed. Because the roof planting grows many species, the bloom and leaf colors change through the season, providing textural and color interest..."

A Greener Charlottesville: "Green" Monticello
WCAV, by Myles Henderson
October 31, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "...Also on the outside of the buildings you may notice several green roofs, but these aren't typical green roofs with a few inches of soil and sparse plants. "We put a foot of soil and we are planting native meadow grasses up there." Some have 3 feet of soil and tress planted..."

Pedersen and Viñoly Pair for Health Care
Interior Design, by Nicholas Tamarin
October 31, 2008

Palo Alto, CA. "...unveiling of William Pedersen and Rafael Viñoly's expansion of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford Hospital...accessible roof gardens surround a public floor that offers amenities for visitors and staff..."

Green buildings the way of the future
Scoop.co.nz, Press Release
October 31, 2008

New Zealand. "When horticulture meets architecture: green buildings the way of the future says leading landscaper. It might sound like something out of 1960s science fiction: mutant plants taking over the concrete jungle but green roofs and green walls are moving into the mainstream overseas and have the potential to do the same here, according to..."

Green-roof bids for Target Center are 'on target'
MinnPost.com, by Kristin Guild
October 31, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "...The estimated cost of the vegetated roof option that was the base bid solicitation was $2.8 million, compared to $1.2 million for a conventional arena roof...I must also correct Weiner's statement that the vegetated roof would not pay for itself through energy cost savings as was expected. The cost savings of the vegetated roof over a conventional roof were never expected to be gained from energy efficiencies...but rather, over the long term..."

Rotman plans $92M facility
Financial Post, by Jodi Lai
October 30, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...Marianne McKenna, Mr. Kuwabara's colleague, said the building will be one of the university's first LEED-certified (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings. The emphasis is on using locally sourced materials and sustainable architecture, including green roofs, heat-recovery systems..."

Seattle Mayor Nickels encourages residents to adopt a neighborhood drain
Seattle Times, by Sharon Pian Chan
October 30, 2008

Seattle, WA. "...The city recently changed drainage rates to charge ratepayers according to the amount of impermeable surface such as asphalt on their lots. It also changed building codes to encourage the building of green roofs in areas zoned for neighborhood and commercial development..."

3 picks for clean water
Chicago Tribune, by Staff
October 30, 2008

Chicago. IL. "...Republican Paul Chialdikas is a Lemont planning and zoning commissioner with a record of encouraging conservation-friendly development. He wants to involve municipalities more directly in promoting "green roofs," water-permeable pavement and other imaginative ways to decrease rainwater runoff..."

Travel + Leisure names 10 green American landmarks
San Jose Mercury News, by AP
October 27, 2008

U.S. "A baseball stadium, a birding center and a couple of skyscrapers are on Travel + Leisure magazine's list of 10 American green landmarks that deserve recognition for modern, sustainable design...The magazine said the landmarks were chosen because they implement a variety of eco-friendly strategies, such as photovoltaic panels, green roofs, and wind..."

Blazing Dhaka: An urban heat island
The Daily Star, by Md Sayeed Islam
October 25, 2008

Dhaka, Bangladesh. "...One fad that's gaining popularity is the installation of green roofs atop city buildings...Unfortunately, most of the above mentioned measures are costly, especially for a country like us. But there must be something that we can do to ameliorate the existing condition..."

City of Richmond proposes ‘flexible’ green-roof bylaw
Journal of Commerce, by Jean Sorensen
October 24, 2008

Richmond, Canada. "...rather than having a rigid format for industrial buildings of 5,000 or more square meters, Richmond is moving towards a point system with its proposed bylaw...the city has also just enacted a zoning development bylaw, which allows a developer to be exempt from development permit fees if a green roof is planned with no variances... Because of the inclusion of green roofs, grey-water recycling and other environmental features, Little said the city provided the developer with a density bonus."

Out of Blight, a Step-Up Neighborhood
New York Times, by C.J. Hughes
October 24, 2008

New York, NY. "...Intervale Green and Louis Nine House, a $46 million complex with 173 moderately priced apartments, built with planted roofs and leafy courtyards by the nonprofit Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation. It is to open to renters next month..."

Google Planning New Campus
1590 KLIV Silicon Valley News, by Staff
October 24, 2008

Mountain View, CA. " Architectural drawings that were submitted to Mountain View's Planning Department call for an ultra-green campus that integrates orchards, recreational paths, gardens and living roofs into its design..."

Green roofs cool LeBreton Flats
Centretown News, by Staff
October 23, 2008

Ottawa, Canada. "Developers are resurrecting LeBreton Flats with residences under green roofs, breathing new life into an area lying dormant under layers of debris and graffiti for decades...Neil Malhotra, VP of Claridge Homes, the home building company in charge of constructing LeBreton Flats residences, says that a combination of greenery with stonework that reflects sunlight will be installed on a large percentage of roofs..."

Google shows off 'extraordinary' building plans
Mountain View Voice, by Daniel DeBolt
October 23, 2008

Mountain View, CA. "As if conquering the Internet weren't enough, Google has a new wonder in the works: a space-age structure that could be the greenest office building of all time...The green slope beneath the building not only hides a 20-foot-tall parking garage, where cars are stacked tightly on top of each other, but rainwater runs off the slopes into vegetated "bio-swales." From there it feeds green roofs, gardens and planters as part of a "run-off conveyance system that slows, cleanses..."

York students tour green roof on campus
Excalibur Online, by Denoja Kankesan
October 23, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "York University provided public access to their green roof on top of the Computer Science and Engineering CSE building for the first time...A report prepared by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority under the Sustainable Technologies Evaluations Programs assessed the ability of green roofs to support biodiversity. The findings showed a relative growth in native plants and found rooftops were a haven for local species..."

Fossil Jewels
Canadian Architect, by John Leroux
October, 2008

Nova Scotia, Canada. "When does the inspiration for a great building's design truly begin?...Green strategies include a vegetated roof, recycled materials, a 50-kilowatt wind turbine generator, a solar water-heating system..."

Howard's RLC will be super efficient
MADISONet.com, by Elisa Sand
October 23, 2008

Howard, SD. "A proposed $11.6 million Maroney Rural Learning Center in Howard will be applying "green energy" throughout the facility and will be used as an energy lab for other companies...Other "green" features around the facility include roof gardens..."

Marriott Breaks Ground On Two "Green" Virginia Hotels
Hotels, by Staff
October 22, 2008

Arlington, VA. "Today, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA-8) and Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board Member, joined The JBG Companies and Marriott International, Inc. to officially break ground on two major hotels, the Renaissance Crystal City Potomac Yards and the Residence Inn Crystal City Potomac Yards...The property will also feature an energy saving “green roof’ with plants and trees, providing a relaxing space for guests overlooking the U.S. Capitol and Potomac River..."

It's Easy Being Green: Jolly Green Schools
Center For American Progress, by Staff
October 22, 2008

Washington, D.C. "...students at the Sidwell Friends Middle School in Washington, D.C. who learn in a recently renovated green school...It's not surprising that 115 schools across the country have become green, or that 10 states require schools to use renewable energy sources for new school construction and major renovations...Some schools include green roofs..."

A matter of opinion - A roofing industry professional shares his views about current issues facing the industry
Professional Roofing Magazine, by Thomas W. Hutchinson
October, 2008

U.S. "...Although landscaped roof systems have no wind-uplift resistance or fire-resistance ratings and could be considered non-code-compliant, a committee of industry professionals led by SPRI is addressing these concerns...There always has been a concern with landscaped roof system installations when deciding what trades perform which work, union versus open-shop contractors, potential damage to the installed roof system and future repair ability..."

O'Hare aims at environmentally friendly skies
Chicago Daily Herald, by Marni Pyke
October 22, 2008

Chicago, IL. "With its acres of concrete and hundreds of jet-fuel gobbling airplanes passing through every day, O'Hare International Airport isn't a tree-hugger's paradise. But Chicago officials are working to change that image, one green roof at a time... Before proceeding with the green roof at the air traffic control building - the first of its kind at a Federal Aviation Administration facility - airport planners had to convince agency officials it wouldn't leak and damage essential equipment..."

"Extensive" Garden Roofs – A Low-Maintenance Ecological Solution
Associated Construction Publications, by Reinhard Schneider
October 22, 2008

U.S. "Few people in the roofing industry doubt that we are in the beginning stages of enormous change," says roofing contractor Mark Gaulin, founder of MAGCO Inc. and former president of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). "This is being brought about by the green roofing movement and the realization that buildings play a vital role in conserving energy and protecting the environment..."

After fire, Waldo developer builds with innovation
KC Community News, by Kurt Kloeblen
October 22, 2008

Overland Park, KS. "A Feb. 16, 2007, fire burned down the Waldo building, constructed in 1923. But today, Botwin holds the grand opening of her new, eye-catching building...Botwin said the building also uses a number of green building techniques. Recycled material is used throughout the building, as well as green roofing with grass and plants to help reduce 70 percent of storm water runoff..."

Marywood builds on area progress
Scranton Times, by Staff
October 22, 2008

Scranton, PA. "...Marywood University’s announcement Monday that it will establish a 300-student architecture school at its Scranton-Dunmore campus is an exciting development for the school and the region...an existing Marywood building will be retrofitted to accommodate the new school. It will feature a green roof, including vegetation to assist in cooling and to capture rain water that will be used to flush the structure’s toilets..."

Studio A To Expand and 'Green' Charleston City Paper Offices
Carolina Newswire, Press Release
October 22, 2008

Charleston, SC. "Whitney Powers, AIA, principal of Studio A Architecture in Charleston, has been hired to expand, improve and “green up” the offices of the Charleston City Paper at 1049 Morrison Drive...A vegetated, or “green,” roof is also under consideration..."

The world's greenest museum
Plenty Magazine, by Emily Wilson
October 21, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "Standing on the newly remodeled California Academy of Sciences' living roof, senior curator and botanist Frank Almeda points out some of the cutting-edge environmental design features of the roof’s 2.5 acres: native plants that draw birds and..."

Fantastic plastic sets sights on construction
Business Green, by Andrew Donoghue
October 21, 2008

UK. "...used for some commercial construction projects, as well as academic trials including tiles made from i-plas being used a green roofing project run by the University of Sheffield..."

Staff Editorial: The green light
Diamondback Online, by Staff
October 21, 2008

College Park, MD. "...Students can't install green roofs on their own - a $350000 project requires the university's financial commitment. But students did author a referendum..."

Metro Vancouver eyes highrise greenhouses
The Vancouver Sun, by Kelly Sinoski
October 20, 2008

Surrey, Canada. "Rooftop gardens and vertical greenhouses could be a sign of the times in Metro Vancouver as the region wrestles with ways to tackle a global food crisis and the effects of climate change. And Surrey could lead the trend, with at least one developer considering building a so-called vertical farm in Whalley..."

US Mayors, USGBC Join Forces to Green Schools
GreenerBuildings, by Staff
October 20, 2008

U.S. "The U.S. Conference of Mayors has formed the Mayors' Alliance for Green Schools, which will work with the U.S. Green Building Council toward the goal of making the nation's schools environmentally friendly within a generation...The mayors and the USGBC said alliance initiatives include developing partnerships with local businesses to enable schools to plant green roofs, start solar gardens or begin recycling programs..."

Landscaped roof blends pretty and practical
StarNewsOnline.com, by Veronica Gonzalez
October 20, 2008

Wilmington, NC. "...Atop their three-story home, they’re standing on downtown Wilmington’s most landscaped residential roof. The flat roof bursts with different varieties of sedums, yellow and purple pansies, yellow lantana, lilies and a screen of potted pink mandevillas that hide the heating and cooling system..."

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford Hospital Unveil Future of Medicine
MarketWatch, by Stanford University Medical Center Renewal Project
October 20, 2008

Stanford, CA. "...The design includes a central courtyard and roof gardens that will re-establish the tradition of the Stanford campus by integrating the landscape within the new building. A sloped courtyard with a prominent water feature organizes public circulation on the lower levels and brings natural light into the center of each floor. Accessible roof gardens surround a unique public floor that contains family and staff amenities..."

City Hall’s roof greenery flourishes five years later
Atlanta Journal Constitution, by Richard Halicks
October 19, 2008

Atlanta, GA. "...Bill Brigham, the city’s landscape architect who designed the project, said the planting has survived high winds, extended drought and the once-a-decade effort to pressure wash the building....The xeriscaped garden contains about 2,800 plants representing 31 species. Brigham said he has had to spot-water it maybe 10 times in the five years since it was installed. City Hall’s green roof is a demonstration project, intended to show the way for others, but Brigham said he has learned a great deal from it..."

Grand Rapids is ahead of the game in eco-friendly living
Detroit Free Press, by Tina Lam
October 19, 2008

Grand Rapids, MI. "...The city is experiencing a building boom, and it's green. Four of the five giant new projects rising downtown are green-built. This rustbelt town is dotted with living green roofs and rainwater cisterns, solar panels and geothermal systems..."

Mexico pollution solution: Go green
Atlanta Journal Constitution, by Jeremy Schwartz
October 19, 2008

Mexico City, Mexico. "...Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard wants to install more than 500,000 square feet of green roofs by 2012, starting with government buildings... It's part of Mexico City's $5.5 billion "Green Plan," which Ebrard insists will transform one of the world's most polluted..."

MSD clean-water plan involves huge projects
Louisville Courier-Journal, by James Bruggers
October 19, 2008

Louisville, KY. "...The projects also include at least $47 million in "green infrastructure" to soak up rain that otherwise would run off hard surfaces, such as parking lots or rooftops. These so-called "bioswales," "rain gardens" and "vegetated roofs" use dirt and plants to absorb rain before it gets into combined storm and sewer lines, reducing overflows..."

Garden rejuvenates Finley rooftop
Dubuque Telegraph Herald, by Erik Hogstrom
October 18, 2008

Dubuque, IA. "...A natural place of reflection for hospital patients, visitors and employees, the garden will use green technologies consistent with the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, reflecting a commitment by the city of Dubuque. "It's definitely a growing trend in health-care facilities," said Horvath, who installed the rooftop garden at the Apparel Center of Chicago's Merchandise Mart. "We have three more green roofs to build this fall, just in hospitals..."

City's 1st green roof planned for Northside
Indianapolis Star, by Brendan O'Shaughnessy
October 18, 2008

Indianapolis, IN. "The city plans to begin installing the first environmentally friendly green roof on a government building next year. Mayor Greg Ballard on Friday announced that a Northside sewer facility will get a green roof as part of an $8.5 million project that will improve storage and pumping capacity and add disinfection processes..."

LoftWorks seeks gold in green building
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, by Kathie Sutin
October 17, 2008

St. Louis, MO. "...A feature that will earn LEED points is the building's vegetated roof featuring green roof blocks, two-feet-by-two-feet pans filled with vegetation...Emily Andrews, executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council, St. Louis regional chapter, said St. Louis is in the forefront of green rehab and construction in the com-mercial realm in the Midwest..."

Nature brightens up sterile surroundings at St Vincent Hospital in Green Bay
Green Bay Press Gazette, by Andy Nelesen
October 17, 2008

Green Bay, WI. "Crews at St. Vincent Hospital replaced the roof on the hospital's five-story surgical building this summer and installed a vegetated roof that includes grasses, small shrubs and other plants. The planting was aimed at providing a better backdrop for patients in the hospital's dialysis unit who often spend hours hooked to machines cleaning their blood. The roof is not accessible to patients, but it provides a better view than a span of industrial roofing..."

Facilities invests in green roof technology
Diamondback Online, by Tirza Austin
October 17, 2008

College Park, MD. "...After a more than 20-year-old roof began to leak into students' dorm rooms on the eighth floor of Cumberland Hall, Residential Facilities set to work on a replacement for the old roof. In July, the university settled on a $350,000 green roof, which features extra insulation and rows of flowers planted on top. Now students share Cumberland with 15 species of plants growing on soil that covers roughly 65 percent of the whole roof..."

Mayor to Unveil City's First Green Roof Project
Inside INdiana Business, Press Release
October 17, 2008

Indianapolis, IN. "Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will announce plans this afternoon for the first green roof to be constructed on a city-owned building. The Indianapolis Department of Public Works will install the roof on a new portion of a wastewater storage and treatment facility on the city's north side..."

Scientists, Sustainable South Bronx: Cool Surfaces Can Combat NYC Pollution, Save Energy, Improve Health; Green-Collar Jobs Needed
E-Wire, Press Release
October 16, 2008

New York, NY. "The widespread use of vegetated and highly reflective surfaces in New York City's built environment could improve the City's environment, public health, and economy, according to a study released today...The new SSBx Working Paper, a review of research on the impacts of heat island mitigation on urban air quality, near-surface air temperature, and stormwater runoff, found strong evidence that UHI mitigation strategies such as lighter surfaces, cool roofs, urban reforestation and green roofs can detain storm-water runoff, lower surface and near-surface air temperatures, reduce summertime electricity use and potentially help to reduce ambient air pollutants..."

Army Corps of Engineers to study causes of flooding
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, by Moriah Balingit
October 16, 2008

Turtle Creek Watershed, PA. "...Significantly, Congress last year authorized the Army Corps of Engineers to consider non-structural solutions to flooding problems. The corps has traditionally focused on structural solutions, such as levees, flood walls and concrete-bottomed channels, to deal with the runoff downstream. But in the study, it will be able to explore more preventative solutions...The Turtle Creek Watershed Association advocates for sustainable methods that put water back into the ground. These include green roofs..."

Singapore’s Ecological EDITT Tower
Inhabitat, by Alexandra Kain
October 15, 1008

Singapore. "Currently pending construction in Singapore, the EDITT Tower will be a paragon of “Ecological Design In The Tropics”. Designed by TR Hamzah & Yeang and sponsored by the National University of Singapore, the 26-story high-rise will boast photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation, and a biogas generation plant all wrapped within an insulating living wall that covers half of its surface area. The verdant skyscraper was designed to increase its location’s bio-diversity and rehabilitate the local eco-system in Singapore’s ‘zeroculture’ metropolis..."

Greener than thou
San Francisco Bay Guardian, by Saadia Malik
October 15, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "Green City Mayor Gavin Newsom has made a high profile push for several new green initiatives in recent weeks, a concerted political move that comes just as he and his political team are aggressively working to subvert a city ballot measure that would make far bigger gains in combating climate change and greening the city's energy portfolio than anything he's proposing...The array of press releases issued from the mayor's office include a partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative to transform the Civic Center into a green model of sustainability by reducing water and energy use, and installing solar panels as well as living roofs..."

Greening from the Top Down
Successful Meetings, by Terri Hardin
October 15, 2008

North America. "...Sailor, along with Graig Spolek, Ph.D., Portland State University; Brad Bass, Ph.D., University of Toronto; Steven Peck, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities; Oregon Best Signature Research Center; and Environment Canada, was recently awarded a research grant by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to create an easy-to-use design tool that will assess the building energy use implications of green roof design decisions...But climate control is not the only impact green roofs have on their occupants. The McCormick Place West Rooftop Garden—where 40,000 plants have greened approximately 15 percent of McCormick's 1 million sf of rooftop—is an ideal spot for special events..."

Viewpoint: Small town can have big-city amenities
South Washington County Bulletin, by Steve Lanz Jr.
October 15, 2008

Newport, MN. "...We need to explore the use of renewable energy from the wind and sun for our city buildings and residents. Even look into green roofing for the city and commercial buildings. It would reduce the amount of money needed for heating and cooling, as well as help in the storm water runoff. The city has to take the initiative and stop wasting money in their buildings and show the residents of Newport that they are working to make a better community, starting from within..."

Legal wrangle causes delays in £12m Derby development
Derby Evening Telegraph, by Staff
October 15, 2008

Derby, England. "...developer Blueprint has warned that construction on the old Prince's site, in Bold Lane, which is scheduled to begin in August, may be further delayed if the credit crunch worsens. The company began demolition on the site last month to make way for shops, cafes, restaurants, and 25 flats with eco-friendly roof gardens..."

Print Works, Proximity earn green designation
Greensboro News Record, by Carl Wilson
October 15, 2008

Greensboro, NC. "...The Proximity and Print Works have been awarded the LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council...A vegetated rooftop above the restaurant to reduce the amount of energy needed for refrigeration and air conditioning is planned for the future..."

Roof with roots: Highmark unveils environmentally friendly 'green' roof at Fifth Avenue Place
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Don Hopey
October 15, 2008

Pittsburgh, PA. "Asters, day lilies and tall grasses are among the new plantings on the 22,000-square-foot "green" roof installed on Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's Fifth Avenue Place office building, Downtown. The environmentally sustainable roof project, unveiled yesterday and located three stories above street level on a roof terrace at the corner of Liberty and Fifth avenues, is expected to provide insulation that will lower the building's energy use by 12 percent and greatly reduce storm water runoff..."

Proximity is the First LEED® Platinum Hotel
Hospitality 1st, Press Release
October 14, 2008

Greensboro, NC. "Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels announced recently that The Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro have been awarded LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council... Opened in late 2007, the Proximity is the first hotel to obtain the USGBC’s top level of certification...Will plant a green, vegetated rooftop on the restaurant to reduce the “urban heat island effect...”

CBN features talk about building green in China
Asian Reporter, by Julie Stegeman
October 14, 2008

Shanghai, China. "LRS Architects won the bid on the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Shanghai, competing against German and Japanese firms. LRS was aided by its use of the LEED certification system...The final plans included, among other things, creating roof gardens to reduce heat gain in buildings in addition to collecting rainwater and decreasing water demand by treating toilet water onsite for use in..."

Trinity River Audubon Center Opens This Weekend
Environment News Service, by Staff
October 14, 2008

Dallas, TX. "...The sustainable building features a vegetated roof, rainwater collection system for irrigation, a living machine wastewater treatment plant, energy efficient systems, and recycled materials..."

Zick picked as state's 2008 Environmental Leadership recipient
News-Democrat & Leader, by Chris Cooper
October 14, 2008

Russellville, KY. “...Let's conserve our energy sources and implement use of solar and wind power, outline rain gardens with rain barrels and green roofs in our design plans and incorporate recycling in every city in Kentucky,” said Zick..."

How Can a Local Business Help Pittsburgh Save Energy, Clean The Rivers and Beautify Downtown? Build a Green Roof
SYS-CON Media, Press Release
October 14, 2008

Pittsburgh, PA. "Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the region's largest health insurer, joined other local businesses as a catalyst for Pittsburgh's environmental change today as it unveiled a 22,000-square-foot green roof on its Fifth Avenue Place facility in downtown Pittsburgh. The green roof, located three stories above the street on a terrace at the corner of Liberty Avenue and Fifth Avenue, will reduce the company's energy usage by an estimated 12 percent and will use most of the 37 inches of average annual Pittsburgh rain in the roof instead of sending it to the local storm water system..."

Kent State task force sees green
Daily Kent Stater, by Ben Wolford
October 14, 2008

Kent, OH. "...Covering roofs with plants is more feasible, Euclide said, and Taylor Hall has a terrace that will be the first to go green. "In the next couple of years, that roof is going to need replaced, and our plan is to replace it with a green roof," he said. "It would be some type of garden..."

Jumeira Gardens: A Super-City Within Dubai
Inhabitat, by Mike Chino
October 13, 2008

Dubai, UAE. "... Meraas Development has confirmed that “‘Green’ buildings and construction, resource conservation and overall sustainability will inform every aspect of this new district...Park Gate comprises six mid-rise towers that are arranged in facing pairs. A hanging garden canopy stretches between each set of structures, providing shade and cooling the neighborhood by as much as 10 degrees centigrade..."

Green building is environmental solution
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by Kathleen O'Brien and Rachael Jamison
October 13, 2008

WA. "...Green buildings can help with the cleanup of Puget Sound. In Western Washington, green-building projects often include low-impact site development techniques, such as rain gardens, vegetated roofs, pervious pavement..."

Future farms over our heads
Sydney Morning Herald, by Heath Gilmore
October 12, 2008

Sydney, Australia. "..."This intensive urban veg(g)ie culture is an entirely new industry and will need a new professional - the urban farmer who can grow food on the roofs and sides of buildings, in intensive biocultures and by other novel methods to feed the megacities of 30 million-plus inhabitants...The City of Sydney council has commissioned a report to look at ways to encourage the greening of rooftops. Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff said a group of environmental experts was working on a report - due before Christmas - on retrofitting green roofs to multi-storey apartment buildings..."

Greening Condos
HealthNewsDigest.com, by EarthTalk
October 11, 2008

U.S. "Believe it or not, condominiums may be some of the most environmentally responsible housing out there today, especially since more and more developers are paying attention to sustainability from the get-go...Another example is The Riverhouse overlooking the Hudson River in New York City’s Battery Park district. The LEED-certified, 320-unit building—the new home of actor/environmentalist Leo DiCaprio—has geothermal heating and cooling, twice-filtered air, non-toxic paint, and landscaped roof gardens..."

Up on the roof
PennLive.com, by Staff
October 11, 2008

Harrisburg, PA. "Sometimes the simplest things are right under our noses. Or, as we are about to discuss, right above our heads. Roof-top gardens are sprouting across the country, according to The Wall Street Journal, which devoted considerable space to this growing trend this week..."

Hotels taking "Going Green" To New Tops with Green Roofs
Huffington Post, by Stefanie Michaels
October 10, 2008

Baltimore, MD, Songjiang District, China, Chicago, IL, Lake Placid, NY. "Hotels are looking for new ways to run more efficiently and looking to nature to give them some ideas. The latest in green technology is allowing hotels to push the eco-envelope and create energy efficient roof systems that also help the environment, and provide a visually beautiful space for their guests to enjoy..."

Project grabs green bragging rights
Globe and Mail, by Sydnia Yu
October 10, 2008

Whitby, Canada. "...The development - known as Shorelands - will also incorporate numerous environmentally-friendly features, including passive green roofs, underground garages that eliminate the heat island effect of above-ground parking lots...will follow more stringent green building practices and become Canada's first LEED townhouse community..."

This old revived house
OregonLive.com, by Eric Mortenson
October 10, 2008

Portland, OR. "...the new home of the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District...In addition to running its educational programs out of the old house, the conservation district plans to develop the property into a hands-on demonstration of sustainability. It will have a rain garden, eco-roof, pervious pavement..."

Roofs go green
St. Cloud Times, by Staff
October 10, 2008

New York, NY. “...Green roofs are a wonderful technology. They have the upside of handling stormwater very well but the downside of being very expensive,” said Rohit Aggarwala, director of the New York City Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and chief architect of PlaNYC, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s environmentally focused program for preparing the city to absorb an estimated 1 million new residents by 2030..."

Downtown: Main library adds roof full of plants
OregonLive.com, by Clint Bowie
October 9, 2008

Portland, OR. "The leaky old roof at Multnomah County's Central Library has been replaced with a green one, with 17,000 plants, including sedums and drought-tolerant grasses. "The county has been championing eco-roofs for a number of years," library spokeswoman Penny Hummel says..."

Eco-friendly building
Rochester City Newspaper, by Rebecca Rafferty
October 9, 2008

West Irondequoit, NY. "...Just off the kitchen, high up toward the ceiling, are windows to the "living roof," which they will access with a ladder from outside the house. A living roof is flat, with drainage that goes in toward the middle, so that a person can put plants up there. "You can either have soil on the whole thing, or have pots and grow vegetables. It will also help to insulate the house, and makes the solar panels about 30 percent more efficient," Aman says..."

American Revolution Center Wins Case
Evening Bulletin, by John P. Connolly
October 9, 2008

Valley Forge, PA. "...Under the new ordinance, 75 percent of the center's 78-acre site will be preserved as open space. Roughly 50 percent of the museum building will be built underground. A planned vegetated roof will reduce pollution and water runoff. Mr. Rosenbaum argued that the project would increase traffic, bring in parking lots, and busses of..."

Plans unveiled for Hounslow Tesco site
Hounslow Chronicle, by Robert Cumber
October 9, 2008

London, England. "...Early plans, which have yet to be submitted to Hounslow Council, include a number of roof gardens the developers claim will create 'a green oasis in the middle of Hounslow'..."

Names and Notes
Business Gazette, by Rebecca McClay
October 9, 2008

Mount Airy, MD. "...Black Ankle Vineyard near Mount Airy opened its tasting room Saturday, less than a month after its 2006 Crumbling Rock earned the state's top wine award in its very first bottling...The couple aimed for an eco-friendly design with planted roofs, straw bale insulation and wood features harvested from..."

Chicago Out-Greens New York, LA, Growing Lawns in the Clouds
Bloomberg, by Tony C. Dreibus
October 8, 2008

Chicago, IL. "Chicagoans who live at 900 North Michigan Avenue don't head to the country to commune with nature. They go to the 10th-floor roof...Green roofs may also spruce up the view for neighboring tower dwellers. "With all people living in high rises, roof-scapes are their landscapes,'' Berkshire says. "Now they can look at rooftops covered in grass."

Gov. Rendell to host brunch
Oxford Tribune, by Michelle Sensenig
October 8, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...The Dansko building is an 80,000-square-foot, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified structure that makes optimal use of the latest techniques, technologies and materials, (many of which are recycled), in its environmentally-friendly design. Eco-friendly features include a vegetated roof consisting of drought-resistant shrubs and grasses which provide heat loss and heat gain-reducing energy consumption and minimizing rainwater runoff. The facility has "Living Walls" in the main atrium which are embedded with tropical plants that provide natural air filtration..."

Vertical Food Gardens Sprout in LA’s Skid Row
Architectural Record, by James Murdock
October 7, 2008

U.S. "...After meeting Sevelle, Osler contacted George Irwin, whose firm Green Living Technologies manufactured the Anthropolgie wall system, and discovered that he was already experimenting with how to grow lettuce and other crops vertically. The team quickly came together and dubbed their project the Urban Farming Food Chain. It debuted this summer at four sites in Los Angeles’s Skid Row, a district that contains one of the nation’s largest homeless populations..."

City's Roof Top Honey Is Sweet Deal
WBBM, by Steve Miller
October 6, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Now is the fall season for the honey-making beehives on City Hall's rooftop garden...Michael Thompson is the beekeeper. Two hives on top of City Hall. Four hives on the roof of the Cultural Center. What they make is sold as Roof Top Honey in the shop at the Cultural Center and across Randolph Street at the Farmstand..."

Up on the Roof
WSJ.com, by Shelly Banjo
October 6, 2008

The World. "...New York's Battery Park City in 2002 started requiring new buildings to plant greenery covering 75% of the nonmechanical area of their roofs. That rule has resulted in about two acres of green roofs installed or planned in the neighbor-hood since then -- about a third of a typical New York City block..."

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The Brighton biosphere - Sussex's green message for the globe?
guardian.co.uk, by Robert Booth
October 6, 2008

Brighton, England. "...Unesco's advisers said the criteria were likely to demand that ecology interweave seamlessly with urban life. There should be nature reserves but also buildings with green roofs and "green walls" hung with plants to encourage wildlife...One Brighton, an apartment complex under construction in the centre of the city, will have allotments on the roof and will be powered entirely by renewable energy. Other ecohome developments have sprung up, including Hog's Edge, a row of green-roofed, timber-frame houses near the Bevendean nature reserve..."

Companies talk green at seminar
Baltimore Sun, by Mary Gail Hare
October 5, 2008

Harford County, MD. "Green roofs, solar energy, wind turbines, hybrid vehicles and recycling that encourages landfill-free manufacturing all figured into Harford County's first "Going Green," a seminar that gave business leaders an opportunity to show off their innovations and learn from others...Ed Snodgrass, president of Emory Knoll Farms in Street, discussed green-roof technology, plants for living walls and no-chemical farming. "All of us have to think of what we can do to be green," Snodgrass said. "In 50 years, you will either be a green business or you won't exist..."

Clean revolution
The Gazette, by Alyson Grant
October 4, 2008

San José, CA. "...The municipal government will help make this transformation as easy as possible, providing incentives to residents and industries...There will also be a push to...install energy-monitoring systems, cool and green roofs...Within 15 years, the city of San José - working with its residents and businesses - says it will:.... Build or retrofit 50 million square feet of green buildings..."

ELC's construction on schedule
Savage Pacer, by Nancy Huddleston
October 3, 2008

Savage, MN. "...The 6,200-square-foot facility uses a variety of sustainable, or green, construction practices such as a vegetated roof, a geo-thermal heating system and post-consumer recycled building materials throughout the building ...While Nature’s Artistry planted the roof, American Hydrotech Inc. prepared it with a special roof material topped off with a specially-engineered soil that has been amended with nutrients and crushed shale..."

Cincinnati wants to lead green roof movement in US
The Associated Press, by Terry Kinney
October 2, 2008

Cincinnati, OH. "Officials want to see more green roofs on building tops in Cincinnati. The City Council on Wednesday became the first in Ohio with a plan to channel grants and loans to residents and businesses to replace tar and shingles with vegetation. Supporters of the idea want to see Cincinnati become a leader in green roofs...About $5 million a year in below-market-rate loans through the U.S. EPA Clean Water State Revolving Fund will be available starting in 2009 for green roof projects, city officials estimate, along with an undetermined amount of grant money from other EPA funds."

Brighton builders to get green checklist
Green Building Press, by Staff
October 2, 2008

Brighton, England. "New homes in Brighton will soon have to be green to get planning permission. Applications will have to be accompanied by a checklist with categories including impact on community, economy, transport and climate change...Builders could have to compensate for environmental damage caused by their developments with bat boxes, flower pots and green roofs. The council has devised a formula which calculates the impact of new buildings on the environment..."

Tour to highlight 'green' home designs
StarNewsOnline.com, by Wayne Faulkner
October 2, 2008

Wilmington, NC. "If there’s something growing on your roof, it might actually be a good thing...You can see for yourself Saturday on the Annual Solar & Green Building Tour & Expo, put on by the Wilmington nonprofit Cape Fear Green Building Alliance. One of eight stops on the tour is Mott Landscaping’s green roofs – atop a front porch and a Segway garage..."

How green is your roof?
TheTimes, by Katie Wilson
October 2, 2008

Portland, OR. "...In January, Cooper formed a special interest group called Residential Greenroofs From Start to Finish. She recruited contractors, architects, master gardeners and other professionals to help her on her quest to build green roofs...The hard part, she said, “was finding the materials in small quantities. In Europe, people have been building green roofs for far longer, and materials are easier find. In America, most of the materials are sold in bulk...”

Jewel-Osco Opens New Green Store in Chicago
GreenerBuildings, by GreenerBuildings Staff
October 1, 2008

Chicago, IL. "Supermarket firm Jewel-Osco is seeking LEED certification for a new green store — the company's first — that has opened in Chicago. Eco-friendly elements at the 65,000-square-foot store in the city's Fulton River District include: A reflective and heat emissive LiveRoof system with vegetation..."

The Reciprocal Roof: Beauty, Strength, and Simplicity in a Roof Frame
Green Building Elements, by Brian Liloia
October 1, 2008

U.S. and UK. "...Composed of as few as three beams, a reciprocal roof can incorporate practically any number of beams and span great distances while still maintaining its integrity. Best suited to round structures, this style of frame is incredibly strong, and “twists upon itself rather than spreading apart”, when pressure is applied from above. Notably, it is an appropriate frame for living roofs, because of its strength. The reciprocal roof is a glorious design for green buildings..."

Minnetrista installs roof with eco-friendly twist
Ball State Daily News, by Sarah Cox
October 1, 2008

Muncie, IN. "Muncie's Minnetrista Cultural Center is going green. Since Sept. 9 the building has been saving on energy consumption and providing a habitat for birds and insects. "As an institution, one of our goals is to become more green and educating people along the way is also part of our mission," President and CEO Betty Brewer said. Half of the cultural center's roof was replaced with a garden, while the other half still includes the original materials..."

Growing Vertical (PDF)
Scientific American, by Mark Fischetti
October, 2008

The World. "Cultivating crops in downtown skyscrapers might save bushels of energy and provide city dwellers with distinctively fresh food..."

Captain Planet Expands His Entourage
WeeklyDig.com, by Lillian Ling
September 30, 2008

Boston, MA. "...Peter Smith, site coordinator for GreenFest 2008 and member of the Boston Society of Architects, recognized green energy as an industry that's actually seeing growth (that's a rarity in this economy). "Renewable energy creates jobs industrially and economically," said Smith. "You can see that in local institutions that have installed green roofs and solar panels into their buildings..."

Cincinnati to help fund ‘green roof’ efforts
Bizjournals.com, by Staff
September 30, 2008

Cincinnati, OH. "The city of Cincinnati and the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) are creating a loan/grant program to encourage the construction of vegetative “green” roofs...The grant program will be administered by the MSD, using Green Infrastructure Demonstration Funds. The loan program, if approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency..."

Tax Incentive Promotes Rooftop Gardens In NYC
WCBS-TV, by Elise Finch
September 30, 2008

New York, NY. "A new tax credit for building owners could lead to a sea of rooftop gardens in New York City. as you lower air temperature, you improve air quality, which is why Bronx Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. is anxious to see more green roofs in his borough. "We've been cleaning up the Bronx River, we've been cleaning up the streets, but now we want to clean up the air as well,"...Developers can start applying for the green roof tax credit starting in January of 2009."

See video, too.

Going Green: Free Library Gets City's First 'Green' Roof
Evening Bulletin, by Jenny DeHuff
September 30, 2008

 

Philadelphia, PA. " Mayor Michael A. Nutter cut a ribbon atop the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central Library yesterday, unveiling the first "green" roof over a city-owned building...On the south side of the mammoth building, facing Logan Square, the environmentally friendly roof includes 5,000 sq. ft. of soil and more than 5,400 plants. As part of the mayor's goal of making Philadelphia one of the greenest cities in the country, the roof of the library is expected to bloom in..."

Environment = Quality
Syracuse.com, by Tim Knauss
September 30, 2008

Syracuse, NY. "...Carter, 41, has spearheaded the creation of parks, greenways and a jobs-training program that put unemployed people to work building green roofs...She was the keynote speaker at a conference called "Creating Resilience in Sustainable Communities"...She urged her audience to take similar care of their own communities. "Environmental justice for all is civil rights in the 21st Century," Carter said. "People are absolutely aching, aching for leaders like yourselves..."

Senator Franklyn Advocates Concept of Green Economy
Government of Jamaica, by Jamaica Information Service
September 29, 2008

Jamaica. "Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health and the Environment, Senator Aundre Franklyn, has called for the creation of a 'green economy' and 'green jobs', thus creating a new workforce of what he terms 'green collar workers'...Senator Franklyn stressed that 'green roofing', which involves partially or completely covering roofs with vegetation and soil, should be encouraged "in our built-up areas such as New Kingston, which would provide amenity space for building users, reduce heating, reduce storm-water run off, filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater, increase wildlife habitat and just as important, it will provide a job."

Chicago Green Complex Gets Landmark Status
Daily Green, by TDG Community
September 28, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Green features include a sophisticated HVAC system allowing for individualized control of tenant spaces and increased comfort, a 41,000 gallon cistern irrigating more than 15,000 square feet of vegetated roof and a “smart” escalator using 30 percent less energy. Additional tenant amenities include an 8,000-square-foot sky garden..."

Conservative conference: Sunday's highlights
guardian.co.uk, by Andrew Sparrow
September 28, 2008

London, England. "...And Boris's vision of London in 2012 - It included 40% of tube trains being air-conditioned, "wonderful new Routemasters" on the streets of London, a "fabulous new bike-hire scheme" and "a profusion of roof gardens."

California Academy of Sciences designs sustainability
Los Angeles Times, by Christopher Hawthorne,
September 27, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "Renzo Piano's original concept for the new California Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park was elegantly simple: Slice out a huge, rectangular section of the park landscape, lift it 36 feet into the air and slide a new piece of architecture underneath. The floor of the park would become a green roof atop the facility -- a feature Piano dubbed "the flying carpet..."

Green on top
Ottawa Citizen, by Anu Sood
September 27, 2008

Ontario, Canada. "...Dave Cherry has been a green-roof convert since seeing his first sky garden on Vancouver Island in the early 1990s...Four years ago, he built a 2,100-square-foot home in Hintonburg for his family and last year installed a green roof beside the third-floor balcony. There wasn't enough land on the slim lot for a conventional garden..."

Green footprint is widening in India
Economic Times, by Jessica Mehroin Irani & Nina Mehta
September 27, 2008

Mumbai, India. "...Green buildings are essentially eco-friendly, energy efficient constructions that aim to reduce the amount spent on resources like electricity and water. An eco-friendly building takes advantage of renewable sources like solar energy and photovoltaic techniques, in addition to making provisions for green roofs and rain gardens..."

Green metropolis
Ottawa Citizen, by Anu Sood
September 27, 2008

Ontario, Canada. "...In Ottawa, green roofs can be found on top of private and public buildings. The largest rooftop garden is at the Canadian War Museum at Le-Breton Flats. At more than 10,000 square metres, it is one of the largest of its kind in North America...Under the Green Roof Incentive Pilot Program, the City of Toronto aims to harness the advantages offered by green roofs. This year, a total of $200,000 in incentives is available to building owners who install green roofs..."

United States: Green Ache(rs): Insuring Your Sustainable Construction Project
Mondaq News Alerts, by Eric Singer
September 26, 2008

U.S. "...Insurance is good, but avoiding the problem is better. If you are trying some-thing new, ask questions and find out as much as possible before bolting it to your building or burying it in your land. Green roofs reduce rain water run off, cool the city and your building, but where does the water go, how much does the dirt weigh and is it really a good idea to put your state of the art computer lab directly underneath it? Make sure that someone is anticipating water infiltration and planning for its safe exit from the structure. Visit other projects where the product or system has been installed, visit the factory and have your advisors study the warranty. Is the company standing behind its claims..."

In the Penthouse, a True Garden Apartment
NYTimes.com, by Fred A. Bernstein
September 24, 2008

New York, NY. "...Their goal was not only to create a stunning series of gardens on the penthouse roof, but also to bring nature into the apartment, intermingling lush foliage and drip irrigation systems with custom wood furnishings and floors...Among the unusual features is the roof’s dramatically angled bulkhead, the structure covering the interior stairwell. Most bulkheads are shapeless afterthoughts that designers struggle to hide. Mr. Blesso’s version supports a lush garden that includes peppermint and spearmint..."

A Sustainable Vision for the Heart of San Francisco
The Huffington Post, by Gavin Newsom
September 24, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "...joined by former President Bill Clinton I announced that San Francisco has agreed to a formal partner-ship with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to transform our Civic Center into a first-of-its-kind sustainable resource district over the next three years...Potential initial projects include the installation of solar rooftop photovoltaics, water conservation fixtures, living roofs..."

Modular green roofs 'could make cities greener'
edie.net, by Kate Martin
September 23, 2008

London, England, & Hong Kong, China. "...Dr Sam Hui, from the University of Hong Kong, told the World Green Roof Congress that the city, which is densely populated and known for its skyscrapers, wanted to make its skyline greener..."

Collingwood Neighbourhood House Rooftop Garden
City Farmer News, Linked by Michael Levenston
September 22, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "Heidi Sinclair has spent the last few years developing this roof garden at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House in Vancouver BC. She gives Mike of City Farmer a brief tour of the newly opened community resource..."

Sustainable Building Professionals & Materials News
DEAdirect, by Staff
September 22, 2008

London, England. "London mayor Boris Johnson's environmental advisor has suggested that London's commitment to energy efficiency could be visible in a swathe of green roofs when the Olympics come to town on 2012. Richard Blakeway, the mayor's environmental advisor, spoke to the World Green Roofs Congress last week and said that green roofs..."

Jumeirah to make manage luxury resort in the US Virgin Islands
Business Intelligence Middle East, Press Release
September 22, 2008

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. "Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group and a member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed to manage a luxury multi-use resort occupying the entire western tip of St Thomas, one of the US Virgin Islands...In addition, the resort will respect responsible construction principles, with the use of solar power, protection of reef and coastal areas, a desalinisation plant and planted roofs, among other initiatives..."

Metro Briefs: 1st city-owned building to get a 'green roof'
Louisville Courier-Journal, by Staff
September 21, 2008

Louisville, KY. "Construction of the first "green roof" on a building owned by the city of Louisville is under way. The roof on the Metro Development Center at 444 S. Fifth St. will be planted with hardy vegetation and trees. Contractors expect to complete the project in December...The Metro Development Center is a former parking garage and needed a new roof. The Zero Co. of Cincinnati won the contract to install the roof. The project is expected to cost more than $425,000..."

Keep a green roof thriving with the right soil and plants
Seattle Times, by Valerie Easton
September 21, 2008

Seattle area, WA. "...I've been paying close attention to the green roof on a picnic shelter at Clinton Beach, a little park at the end of the Whidbey Island ferry dock. Planted two years ago, the roof's a rich tapestry of color and texture in all seasons ...Jason Henry of the Berger Partnership was landscape architect on the project. He worked in collaboration with Taproot Design, a Whidbey Island husband-wife team of Matthew Swett and Sarah Birger, architect and garden designer, respectively. Their own studio has been sprouting a green roof since 2000..."

Garden roof-tops to green up London
Fair Home, by David Masters
September 19, 2008

London, England. "The Environment Agency (EA) is encouraging developers and landlords in London to green up their roof-tops as a way of mitigating the effects of climate change. Speaking at the World Green Roof Congress this week, representatives from the EA will outline their vision of vegetation covered roof-tops across the British capital...Canary Wharf’s green roof saves its owners £5,000 per year in heating costs, whilst green roofs in Toronto save the city over £10 million, and in Chicago, where the concept has been fully embraced, over £100 million per year is saved..."

Minnetrista's roof turns green
Muncie Star Press, by Seth Slabaugh
September 19, 2008

Muncie, IN. "...The $24,000 project includes more than $6,000 worth of monitoring equipment -- rain gauges, water flow meters and thermometers connected to a computer...Minnetrista plans to install green roofs over other areas of its cultural and natural history museum when the existing roof wears out in the near future. "This is a test project and a pilot project with a lot of educational components," Brewer said. "Anybody can come and see what we did and how we did it. We want to let people know this is not something scary or that only big corporations or universities can do. The average homeowner can do something like this..."

Green roofs are taking root in cities
Chicago Tribune, by Lisa Anderson
September 19, 2008

U.S. "When asphalt-weary American city dwellers yearn for a bit of greenery these days, more and more of them head for the roof. The concept of planted green roofs, which gained early popularity in Chicago, is beginning to take root in New York and other cities...Due to cost, green roofs appear primarily on public and commercial buildings, such as the new Bank of America tower in Manhattan or the Apple Store on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. But they also are beginning to sprout on single family homes and other private..."

New Democrats to Install Living Roof on Top of Campaign Headquarters
NewsBlaze, by Staff
September 19, 2008

Ottawa, Canada. "New Democrat party headquarters is going green on top. About 9000 square feet of dirt and plants will be crane-lifted onto the roof of Jack Layton's campaign headquarters downtown, then transformed into new urban green space with community-wide benefits. The New Democrat Leader is committed to making his party as environmentally friendly as possible. Layton hopes his party's significant investment will raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of green roofs; encourage city governments to develop green roof strategies; and help home owners and businesses to learn more..."

Affiliated FM rolls out new green coverage endorsement
Trading Markets, Datamonitor via COMTEX
September 18, 2008

The World. "Affiliated FM, a member of the FM Global Group and a commercial property insurer, has introduced a new green coverage endorsement to its proVision all-risk property policy...As claimed by Affiliated FM, the new coverage also includes, additional costs to replace damaged roofs with green roofing systems, including vegetative roofing systems...and costs to hire an accredited green consultant to assist in green design and reconstruction..."

London to showcase green roofs
edie.net, by Sam Bond
September 17, 2008

London, England. "A sea of green roofs could be London's best way to visibly demonstrate its commitment to the environment when the world turns its gaze upon the city in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. This was the opinion of Richard Blakeway, advisor to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, when he spoke at the World Green Roofs Congress in the capital on Wednesday..."

Green roofs growing in popularity
smh.com.au, by Tim Elliott
September 17, 2008

Australia. "..The standard roof temperature in Australia in summer can be between 75 degrees to 120 Celsius," Carpenter says. "A green roof can straightaway reduce that to the mid to high 30s."...Last year the City of Sydney council made a $48,000 grant to develop guidelines and planning control for green roofs, and Kogarah Council is looking into putting a 1050-square-metre green roof on its Civic Centre..."

Public Relations and Design Firm, Hart-Boillot, Partners With Boston GreenFest 2008
MarketWatch, Press Release
September 16, 2008

Boston, MA. "Hart-Boillot, an advertising, graphic design, and public relations agency specializing in the clean- and high-techno-logy, higher education and healthcare industries, today announced its involvement with Boston GreenFest 2008, a two-day festival focused on raising awareness of global warming and climate change in a fun, family-oriented environment. The event will take place September 26-27 at Boston City Hall Plaza...The Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. is committed to educating the public and increasing awareness about green roofs as a means..."

New Eco-Savvy InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Utilizes 100% Renewable Energy
WSJ.com, by Business Wire
September 16, 2008

Chicago, IL. "Chicagoland's new eco-savvy and luxury destination hotel, the 556-room InterContinental Chicago O'Hare, is going above and beyond in its quest to lighten businesses' impact on the environment. Not only does the sophisticated, design-forward property utilize 100% renewable energy credits from wind, but the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare also features a green roof..."

Green roof crops help feed homeless
redandblack.com, by Kayla Beck
September 15, 2008

Athens, GA. "...The rooftop of the Geography/Geology building is home to a climatology data collection source and vegetable gardens...The roof has been eco-friendly for more than 60 years and allows growth of vegetables for those in need. It was built to grow grass and plants that mimic ground landscapes to allow for accurate weather...The Lamar Dodd School of Art hosts a lush green roof. Construction began in early August on the Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens, which will also host a green roof."

Tour first green roof in Rock Island
Quad-Cities Online, Press Release
September 15, 2008

Rock Island, IL. "River Action will be giving a workshop and tour of the first green roof in the Illinois Quad Cities, the McKesson Lofts Green Roof, Monday, Sept. 22, 3:30pm. The tour will start on the main floor of the McKesson Lofts, 120 19th Street, Rock Island and end on the newly installed green roof. The tour is free, but space is limited to 25 participants..."

Swindon school has a green roof
Green Building Press, by Matthew Pardo
September 15, 2008

Toothill, England. "Pupils at a Swindon primary school are relishing the town’s newest green building. When Toothill Primary School pupils returned from their summer break they were ushered into a new shiny £4.5m building. The state-of-the-art building will recycle rainwater and also sports solar panels, which provide the building’s hot water. It also boasts a specially created roof covered with low growing grasses..."

School is upwardly mobile
Bromsgrove Advertiser, by Staff
September 15, 2008

Bromsgrove, England. "...The new classrooms have been specially designed to let in maximum light and will be ‘green’ as their living roofs will be covered with sedum plants..."

Dori high-tech park will be green
Globes, by Michal Margalit
September 14, 2008

Kiryat Arie, Israel. "...Dori's development aims to maximize savings in power and water, and minimize noise. The buildings will use special glass to maximize natural light, thereby reducing air conditioning and interior lighting. The buildings will have green roofs that will use recycled water from the air conditioning..."

Green features flourish at Metro nature centers
The Tennessean, by Jenny Upchurch
September 14, 2008

Nashville, TN. "Eco-friendly, energy-saving features are taking root on some of Nashville's newest public buildings. Drought-tolerant sedum plants are spreading across the "green roof" of the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center in East Nashville, creating a mat to insulate the building below and filter rain runoff so contaminants don't reach the ground or, more important, the nearby Cumberland River...A green roof is possible for McCabe Community Center, which will be built in Sylvan Park next year, said Tim Netsch, a parks planner. It would be part of a rooftop plaza, so visitors could see the plants up close..."

University hospital testing green roof
Rutland Herald, by Wade Rawlins
September 14, 2008

Raleigh, NC. "...It's a test project to help medical center leaders decide whether to include a more extensive green roof over part of the planned $596 million hospital expansion...The School of Nursing Carrington Hall addition, completed in 2005, is the first building in the UNC system to receive certification from the green building council. Like the Duke Hospital experiment, the building has a green roof...The Rams Head Center, built on the site of a former parking lot near Kenan Stadium, includes a 700-space parking deck, a grocery, a dining hall, a recreation center, and a green plaza on top..."

Anatomy of a garden Barge gardens, Downings Road moorings, London SE1
guardian.co.uk, by Andy Sturgeon
September 13, 2008

London, England. "Floating on the Thames just downstream from Tower Bridge are the most extraordinary gardens, yet thanks to their illustrious neighbour they're largely unnoticed. The barge gardens at Downings Road moorings were created nine years ago on a series of modified Thames lighters, each one converted into apartments and studios, and with serious roof gardens..."

When It Comes to Carbon, American Assets Taking a Neutral Stance
San Diego Business Journal, by Michele Mowad
dated September 15, 2008 (posted 9.13.08)

Marin County, CA. "A San Diego developer plans to build the most carbon neutral project in the U.S....Chamberlain says the project is being designed to exceed the highest level of certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design...The project includes plans to use solar panels, green roofs, energy-efficient appliances and water-saving plumbing fixtures, and incorporate the use of gray water and black water systems..."

Gardening on the roof
Brantford Expositor, by Denzil Sawyer
September 13, 2008

Canada. "You may be aware that there are roof top gardens increasingly on high-rise building across North America. For the inhabitants of penthouses and condominiums they provide a place where they can relax in pleasing surroundings out in the open air. Some hotels have brought up enough soil to grow herbs and a few select vegetables for their kitchens. Placing containers for the plants onto flat roof areas is not always practical, however, as the pots and growing materials are heavy and require high maintenance..."

Butler construction on schedule, half done
The Daily Princetonian, by Tasnim Shamma
September 12, 2008

Princeton University, NJ. "...One of the most distinctive features of the new Butler is its sustainability-focused design. Half of the new complex will be covered by “green roofs,” designed to reduce heating and cooling loads and decrease storm-water runoff. The University intends to collect data on the difference between green and conventional roofs when construction is complete..."

School of Business achieves platinum rating for sustainability
The Ithacan online, by Becca Burns
September 11, 2008

Ithaca College, NY. "Ithaca College is now home to the only business school in the world to receive the highest honor of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Sustainable Enterprise, has attained platinum-level status for LEED. This is highest rating for sustainability, with not even 100 buildings reaching this rating...Environmentally friendly aspects include a vegetated roof, a storm water reclamation..."

His aim: Bring city land to life
Christian Science Monitor, by Moises Velasquez-Manoff
September 11, 2008

New York, NY. "Paul Mankiewicz, a biologist, botanist, and erstwhile philosopher, has a vision for New York City. He calls it “zero discharge”: Not a drop of water should escape from the city without first making something grow. Rainwater should be caught and used to cultivate greenery. “Gray water” from showers, baths, and sinks should irrigate rooftop gardens...Mr. Mankiewicz, executive director of the Gaia Institute in New York and treasurer of the city’s Soil and Water Conservation District, has designed ecosystems for 30 years. He had a hand in the city’s very first “green streets,” patches of greenery sprouting up alongside roadways in recent years, and the Bronx’s first green roof..."

Stormwater and Sewage: The Fate of DC Rainfall
Washington Post, by Ann Posegate
September 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. "...considering that almost 25 billion gallons of stormwater runoff enters the District's waterways each year, what is the city doing to reduce stormwater runoff and improve the very outdated CSS in the older areas? D.C.'s Long-Term Control Plan includes Low-Impact-Development techniques in various neighborhoods across the city, such as 20 million square feet of "green roofs" by 2020 to aid in absorbing rainwater before it hits the ground. What can you do to help absorb rainwater on your property? Installing green roofs, rain gardens, rain barrels..."

Reel life above The Electric Cinema
Birmingham Post, by Jon Perks
September 11, 2008

Birmingham, England. "...If having a cinema downstairs and such a great location were trump cards, the apartment has one more ace in the hole – the roof. It is vast. Whether it’s eating al fresco or simply taking Hitchcock for a walk, the sheer size of the roof is enough to send fellow city centre apartment owners the colour of Robin Hood’s tunic. The space itself could soon be green – the couple hope to transform it into one of the city centre’s first environmentally friendly ‘living roofs’..."

Gee's Bend Opens, Fringe Continues, Fishtown River Fest, Bike Philly & More: The Weekend Listings...
Philadelphia Center City Weekly Press, by Harry B. Cook
September 11, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...Guided Green Roof Tour @ Swarthmore College...Learn about the inner-workings, benefits, and beauty of green roofs while exploring two at the Swarthmore's Arboretum (500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081). A brisk walk is required between the two gardens and the second roof is reached only by a narrow, steep ladder so be prepared..."

Statement by the Mayor delivered at Mayor’s Question Time
Greater London Authority, Press Release
September 10, 2008

London, England. "...I want a London where we respond to population growth with housing which is not only affordable but distinguished, and which will be admired by future generations, where we continuously improve the look and feel of our parks and open spaces, where we have a rolling programme of planting trees and encouraging roof gardens and allotments across the city..."

Williams College Opens New Academic Buildings
iBerkshires.com, by Lyndsay DeBord
September 10, 2008

Williamstown, MA. "...Both buildings have sections of "living roofs," with North's larger in keeping with far greater size. The plants help keep the structure cool and, instead of having to drain water runoff, the flora absorbs some of the rain. Pilachowski added, "It's nice to look at." "I keep waiting for some faculty member to grow a tomato patch," Brown joked..."

Army’s bold vision for sustainable bases
Federal Times, by Tim Kauffman
September 9, 2008

Fort Lewis, WA. "By 2017, many of the 25,000 soldiers and civilian employees living and working at Fort Lewis in northwest Washington state could be using no more energy than it takes to walk from the office to the gym or catch a hydrogen-powered bus to the firing range. Fort Lewis, which at 134 square miles is only slightly smaller than the state’s largest city, Seattle, is on a mission to transform its sprawling campus into a cluster of environmentally sustainable communities complete with public transportation and light rail systems, bike paths and parks, and green-certified homes and businesses that are within walking distance of each other...Some of the innovative design features being considered include vegetated roofs, solar panels, permeable paving and use of natural daylight..."

People Mover now rolling under a green roof
Detroit Free Press, by John Gallagher
September 9, 2008

Detroit, MI. "The Detroit People Mover recently installed a so-called green roof atop its station at Joe Louis Arena. Consisting of a thin layer of ground-hugging plants, the roof protects the underlying roof structure by deflecting heat and sunlight and by channeling rainwater to drains. Installing a new roof that included a green layer cost $159,000, which was somewhat more than just a basic roof would cost. But the expected lifespan of 40 years will dramatically reduce repair costs to the underlying layer, said..."

Open House takes public behind the capital's green doors
This is London, by Elizabeth Hopkirk
September 9, 2008

London, England. "...Nearly 700 buildings are taking part this year, including Lloyd's of London, the Bank of England, the Foreign Office, a rooftop nursery in Hackney... • 10 Queen Street Place, EC4, a recently built office by the Thames with a roof garden and three atriums linked by bridges. • Kensington Roof Gardens, above the old Thirties Derry & Toms department store in Kensington High Street..."

Israeli honeycombs create instant roads
Israel 21C, by Karin Kloosterman
September 8, 2008

The World. "...Neoweb is good for the planet, too. Unlike traditional concrete and pavement solutions, it prevents "heat islands" by replacing traditional hard outdoor surfaces such as parking lots and vehicle access ways. It can also be used for creating green roofs on buildings..."

Publisher's Note: See the Gwinnett County Environmental & Heritage Center greenroof.

Mou(n)tain Dwellings, Copenhagen, Denmark
World Architecture News, by Staff
September 8, 2008

Copenhagen, Denmark. "...Rather than doing two separate buildings next to each other - a parking and a housing block – Danish based Bjarke Ingels Group decided to merge the two functions into a symbiotic relationship. The parking area needs to be connected to the street, and the homes require sunlight, fresh air and views, thus all apartments have roof gardens facing the sun, amazing views and parking on the 10th floor. The Mountain Dwellings appear as a suburban neighbourhood of homes flowing over a 10-storey building..."

What makes this garden think it's so SMART?
TMCnet, via Acquire Media NewsEdge
September 7, 2008

Chicago, IL. "Those stately bur oaks have seen a lot of bright ideas. In 1893, they shared the glow when brand-new electric lights illuminated the White City. Now they overlook green roofs, LED lamps, rain barrels and a bioswale. Beneath their boughs spreads the landscape of a Smart Home, built to demonstrate, inside and out, how new technologies, new ideas and new attitudes can help a family live more gently on the land..."

Carbon pledge a first step for UNC
Durham Herald Sun, by Spencer Perkins
September 7, 2008

Chapel Hill, NC. "...Perhaps no example is better than the sustainability project with Carrington Hall, which included a green roof. "I can remember when we did the Carrington Hall addition to the nursing school, there were actually people in Raleigh that were making fun of the fact that we have a vegetated roof on our building," Moeser said..."

Green the Public Square
Huffington Post, by Amitai Etzioni
September 5, 2008

U.S. "The next president should include in his agenda the greening of all public facilities within 3 years. Such greening should be required of all federal facilities (from office buildings to prisons, from courts to military bases), and of all corporations that receive substantial amounts of federal funds in grants or contracts...The greening of the public square should apply to all new facilities and tools (e.g., all new buildings should be required to meet basic green standards, all new vehicles to meet higher and rising CAFE standards, etc.) as well as to the retrofitting of old ones (through improved insulation, green roofs..."

How have the green movement and the need for energy savings affected commercial roofing?
New England Real Estate Journal Online, by Steve Chaffee
September 5, 2008

New England, U.S. "...how will we be able to maintain watertight integrity at a reasonable cost in years to come? The roofing contractor should be tasked with the overall design and installation of the entire system, including plantings if he is expected to take responsibility for leaks. But what happens with future maintenance, fertilization, and replacement of dead plantings in future years?..."

A review of the masterplan for the Euston station area, central London
Regen.net, by Marc Watterson
September 5, 2008

London, England. "...The design approach is clear: above the station would sit an ambitious series of stepped blocks, incorporating housing, commercial, leisure, retail space, roof gardens and public open spaces...The old taxi rank would form part of an expanded underground ticket hall, which will include new shops and be accessible from the gardens four storeys above..."

Insurers warn of fire risk from green roofs
Building.co.uk, by Michael Willoughby
September 5, 2008

UK. "Developers putting green roofs on their buildings may have to think again after one of the world’s largest insurers declared they were a fire risk. Swiss insurer Zurich, the third largest insurer of commercial property in the UK, said the roofs could dry out and become flammable...Blackie said he recommended a maintenance regime or irrigation procedures to be put in place as well as fire breaks and limited access to the roof. He added that the insurer should be part of the design process...Dusty Gedge, co-founder of LivingRoofs.org, said he thought that insurance firms were not properly researching the matter..."

$27 million Dalhousie University building aiming for LEED silver certification
Daily Commercial News, by Patricia Williams
September 5, 2008

Halifax, Canada. "...Designed by Halifax architects Fowler Bauld & Mitchell, the four-storey, 104,000 square-foot building includes a number of “green” components...A green roofing system that uses a combination of Energy Star compliant and vegetated roofing materials to minimize the impact on human and wildlife habitat..."

Green roofs set to combat climate change in London
Regen.net, by Staff (subscription)
September 5, 2008

London, England. "Developers will be encouraged to make use of green roofs to keep buildings cool and to help absorb rainwater as part of a strategy published last week to ready London for the effects of climate change..."

SF: Plant-Topped Bus Station Shelter Promotes Academy of Sciences Opening
CBS 5, by The Associated Press
September 4, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom used a "green" bus stop shelter today, made of 48-square-feet of vegetation planted on top of a Civic Center bus stop, to promote the California Academy of Sciences' opening later this month. The temporary garden at the stop at Larkin and McAllister streets is a mini replica of the academy's 2.5-acre living rooftop in Golden Gate Park. Newsom said the green shelter is promotional but also works to make the urban environment green...The bus stop is one of 12 stops in the city that will promote the academy before it opens Sept. 27..."

Toronto's concrete slab apartments to get green retrofit
TheBulletin.ca, by Staff
September 4, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "The environment and residents in Toronto's thousand, decades-old concrete slab apartment towers will be the beneficiaries of Mayor's Tower Renewal, an ambitious new project unveiled by Mayor David Miller...Plans call for the installation of solar, wind and geothermal energy and green roofs and increased water conservation and on-site management of waste..."

Microsoft’s 2033 vision for Cardiff
WalesOnline, by Aled Blake
September 4, 2008

Cardiff, Wales. "...researchers at Microsoft believe the Welsh capital is in for a dramatic change over the next 25 years as office working and manufacturing become consigned to the past...Cardiff will see an increase in boats and art spaces as employees will be able to work from them, adding that: “It will be a key creative hotspot where workers can work in more re-mote spots such as roof gardens.”

Ball State on way to becoming 'green'
Muncie Star Press, by Kelly Day
September 4, 2008

Muncie, IN. "...Other improvements include the installation of solar panels and green roofs, something some universities have already implemented. "I think (making environmental efforts) is the socially responsible thing to do," Kenyon said. "Universities are supposed to set the example..."

Watch Green Happen in Kansas
RenewableEnergyWorld.com, by Mark Braly
September 3, 2008

Greensburg, KS and San Francisco, CA. "...Schmidt says that he can turn out the nation's greenest homes for 5% to 25% less than conventional stick built homes. His company, he says, is in constant R&D mode. Here are some features he is using and plans to use in his homes...Living roofs. Last year at the West Coast Green conference in San Francisco, Schmidt's green house with a living roof was put up in front of the City Hall where it drew big crowds..."

Sandton City Shopping Centre
World Architecture News, by Staff
September 3, 2008

Johannesburg, South Africa. " RTKL to redesign Sandton City Shopping Centre. Africa’s premier shopping destination will soon receive a R1.77 billion ($226 million) face-lift from RTKL...Outside, stunning architectural veils will extend from the commercial towers to decrease solar radiation and glare, shade internal courts and atria, and shelter roof gardens. Sustainable technologies will be woven throughout the project to improve water retention, cool buildings, and harness the wind..."

Green roofs could stop sewage from flowing into waterways: group
CBC.ca, by Staff
September 3, 2008

Canada. "Cities could stop raw sewage from being dumped into local waterways during heavy rains if they installed more rooftop gardens on their buildings, says a Canadian environmental group. A report released Tuesday by Ecojustice Canada, formerly known as the Sierra Legal Defence Fund, addresses a problem faced by 89 Ontario municipalities such as Ottawa that have combined sanitary and storm sewers, carrying both human waste and rainwater..."

Note:  Download the Ecojustice "GREEN CITIES, GREAT LAKES, Using Green Infrastructure to Reduce Combined Sewer Overflows PDF here.

New energy park plans for centre of excellence
Peterborough Today, by Stephen Briggs
September 3, 2008

Peterborough, England. "...Mr Williams said the energy park's new plans also enhance the city's green credentials, as not only will the emissions from the plant be environmentally friendly, saving 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 20 years, but it is also hoped that the buildings themselves could become a haven for wildlife. The structures will have "green roofs" with grass and other plants growing on them – one of the roofs is intended to be just the right habitat for the black redstart, one of the rarest birds in Britain..."

An uplifting aspiration
Chicago Sun-Times, by Dave Hoekstra
September 3, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...In late July the folks at the Uncommon Ground restaurant, 1401 W. Devon, opened their 2,500-square foot organic rooftop farm. The lofty mission is to deliver organic produce for the downstairs restaurant and to use the garden to teach adult volunteers and children how to grow food organically in an urban, roof-top environment...The uncommon farm is built on recycled deck material 20 feet atop the street. The farm currently has arugula, beans, beets, collard greens, cucumbers, peas, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes and watermelon..."

Raise the 'green' roof: New entry structure to yard proves perfect place to grow plants
Jackson Clarion Ledger, by Felder Rushing
September 3, 2008

Jackson, MS. "...It's an irregular oval roof supported by heavy iron I-beams sunk in concrete, with a large hole left in the middle for sunlight and moonlight, then topped with plants which will soon be cascading over the sides and through the hole. There is a lot more to it, of course, from hidden joists and layers of waterproofing and drain material, to a hand-crafted soil mix that incorporates a special lightweight expanded shale that both holds water and provides drainage..."

Stricter Controls Drafted for Montgomery Runoff
Washington Post, by Ann E. Marimow
September 3, 2008

Montgomery County, MD. "Maryland environmental officials proposed tougher pollution controls yesterday on Montgomery County's storm water runoff as part of an effort to protect drinking water supplies and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries...For new development and redevelopment projects, the county's permit would require builders to use low-impact, environmentally friendly design. Legislation that O'Malley signed into law last year already requires developers to make use of "green roofs," "rain gardens" and other methods of soaking up and..."

ECO To Build Largest Green Roof On An Existing Urban Building in Pennsylvania; Company to donate $50,000 to Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation green roof project
Exelon, Press Release
September 2, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "What’s more than 45,000 square feet, can reduce the summertime temperature of a dark roof by 60 to 80 degrees, saves on heating and cooling costs, and grows without conventional soil? Simple, PECO’s soon-to-be planted green roof..."

A Mexican Hillside in London
Livingroofs.org, by David Matzdorf
August 30, 2008

London, England. "...What distinguishes my roof from most of the other green roofs in Britain is that, although it is an "extensive" green roof with a modest depth of soil, it is intended as an ongoing horticultural experiment and as a gardener's garden. The object is to find out what one can grow in 100mm depth of soil on a roof in London, to find the envelope and then push it..."

Shortage of talent with booming gardening, landscape projects
TODAYonline, by Lin Yanqin
August 29, 2008

Singapore. "There are plenty of creative ways to add green space in Singapore, such as roof gardens. But before grows in the space set aside for parks and gardens by a quarter, as announced in the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Leisure Plan in May, more talent is needed to support such growth in the sector..."

Burt Hill LEEDing the way for CCP’s campus addition
Philadelphia Business Journal, by Morgan A. Zalot
August 29, 2008

Center City, PA. "...Community College of Philadelphia selected the firm, which has one of its largest offices in Philadelphia, to design its culinary school and student center, which will be built on 17th Street on the school’s main campus in Center City...The building will boast cutting-edge green features such as green roofing to allow for enhanced stormwater runoff..."

Turn to higher ground for garden innovations
Long Beach Press-Telegram, by Joshua Siskin
August 29, 2008

U.S. "...On his 134-acre nursery in Maryland, Snodgrass grows 300 plant species, including 150 different sedums, all destined for roof gardens...Last month, roof gardens were planted on the ranger station and facility buildings at the new Vista Hermosa Park in downtown Los Angeles. Plant species include two sedges - Carex testacea and Carex pansa - as well as Sedum reflexum and spring star flower (Ipheion uniflorum), a drought-tolerant, naturalizing bulb from Argentina that grows almost flat along the ground and bears flowers in many shades of blue as well as white... simple growing technique has been devised on the roof of a restaurant in Portland, Ore..."

Tribal schools expand role preserving native cultures
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, by Butch Reifert
August 28, 2008

U.S. "Native Americans are showing increased interest nationwide in building schools that instill in their children a deeper understanding of their tribal culture and connection to the environment...Many eco-friendly features are incorporated into Indian school design — natural daylighting, rain gardens, energy-efficient heating and lighting, nontoxic paints, recycled materials, sometimes roof gardens..."

Con Edison Installs Its First Green Roof
MarketWatch, Press Release
August 28, 2008

Long Island City, NY. "Con Edison's first "green roof," a new energy-saving plant system, is growing on the company's three-story Learning Center training and conference facility in Long Island City...The green roof demonstration, a collaborative effort with Columbia University's Center for Climate Systems Research, will evaluate the benefits of the green roof and measure energy savings, roof surface temperatures, and air quality improvements..."

Construction of new permit facility underway
Waukegan Journal, by Staff
August 28, 2008

Libertyville, IL. "Construction of the Lake County's new permit facility and consolidated environmental lab in Libertyville is underway...“The facility will include several sustainable green features such as an 8,000-square-foot green roof that absorbs precipitation and reduces storm-water runoff, while helping regulate the building’s temperature,” said Greg Werner, vice president of Mortenson Construction..."

Eco fair heralds two green Lakes weeks
NW Evening Mail, by Staff
August 26, 2008

South Lakeland, England. "...On Wednesday (27), there will be a tour of the new interpretation building at Tarn Hows, near Coniston, between 4pm and 5pm, looking at the low water use systems, waste disposal, sophisticated skylights, sedum roof and clever design..."

Campuses give 'green' that old college try
Philadelphia Inquirer, by Susan Snyder
August 25, 2008

U.S. "A "green" conscience is sweeping the nation's colleges and universities and manifesting itself in virtually every aspect of campus life...thousands in the region return to classes starting today, they'll find "green" roofs being installed on their dorms, receive reusable water bottles, and see corn growing on their quad..."

Putting down the roots: Grass roofs latest trend in green building
Lawrence Journal World, by Sarah Henning
August 24, 2008

Lawrence, KS and Kansas City, MO. "...soon-to-open drive-through coffee shop at Ninth and Iowa streets is topped with 650 square feet of green grass shooting up from its steeply pitched roof. Scooter’s is just one example of green roofs sprouting up around Lawrence and the surrounding area. Also going green is the weight room at Kansas University’s 80,000-square-foot Anderson Family Football Complex...For the weight room housed under the green roof at the football complex, Corman estimates KU will save $20,000 per year in energy costs because of the cooling effect provided by the green roof’s insulation. And the school will get more out of the investment being able to use the roof space as a tailgating area..."

Landscapers are going green
Joliet Herald News, by Cindy Wojdyla Cain
August 24, 2008

Joliet, IL. "...The company also has expanded into green roofs. "Green roofs are becoming the really cool thing," McAdam said..."It's just amazing what it does," he said. "It's a great opportunity for industry to be ecologically aware and environmentally concerned..."

Sky’s the limit
Independent, by Peter York
August 23, 2008

London, England. "...For me, real roof gardens are absolutely rooted in the American Century – the 20th. Roof gardens are for showing off, for eating out in, for extraordinary light and views. Not really for growing your own organic food or for planting a miniature Sissinghurst. The roof garden impulse is a bit like the underground pool one, the "because I can"..."

Special feature: Green living
Washington Times, by Michele Lerner
August 22, 2008

Washington, DC. "Pocketbook concerns have merged with environmental interests in recent years, with homeowners and buyers focusing on green building with new enthusiasm...Todd Tibbitts, senior vice president for property services at Post Properties Inc., wrote in an article on green roofs for Units magazine that in 2007, more than 55,000 square feet of new green roofs were installed in the District..."

Students plant green roof on Seitz Hall
Roanoke Times, by Greg Esposito
August 22, 2008

Blacksburg, VA. "...Her interest in "green roofs," an innovation to combat that problem, landed her on the roof of Seitz Hall on Thursday morning, passing small water-efficient plants called sedums to fellow classmates so they could vegetate a 250-square-foot area...Worthington was one of 20 Tech students and four students and two faculty from Nova Scotia Agricultural College to participate in a weeklong practicum taught by Tech horticulture professor Greg Welbaum..."

Developers making ‘green’ mark on environment
Inquirer.net, by Tessa Salazar
August 22, 2008

Manila, Philippines. "Environmental experts have noted that property-related developments account for 38 percent—or over one-third—of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the world, making them (along with the transportation and production industries) among the main drivers of global warming and contributors to extreme weather conditions...examples are Senta’s roof utilizing the principles of Green Roofing technology..."

California Academy of Sciences Poised to Open New Green Quarters
GreenerBuildings, by Leslie Guevarra
August 22, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "The California Academy of Sciences is poised to publicly unveil its award-winning new facility next month — a move that its leaders hope will literally and figuratively open the doors to new green quarters...The building is crowned by a 2.5-acre living roof. The rolling landscape of colorful native plants and wildflowers sits 35 feet above the ground and mirrors the nearby slopes of San Fran-cisco's Twin Peaks and Mount Davidson. Beneath the roof, a single building houses the academy components that once stretched across 12 structures..."

Buildings to sport plans on roofs to improve sustainability
The Rice Thresher, by Rachel Carlson
August 22, 2008

Houston, TX. "Students and faculty are accustomed to seeing flora and fauna around campus, but green roofing on four Rice buildings will give landscaping an entirely new dimension...The idea for green roofing was inspired by several models. The University of Texas School of Public Health in the Texas Medical Center...the selection of plant species was recently finalized with input from the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and various experts in Houston...Johnson credits the progress of this environmental initiative to the efforts of Rice students..."

Insurance Bureau of Canada calls for national action plan on infrastructure
Daily Commercial News, by Vince Versace
August 21, 2008

Canada. "The Insurance Bureau of Canada’s call for a national action plan to upgrade water and sewage infrastructure is further proof increased investment in this area is needed...“With less lawns and generally no green roofs around, water is not going where it naturally wants to go and it gets diverted,” says Zechner..."

Lobbies in New York shedding their greenery
Online News and Information on Singapore Property, by idealresidence
August 21, 2008

New York, NY. "...While more buildings are planting their roofs with grass, trees or shrubs, the interior landscaping industry finds itself in a difficult place, professionals say...on the 7,000-square-foot roof at 250 Hudson Street, a former printing plant in Hudson Square being converted to offices by Jack Resnick & Sons, Ms Carleo will install crab apple trees and prairie grasses in stark contrast to the lobby, which will be essentially bare...Residential roofs are being similarly dressed up...An example is the Caledonia, a Related Cos, complex on West 17th Street where Mr Freilich recently planted three roof gardens that totalled 20,000 square feet and included 100 trees and 1,000 cubic yards of soil..."

A wake-up call to help save the planet
Wicked Local West Roxbury, by Karen L. Weber
August 20, 2008

Boston, MA. "...As supposed informed people, we remain in denial about human impact on our environment and the climate chaos that is occurring across our globe. In order to help “wake us up” to these realities, as well as ways to start being proactive about global warming – far more than changing a light bulb or inflating our tires, a group of people under the guiding force of the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc., decided to organize Boston GreenFest 2008 at City Hall Plaza on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27. The premise of this festival is based on the need to bring every-one from across our neighborhoods to City Hall Plaza to work together to solve the global warming problem. And we can begin in so many ways – doing neighborhood projects including rainwater recovery, organic raised bed gardens, green roofs, beekeeping, solar and wind..."

The Grounded Gardener: Low-impact guidelines you can use
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by Marty Wingate
August 20, 2008

Seattle, WA. "The push is on for low-impact buildings and landscapes -- construction that reduces the air and water pollution in our region...From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to hobbit holes to sod houses on the prairies, green roofs have kept dwellings cool in the summer and warm in the winter while providing forage for any available livestock..."

Council could set the standard
Independent Press, by Eugene Fox
August 20, 2008

Summit, NJ. "On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Summit Common Council was presented with an excellent action plan for sustainability. I hope the council really adopts this plan, and in the near future I would like to see an announcement that the council has adopted the following policies: ...3. A policy to actively evaluate the roofs of all public buildings to decide which ones can be augmented with solar panels and which ones can be replaced with green roofs rather than rely on the status quo of tar and pebbles..."

Blue Covenant The Alternative Water Future
Monthly Review, by Maude Barlow
August 20, 2008

The World. "...Three basic laws of nature must be addressed. First, it is necessary to create the conditions that allow rainwater to remain in local watersheds. This means restoring the natural spaces where rainwater can fall and where water can flow. Water retention can be carried out at all levels: roof gardens in family homes and office buildings; urban planning that allows rainwater to be captured and returned to the earth; water harvesting in food..."

How green is your roof?
Nature.com, by Katrina Charles
August 19, 2008

The World. "Many 'green roof' schemes, which aim to make buildings more eco-friendly by turning rooftops into gardens, are failing because of a lack of basic research on their efficient installation and mainten-ance...an unpublished report from Green City Zurich, the city department responsible for planning and maintenance of public parks, which found that more than 50% of green roofs in Zurich have less than 5 centimetres of the soil substitute that binds the vegetation to the roof — insufficient to support most plants...Zurich recently introduced a minimum substrate depth of 10 centimetres for new roofs to counter the problem described by Brenneisen. But a recent study has highlighted the fact that even with the same substrate depth, not all green roofs are created equal...Scientists at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas, Austin...According to livingroofs.org, a non-profit advisory group supported by the UK's London Development Agency, over 30 million square metres of green roofs have been installed in Germany since 2000..."

These Days, Plants in Lobbies Are Seen as Clutter
New York Times, by C. J. Hughes
August 19, 2008

New York, NY. "......While more buildings are planting their roofs with grass, trees or shrubs, the interior landscaping industry finds itself in a difficult place, professionals say...the council does encourage planted roofs, and landscapers are responding, said Teresa Carleo...on the 7,000-square-foot roof at 250 Hudson Street, a former printing plant in Hudson Square being converted to offices by Jack Resnick & Sons, Ms. Carleo will install crab apple trees and prairie grasses in stark contrast to the lobby...Residential roofs are being similarly dressed up...An example is the Caledonia, a Related Companies complex on West 17th Street where Mr. Freilich recently planted three roof gardens that totaled 20,000 square feet and included 100 trees and 1,000 cubic yards of soil..."

FOXe Report: Green Roofs
MyFox Austin, by Staff
August 19, 2008

Austin, TX. "..."We found most of the green roofs are very good at cleaning water," Simmons said. "They filter out a lot of the air pollutants, a lot of the particulate matter. But in terms of how much water they actually retain, storm water, it was real variable. Some of the roofs didn't really perform at all. In fact, they were the same as having, say, a conventional black roof."..." 

Structures so green they give back to the environment
Plenty Magazine, by Lisa Selin Davis
August 19, 2008

The World. "Forget simply cutting a building's footprint. A new wave or architectural thinkers wants to create buildings that help regenerate the planet like living organisms...Suddenly our images of green homes transformed from yurts or cob-earth hippie hideouts to glass skyscrapers with wind turbines humming away on living roofs...Tomorrow’s green buildings will benefit from advanced structure codes, policy, and technology, but they’ll also have Earthship-like living walls of greenery inside that clean air and filter water..."

A “Gold” for China: Olympic Village Receives LEED Award
Inhabitat, by Olivia Chen
August 18, 2008

Beijing, China. "Amidst the exciting of athletic accomplishments at this year’s summer Olympics, a significant achievement for sustainable design was recognized as well. Last week, on Wednesday, August 13, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson presented Chinese officials with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold award for the 2008 Olympic village. The world-class development boasts a variety of sustainable features including solar panels, green roofs, and an extensive rainwater recycling system..."

Insurance Coverage Slow to Develop for Green Projects
Occupational Health Safety, by Staff
August 18, 2008

U.S. "Green building projects are hot across the United States, but many insurance companies are "remaining on the sidelines as they work to determine the extent and types of exposures that might evolve from these new projects," insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh Inc. recently reported..."Despite concerns about green roofs and the potential for water damage and structural problems, many property underwriters are beginning to recognize the potential benefits of green buildings," Pavloff said..."

Bringing 'Green Collar' Jobs to the South Bronx
Gotham Gazette, by Melissa Checker
August, 2008

Bronx, NY. "Living in a neighborhood plagued by pollution and poverty, South Bronx residents would like to see more green in their midst – namely, trees, open space and money...SSBx is working to boost PlaNYC2030's sustainability. On June 24, 2008, the state legislature agreed to provide tax credits to offset $4.50 a square foot, approximately 25 percent of the cost of installing a green roof...Not coincidentally, more green roofs in New York City also mean more jobs for B.E.S.T. graduates..."

RiverHeath: Residences Built on Clean Energy
WBAY, by Staff
August 18, 2008

Green Bay, WI. "RiverHeath opens in Summer 2009 offering 60 units along the Fox River just below the College Avenue Bridge. A rich legacy of Appleton's industrial past is the world's first hydro-electric facility... and RiverHeath promises to carry on this legacy of clean, sustainable energy for the residences, offices, and shops on site. Clean power....green roofs...community gardens..."

Infrastructure gap in Minneapolis public housing
Twin Cities Planet, by Scott Russell
August 17, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "Walk around the 184-unit Glendale Townhome complex and you probably would not guess it needed an $11 million upgrade (that’s $59,000 per unit). The units don’t look that rundown. The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) built them in 1952. Like many of the MPHA’s 1960s-era and early-1970s-era highrises, these townhomes need attention...Long term, MPHA would like to add green technologies, green roofs and solar power. “That may become another phase in the future,” Bettaglio said..."

RISD prof's work to be shown in Denver during DNC
Boston Globe, by Eric Tucker
August 16, 2008

Denver, CO. "When Democrats convene in Denver for their national political convention later this month, Charlie Cannon will have a prime platform to discuss a favorite topic: the environment...Other displays focus on the use of "green roofs" in the South Bronx..."

PGMS Announces 2008 GIE+EXPO Faculty, Curriculum
Lawn & Landscape, by Staff
August 15, 2008

U.S. "In an effort to help the green industry meet the surging demand for sustainable grounds maintenance practices, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced its faculty and curriculum for the 2008 School of Grounds Management...courses will cover the following topics related to green practices: sustainable maintenance of perennials and shrubs, using LEED guidelines to manage landscapes, managing green roofs, pre-serving trees and the latest information from the Sustainable Sites Initiative..."

Roof taking root on UIS building
The State Journal-Register, by Chris Dettro
August 15, 2008

Springfield, IL. "When 132 freshmen move into their new residence hall at the University of Illinois at Springfield next week, they’ll find new beds, new desks, construction workers and a whole lot of vegetation just outside their windows. Workers this week were installing an environmentally friendly, energy-saving “green” roof on all three levels of Founders Hall, the new $16.8 million on-campus living..."

Mumbai Port Trust’s ‘Wild’ Kitchen Garden
DownTown Plus, by Anand Pendharkar
August 14, 2008

Mumbai, India. "...I walked out on the terrace of the catering department and entered through a canopy of climbers into a heaven of chikoos, guavas, bananas, coconuts, lemons, mint, bhindis and a 120 other varieties of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers standing in drums and plastic baskets right on the roof of the building..."

Food garden blooms on skid row wall
Los Angeles Times, by Cara Mia DiMassa
August 14, 2008

Los Angeles, CA. "...The 34-foot-long vertical plot, which looks like a swath of green carpet against the cinder blocks, is filled with strawberries, tomatoes, basil and other herbs and vegetables. It's a step up for the dozen or so members of the gardening group at the Rainbow Apartments, all formerly homeless...As Owens and two other men struggled under the weight of planting grids filled with cucumbers, tomatillos and lavender, George Irwin, the president of Green Living Technologies, whose company manufactured and donated the system of planting grids, watched with a careful eye..."

Green Roofs, Walls, and the Sewers
Gotham Gazette, by Mike Muller
August 13, 2008

New York, NY. "Advocates concerned about sewage overflowing into the city’s waterways are pleased with the new state law passed last week incentivising green roofs...Some city agencies are already getting into the act. The Parks Department has started a pilot green roof project that has 12 systems, each of which has a different growing medium, plant type, or installation model...“green walls” were one of the next big things at the recent green building conference, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. One yoga studio on the Upper East Side has already installed one..."

EMSI Consults on LEED(R) Gold Beijing Olympic Village Project
MarketWatch, Press Release
August 13, 2008

Beijing, China. "Environmental Market Solutions, Inc. (EMSI), an environmental and green building consulting company, provided consulting services for the Beijing Olympic Village, the first project in China to achieve LEED(R) ND...The project also reduces stormwater runoff from the site through an extensive network of parks and green open space. Vegetated green roofs on more than 60 percent of the total roof area lower the amount of impervious surfaces, which further reduces stormwater runoff..."

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Says Investments Foster Better Environmental Understanding, Appreciation Among Students, Public
Insurance News Net, Press Release
August 13, 2008

PA. "With environmental issues gaining a greater share of the public's attention, Governor Edward G. Rendell today said the commonwealth is supporting educational efforts to ensure that present and future generations of Pennsylvanians understand...PHILADELPHIA COUNTY ...The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education -- $12,029 to conduct three workshops for educators about sustainable energy, solar energy, green roofs, green building design and..."

A Garden Grows Above
Today's Facility Manager, Peter Belisle
August, 2008

U.S. "Throughout the U.S., organizations are embracing and announcing environmental sustainability goals in the hopes of reducing costs, improving productivity, gaining a competitive advantage, and enhancing their images. Green roofs, already popular in parts of Europe, are catching on as an environmentally sustainable building practice in the U.S...."

The Roofs At Parks Are Going Green
The Daily Planet, by Catherine Colwell
August 12, 2008

New York City, NY. "...In Spring 2007, Technical Services constructed its first, rather modest, green roof module. Based largely on a standard design by Barrett Roofing, which donated about $3,000 worth of roofing material, it covers 800 square feet (measuring 40’ long x 20’ wide). The current green roof systems planted atop the Five Borough Administrative Building now include nearly 7,000 square feet of vegetation. Unlike most traditional green roofs, the one on Randall’s Island is made up of 12 distinct systems, each one differing from the next in growing medium, plant type, or installation model..."

Market-based tool needed to preserve rural land
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by David Thyer and Bert Gregory
August 12, 2008

WA. "...A successful TDR program between the city of Seattle and King County recently expired. However, its purpose remains significant and ever more pressing...R.C. Hedreen purchased 31 of those TDR credits for $1 million for its Olive 8 project at Olive Way and Eighth Avenue. That helped preserve Sugarloaf Mountain, provided funds to enhance natural habitat and the county's open-space lands and replenished the TDR bank to preserve other salmon habitat and forestlands. In turn, Olive 8 will be the first green hotel/condominium in Seattle and will have one of the largest green roofs downtown..."

New Visitor Center at Monticello
WCAV, by Liz Palka
August 11, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "...Monticello's new visitor center is nearing completion. This $55 million project is made to be sustainable - it will have green roofs and geothermal cooling and heating..."

Governor Paterson Signs Laws to Help Spur Investment in Renewable Energy
Media Newswire, Press Release
August 11, 2008

New York City, NY. "Governor David A. Paterson this week signed legislation to expand the state’s net metering laws to facilitate more net metering of electricity generated by solar, wind and farm waste electric generating systems...Two other bills signed by Governor Paterson deal with the tax abatement for renewable energy, specifically A.11226 Diaz R/S.7553 Lanza, which provides a tax abatement for construction of “green” roofs in New York City..."

Money talks when going green
Telecoms.com, by Matt Walker
August 11, 2008

The World. "...Most telcos rely heavily on engineers for work operations and planning. Why not bring in some unconventional design principles into the mix?...As one example, William McDonough's "Cradle to Cradle" philosophy has been incorporated into the design of a number of high-profile commercial buildings (the Gap, Nike), the re-engineering of existing commercial buildings, and even a major revamp of a heavily polluting Ford plant. Living roofs, eco-friendly fabrics..."

Top 10 eco-building innovations
Greenbang, by D. Lorentz
August 11, 2008

UK. "Buildings are responsible for more than 45 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions, according to the Environment Agency. There are many elements to making buildings more environmentally friendly...4. Living roofs and walls-The idea of living roofs and walls is fairly radical and new. Some have poured scorn on it for being a utopian environmentalist’s dream, but others say it has practical advantages..."

Going green on the terrace
Times Of India Mumbai, by Joeanna Rebello
August 10, 2008

Mumbai, India. "Who knew the Garden of Eden had been relocated to the Mumbai Port Trust? On the terrace of one of its canteens, no less. The fruits of this kingdom swallow the eye—guavas hang like cannonballs, the lemons are pert and the pomegranates polished. Dragonflies, butterflies and birds are this emerald city’s flying squadron and slothful caterpillars and other creeps, its ground police. Mistress of these sights is catering manager of MPT Preeti Patil..."

One Waterfront Place Going Super Green
Jetson Green, by Preston D K
August 10, 2008

Portland, OR. "...One Waterfront Place in the River District of Portland has received Platinum precertification under the LEED-CS program. One Waterfront Place is said to be the first Platinum precertified project on the West Coast and the first precertified project of any level in Oregon...Some of those amenities include: ample natural light, secure bike parking with shower / fitness facility, eco-roofs, a storm water garden..."

Buildings given a role in saving Sound
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by Robert McClure
August 9, 2008

Seattle, WA. "In a landmark ruling that could shape Western Washington development for decades to come, a state appeals board ordered use of "low-impact" building techniques to rein in what scientists call the biggest pollution threat to the health of Puget Sound...Those methods are numerous but include installing "rain gardens" and vegetated roofs to soak up runoff before it starts..."

Everyone benefits when stormwater sinks where it falls
Chicago Daily Herald, by Deborah Donovan
August 9, 2008

Elmhurst, IL. "Rain gardens sound exotic, but they are really a low-tech way to help rain soak in where it falls, replenishing water supplies and reducing pollution in waterways. Roof gardens, on the other hand, have the same goals, but are something you should not try at home without the help of experts. Marcus de la fleur has installed both - along with other tools - on a 50-by-150-foot lot at his home..."

Eat my wall
CNNMoney.com, by Herman Wong
August 8, 2008

Los Angeles, CA.  "A vertical urban farm will seed community farming in a graffiti-scarred L.A. neighborhood. George Irwin builds green structures for a living, but his latest project aspires to rebuild lives. This summer, Irwin is donating a vertical urban farm for residents of Los Angeles' graffiti-scarred Central City East...He's installing four massive garden walls - a total of 750 square feet..."

Publisher's Note:  See video of George Irwin, CEO of Green Living Technologies, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Green Walls 101 Trainer, and The Green Wall Editor here on Greenroofs.com.

3DReid catches the scent of victory as sewage plant wins the green light
Architects' Journal, by Richard Waite
August 8, 2008

East Sussex, England. "...The original design was branded 'alien' and incongruous with the landscape. The firm subsequently redesigned the scheme, giving it one of the largest green roofs in Europe..."

Firm’s going green with plants on roof
Huddersfield Examiner, by Henryk Zientek
August 8, 2008

Melthan, England. "A company is going to unusual heights to show off its green credentials. Meltham firm ABG plans to create a rooftop covered in plants when it moves into new premises this year... Features of the new-look building will include a truly “green” roof, with a thin layer of soil above the waterproofing to grow low-maintenance plants. Nigel Dyson, of Town-door, said: “Concerns about the effects of climate change are increasingly driving building owners to consider the benefits of green roofs..."

Cities are for People: The Limits of Localism
WorldChanging, by Adam Stein
August 8, 2008

The World. "...Our food production system is, at present, undeniably in need of repair, but that doesn't mean that tomatoes in skyscrapers are the logical end point to which we should strive. (Note also that urban farms, community gardens, green roofs, etc. may have a lot of things going for them, but they don't exist on a continuum with industrial agriculture in the same way that vertical farms aspire to..."

A half-dozen ultra-luxe villas for 'preretirees'
Globe and Mail, by Thomasina Barnes
August 8, 2008

Vancouver Island, Canada. "...The OceanVillas have been built with Vancouver Island quarried stone, hardwood flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and green roofs on garages...The idea behind the OceanVillas project, he says, is to prove that "luxury lifestyle and green living can go hand-in-hand."

People for Puget Sound responds
Crosscut, by Kathy Fletcher
August 8, 2008

Puget Sound, WA. "...We need to do the things that will most quickly and effectively restore the health of the Sound. Stopping sprawling development, cleaning up and preventing toxic pollution, restoring healthy habitat in our river mouth estuaries and shorelines, using rain gardens, green roofs and "pervious" pavement to absorb rainwater and curtail stormwater..."

Bowen wants ‘green’ Calvert
So Md News, by Erica Mitrano
August 8, 2008

Calvert County, MD. "...this success could be difficult to duplicate in Calvert County. Bowen pointed out that ‘‘green” roofs, or roofs planted with vegetation and which help insulate buildings, are not possible under the current ordinance because most buildings are required to have pitched, not flat, roofs..."

Mount St. Joseph becomes first local college with a green roof
Cincinnati Catholic Telegraph, by Staff
August 8, 2008

St. Lawrence Deanery, OH. "The College of Mount St. Joseph will be the first local college with a green roof on a major building, a significant step toward energy conservation. The new green roof on Archbishop Alter Library, the second largest building on campus, was installed Aug. 6 and contains about 8,880 plants that will filter rain water and insulate the building to reduce energy consumption..."

A DIY Guide To Building A Green Roof Hits The Virtual Shelves.
PressZoom, Press Release
August 8, 2008

London, England. "Two of the UK's leading proponents of green roofs have teamed up to produce 'THE DIY GUIDE TO GREEN & LIVING ROOFS' - a guide aimed at individuals with a Do-It-Yourself inclination along with those having trouble persuading local contractors to take up the challenge of installing a green roof on their behalf. The DIY Guide to Green & Living Roofs by John Little and Dusty Gedge came about after a conversation between them uncovered a common situation. As Dusty relates: "We discovered that over the last few years we had both been inundated with phone calls and emails from people keen to build their own green roofs or to convert their sheds and..."

WPI installs "Green Roof"
NECN, by Danica Pecirep
August 6, 2008

Worcester, MA. "Twelve hundred pallets of plants were lifted by crane and placed on top of a building at Worcester Poly Tech. no, it's not a roof top garden, it's Worcester's first living green roof...A team from our civil engineering department are working with a professor and his students on monitoring the volume of storm water and quality of storm water that comes off various sections of the roof..."

LGBTA buildings join green movement
Windy City Times, by Liz Granger
August 6, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...The decks at Uncommon Ground ( Devon ) are made of recycled wood. The host stand, fireplaces and tabletops are made from fallen trees salvaged from Jackson Park. They use local ingredients whenever possible, and are starting a vegetable garden on the roof to serve homegrown foods. Solar panels heat the building's water...The Center on Halsted ( an LGBTQ resource center ) is also very green...The roof is full of succulent plants that reduce rainwater and heating and cooling costs..."

'Green' roof at Century could cut costs
Carroll County Times, by Karen Kemp
August 6, 2008

Westminster, MD. "Students Maggie Rees and Colton Beall will be presenting a proposal for an energy-efficient roof, complete with solar energy panels and planted vegetation that will help insulate the building, at the Carroll County Board of Education meeting Aug. 13...In addition to saving the school money, the students are also interested in making it more environmentally friendly, which is why Rees, an upcoming senior, is researching green roofs..."

A Penny for Your Thoughts: News from Greater Falls Church
Falls Church News Press, by Penny Gross
August 6, 2008

Falls Church, VA. "Despite all the hoopla about green roofs, many of them are not really green. Vegetated is a more accurate description, and summer may be the best time to see them in their glory. That was true when the Board of Supervisors held a ribbon cutting to celebrate Fairfax County's latest green initiative at the Herrity Building parking structure last Monday..."

Rain barrels small part of couple's green lifestyle
Community Times, by Susan C. Ingram
August 6, 2008

Westminster, MD. "...Irvine Nature Center, which opens its new environmentally friendly complex next month on Garrison Forest Road, has rain barrels integrated into its green design. The barrels catch rain runoff from roofs and downspouts for watering plants and landscaping and other non-potable uses. The center plans programs on how to use rain barrels and other green practices, such as low-flow fixtures, vegetated roofs and geothermal heat pump systems to reduce a home’s impact on the environment..."

Saving energy at the US DOE
Cleantech Group, by David Ehrlich
August 5, 2008

U.S. "...In Pittsburgh, Constellation Energy is leading a $6 million project that will showcase a slew of green technologies at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The installations will include biogas boilers, green roofs..."

Goose Green to lose its last greenery
Community News Group, by Staff
August 5, 2008

Altrincham, England. "...Mr Gross said. Peter Wolfson, manager of Francs restaurant, has hit out after a planning application to fell trees opposite the restaurant was approved. The trees, found in Goose Green, are the only major greenery left in the square..."There are going to be roof gardens and terraces with plenty of plants and greenery. It will improve business for all of Goose Green."

Downtown library goes green with new ecoroof
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon, by Nathalie Weinstein
August 4, 2008

Portland, OR. "...The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the city of Portland recently gave two grants to Multnomah County in order to fund a $180,000 ecoroof on its central library building at 801 S.W. 10th Ave., in downtown Portland...This is the second green roof project Multnomah County has performed; the Amy Joslin Memorial Eco-Roof on the Multnomah Building was constructed in 2003...The library’s TremCo roofing system uses four layers of ply sheet, mineral surface protection and a solvent-free adhesive. LG board and the roof system membrane from the library’s original roof will be recycled and used as a root barrier. Insulation removed from the roof will be..."

Fed Up By Costs, Many Grow It Alone
Free Internet Press, by Intellpuke
August 4, 2008

New York, NY. "...In the skyscrapered canyons of New York City, increasing numbers of people are growing their food on fire escapes, on rooftops, in back yards and in community gardens...The city is taking steps to support urban food production. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development last year helped farmers gain access to two half-acre parcels of city land to grow food. The winning entry in the city's first juried design competition for affordable and sustainable housing in the Bronx includes roof gardens for vegetables and fruit. Scott Stringer, president of the Manhattan borough, is even proposing a high-rise farm with food growing on each floor..."

City urged to adopt greener office code
Jakarta Post, by Triwik Kurniasari
August 4, 2008

Jakarta, Indonesia. "The central government and city administration should pay more attention to green office principles, in order to set an example for building managements across Jakarta, environmental experts say...Skyscrapers and office buildings in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have begun applying such principles in the form of "green roofs" and rooftop gardens."

Colleges think ‘green' reputations pay off in more ways than one
Ithaca Journal, by Aaron Munzer
August 4, 2008

Ithaca, NY. "Going “carbon neutral” may be good for business and good for the planet, but it's also good for polishing the image of local schools. Cornell University and Ithaca College recently committed their schools to a number of environmental initiatives designed to reduce their impact on the earth, save costs, and educate students...It may be expensive to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra costs to install green roofs on Ithaca's business school, or to build a Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future with $10 million in seed money, but it's hoped that investment pays off in an increased quality of student..."

Living roofs bring a piece of the country to the city's skyline
Express & Echo, by Staff
August 4, 2008

UK. "Green roofs may seem just another trendy eco craze, but the natural design is actually an ancient technique which is being brought back to life in contemporary architecture. These roofs were used by the Vikings hundreds of years ago, and, with a modern twist, they are now a popular, sustainable, and aesthetic building practice. City architect Tony Pollintine has several years' experience working with green roofs. Last year he designed one for the combined universities campus building in Tremough, Cornwall..."

Canada: Most liveable city also bright green
New Zealand Herald, by Wayne Hemingway
August 4, 2008

Vancouver, B.C., Canada. "...Walk around the wonderfully landscaped waterfronts, zig-zag across the harbour on the cute Aquabuses, marvel at the magnificent residential glass towers with their verdant roof gardens, terraces and green roofs..."

Mariana Greene: Time to add vibrancy to downtown Dallas
Dallas Morning News, by Mariana Greene
August 3, 2008

Dallas, TX and Chicago, IL. "...I'm a third-generation Dallasite who loves this city, but I fume over Dallas' perennial position as follower, never leader. I've been to downtown Chicago recently, and I was envious about how it looks, how it works...In some ways, Chicago leads the nation in innovation. For instance, Mr. Daley has decreed all new municipal buildings must have green roofs; green, as in shingled with certain tough plants, not a colorful composite. It's a nervy decision, but green roofs clean the air, absorb rainwater..."

Green Universities Helping To Produce Greener Pastures
The NonProfit Times, by Tom Pope
August 1, 2008

Chapel Hill, NC. "When the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill adds up the yearly savings on green projects, the amount exceeds $365,000. The projects include re-commissioned buildings with sealed ducts, lighting upgrades, controls over boilers, along with energy efficient motors and changes in thermostat night-time settings...Shea's commitment has gone beyond lowering pollutant loads in campus waters to the point where she can show visitors the green roofs and under-ground cisterns along with infiltration beds and toilets flushed with..."

Detroit City Building Goes Green -- Literally
WDIV, by Staff
August 1, 2008

Detroit, MI. "The Coleman A. Young Municipal Building is going green—literally. Green plant life has been installed on the 25-year-old roof, which was in need of restoration. The building engineer said the project will save taxpayers more than $1 million in maintenance to the building and will save on utilities because it will keep the roof warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer..."

Eco design: Green Roof
ASAPP Construction World - Indian Edition, by Roland Weber
August, 2008

Germany and India. "...As India has different climatic conditions, any green roof here needs to be carefully designed. There is uneven distribution of rain during the year with very heavy downpours around July. The challenge is to cope with long, dry periods, especially soil and plant selection so that no extra watering is compulsory (though we recommend some extra water for its cooling power), and no extra maintenance is necessary..."

Biz Buzz: Calling all green students
NJ.com, by Beth Fitzgerald
July 31, 2008

Newark, NJ. "...When the "We Can Change the World Challenge" kicks off this fall, kids in grades 6 through 8 all will start looking around their towns with an eye toward sustainability and all things green...He expects the students will look at recycling, lighting efficiency and roof gardens..."

Eastat Office Tower Plan Would Spare Historic Boston Restaurant
Commercial Property News, by Scott Baltic
July 31, 2008

Boston, MA. "...The current plan calls for the tower to be built on what is now a parking lot adjacent to the Wirth building. In addition to the office space, the development would include 170 parking spaces, and retail/restaurant space and a public winter garden on the first two floors. There will also be six roof gardens for environmental and aesthetic reasons..."

Grass ceiling: How corporate culture is going green
Independent, by Rob Sharp
July 31, 2008

London, England. "In central London there is a lawn of luscious green, in which insects merrily scurry. Feeding on them are birds, which can nest nearby in specially installed wooden boxes. They are observed by office workers eight storeys above ground level, where a view of Saint Paul's Cathedral matches any vista in the capital. This glorious scene takes place on the top floor of the recently completed headquarters of law firm Eversheds..."

Answers About New York City’s Waterfront, Part 2
New York Times, answered by Roland Lewis, president and chief executive of the Waterfront Alliance
July 31, 2008

 

New York, NY. "...A: It is pr(o)hibitavley expensive and politically difficult to build our way out of the Combined Sewer Overflow problem with more sewage treatment plants, but we can go lessen the flow by “Greening” our infrastructure improving is so it absorbs runoff before it gets to our waterways. Tree pits, green roofs, and swales absorb runoff before it gets to our waterways. Learn more about these and other ideas that mitigate storm water runoff at the Gaia Institute..."

Lanza among lawmakers honored for pushing environmental policies
SILive.com, by Emma Dumain
July 31, 2008

New York, NY. "...Lanza's accomplishments in the 2008 legislative session: He helped sponsor legislation that would lift New York City's sales tax on hybrid cars, thereby making ownership of green cars more financially feasible; worked toward reducing particulate emissions by prohibiting school busses from idling while waiting to pick up students, and created incentives to "build green" by offering tax credits for New York City building owners who agree to install green roofs..."

Q Lawns teams with Tuin to launch sedum roof cabins at Glee
GleeWire, by Mary Clarke
July 31, 2008

UK. "Q Lawns will be demonstrating the use of sedum roofing in partnership with recently launched garden building company Tuin at Glee in the company’s first trade-show appearance. Q Lawns said its sales of sedum matting have doubled in the past year as recognition of its environmental benefits has become..."

Green roofs are not all the same, according to research
Energy Efficiency News, by Staff
July 31, 2008

Austin, TX. "...Energy Efficiency News, Until now, though, there has been little or no evidence to support the intrinsic benefits of using green roofs in more extreme environments. So researchers from the Wildflower Center in Texas set out to compare six different green roofs to see how they cool down the interior of a building and capture rain during a downpour. Using simulated roof conditions, the researchers found that on average maximum green roof temperatures are 38°C cooler at the surface and 18°C cooler inside than conventional tar-based black-top roofs. That means using a green roof could translate into savings of 21% on air conditioning bills compared to a conventional roof, say the researchers..."

For plants that are freaky and fun, get savvy about succulents
Macon Telegraph, by Virginia A. Smith, The Philadelphia Inquirer
July, 31, 2008

U.S. "...Many succulents are indoor plants, although some grow outside. Sedums (SEE-dums) are a favorite plant to cover living or green roofs, like the one at the Ford Motor Co. Rouge complex in Dearborn, Mich..."

YWCA harvests bounty from its roof
The Province, by Andy Ivens
July 30, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "...you need to take an elevator to the roof of the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre to spy blackberries -- the fruit that grows on bushes, not the high-tech cellphones glued to so many ears -- in a patch with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries..."

City of Portland Seeks Firm for Planting Project
RedOrbit, by Sam Bennett
July 30, 2008

Portland, OR. "The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is looking to substantially increase the city's tree canopy. The bureau has issued a request for proposals to hire a firm that can organize an $11 million effort to add thousands of trees to the Portland area and dramatically improve the tree canopy...The RFP is unique because...The tree planting initiative is part of the city's Grey to Green campaign, which the city council passed in May. The campaign provides funding for stormwater management improvements such as green streets, ecoroofs on city structures and..."

New Elem. School Will Decrease Water Use by 90%, Energy by 25%
Southern Maryland Online, by Staff
July 30, 2008

St. Mary's City, MD. "...The school's design for sustainability will help decrease water consumption by 90 percent and energy consumption by 25 percent. An Environmental Learning Lab located on the second floor will give students first-hand experience in renewable energy and water conservation practices. The school will also boast a green vegetated roof, which will reduce storm water runoff; cisterns, which will collect 15,000 gallons of..."

Raise the roof
Boston Globe, by Christie Matheson
July 30, 2008

Boston, MA. "Urban dwellers who think they have no space for planting a garden or trees should look up. To their rooftops, that is, where a little greenery can go a long way in the fight against global warming. "Green roofs are an innovative and great way to minimize the urban heat island effect," says John Walkey, chair of Boston's Urban Forest Coalition, which is coordinating the city's Grow Boston Greener initiative (growbostongreener.org). The urban heat island effect..."

More planning objections to REIT’s St Katharine’s Dock plans
Property Week News, by Deirdre Hipwell
July 30, 2008

London, England. "London Mayor Boris Johnson is continuing to challenge major developments in London and this week objected to plans by Leo Noe’s Reit Asset Management and Apollo Real Estate to develop St Katharine’s Dock. Johnson has requested that the plans be redesigned to include an off-site housing provision. In a report sent to Tower Hamlets he also asked for further detail on en energy strategy, air quality modelling, living roofs..."

People power sees green energy reach new heights in Finsbury
24dash, by Jon Land
July 30, 2008

UK. "...Chris Doyle, Director of contractors Apollo said: "Renewables can work in just about any location, as this project shows. The Apollo approach is to weave sustainability into its projects where possible. "Whether wind power, solar panels or green roofs - innovative approaches can help contribute towards a better future." Islington Council has set an ambitious target to reduce borough-wide CO2 emissions by 15 per cent by 2010, and is promoting green energy schemes and energy saving as part of its innovative Climate Change Partnership and Climate Change Challenge..."

Theatre District tower proposed
Bizjournals.com, by Michelle Hillman
July 29, 2008

Boston, MA. "The new developers of a parking lot next to the Jacob Wirth Co. restaurant are planning to build a 24-story office tower instead of a hotel and residential complex, which was originally planned for the site...The developer is also proposing six roof gardens to manage storm water and create an environmentally friendly project..."

Theatre District tower proposed
Bizjournals.com, by Michelle Hillman
July 29, 2008

Boston, MA. "The new developers of a parking lot next to the Jacob Wirth Co. restaurant are planning to build a 24-story office tower instead of a hotel and residential complex, which was originally planned for the site...The developer is also proposing six roof gardens to manage storm water and create an environmentally friendly project..."

Charleston Church Welcomes Members to 'Green' Sunday School
Carolina Newswire, Press Release
July 29, 2008

Charleston, SC. “This is our generation’s contribution and a lasting testament to being sensitive to the church, the city, and the earth,” said Dr. Stephen Cofer-Shabica, chairman of the building committee task force, when the thoroughly “green” addition to the oldest church in Charleston, South Carolina was recently completed. Designed by Raleigh, NC-based architect Frank Harmon, FAIA... “green” features include...an extensive vegetated roof to collect and filter rainwater and help mitigate the “heat island” effect..."

Study says green roofs are better insulators, more eco-friendly
UT The Daily Texan, by Mackenzie Meador
July 29, 2008

Austin, TX. "...Roofs from different manufacturers differed in their effectiveness at retaining rain water and conserving energy when the Wildflower Center tested them, said Mark Simmons, the UT ecologist who led the study. The type of planting medium, which ranges from soil to man-made substances, used on the roofs caused much of the difference. Even less-effective green roofs make a difference, though...The Wildflower Center Web site includes a page in which visitors can view the current temperatures inside experimental boxes with different roofs..."

Publisher's Note:  Simmons, M. T., Gardiner, B., Windhager, S., and Tinsley, J., Green roofs are not created equal: the hydrologic and thermal performance of six different extensive green roofs and reflective and non-reflective roofs in a sub-tropical climate. Urban Ecosystems (2008), doi: 10.1007/s11252-008-0069-4
www.wildflower.org.

Pollution Leads to More Beach Closings, Report Finds
New York Times Blogs, by Sewell Chan
July 29, 2008

NY. "...The city’s attempts at reducing sewage overflow historically have focused on the construction of hugely expensive tanks and other engineering ‘fixes’ that alone won’t solve the problem,” said Larry Levine, a lawyer in the council’s New York office. “By incorporating ‘green’ solutions — like more street trees, green roofs, and porous pavement — we can capture stormwater where it falls, instead of letting it overwhelm our sewers and flush raw sewage directly into our recreational waters...”

TCP, Inc. Joins CBS Corporation and EcoMedia to "Green" Schools in Three U.S. Cities
MarketWatch, Press Release
July 29, 2008

Chicago, IL, Miami, FL and San Francisco, CA. "Energy efficient lighting innovator TCP, Inc. announces its exclusive partnership with CBS Corporation and EcoMedia, an environmental media company, to serve as the official lighting sponsor for the groundbreaking "Green Schools Initiative," a program designed to work with U.S. mayors and local municipalities to "green" schools in cities across the country...Anticipated makeover elements may include...green roofs..."

Agilewaves Marries Monitoring and Control in New Smart System
GreenerBuildings, by Leslie Guevarra
July 28, 2008

U.S. "...At Nueva School, which like the design firm is located on the San Francisco Bay Area's Peninsula, Agilewaves' Resource Monitor tracks gas, water and electricity use in addition to keeping tabs on the performance of the campus' green features. They include a 30kW solar sys-tem and two living roofs designed by Rana Creek of Carmel Valley. The school had been the largest installation..."

Unitarian Universalist buildings going green
uuworld.org, by Donald E. Skinner
July 28, 2008

Madison, WI. "...The First Unitarian Society...had a different challenge when it decided to build green. It needed a larger worship space, but was committed to respecting the integrity of its original 1951 building, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is a National Historic Landmark...The new building, adjacent to the existing one, has a roof covered with a planting of sedum..."

$1.3 Billion Investment Revitalizes Hyatt Regency Portfolio in North America
MarketWatch, Press Release
July 28, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "Dozens of Hyatt Regency properties in key business, convention and resort locations in North America are undergoing dramatic transformation as part of a multi-year revitalization project...Hyatt Regency Toronto Airport: Opening in 2010, this $300 million hotel will be designed and built to LEED silver standards, and will feature state-of-the-art occupancy sensors, green roofs and recycled building materials..."

City moves to replace roof of Civic Center
Asheville Citizen-Times, by Joel Burgess
July 28, 2008

Asheville, NC. "The city's main entertainment venue is on its way to getting a new cap - though it won't be a "living roof" as some elected officials had hoped. The City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to move ahead with installing a new white plastic roof on the Asheville Civic Center. ..no living roof designers came forward, and the center's original architect, John Cort was selected to do the repair..."

Commission denies new housing project downtown
The California Aggie Online, by Jeremy Ogul
July 28, 2008

Davis, CA. "...Unlike the other housing units on B Street, the proposed buildings have flat "green" roofs, which would host landscaping as a way of reducing heat and rainwater runoff. This was one of the biggest concerns, as the roofs on B Street are generally sloped as opposed to flat...Planning commissioners said they were interested in the environmental benefits of the project, but that they just didn't feel it was appropriate for the location..."

Is highrise farming in Toronto's future?
Toronto Star, by Murray Whyte
July 27, 2008

The World. "...Graff, a master's student in architecture at the University of Waterloo, is urging us to see acreage in stacks, not spreads: his prototype for vertical agriculture – aptly dubbed "Skyfarm"– climbs 59 storeys, with intensive hydroponics packed onto every level. By his calculations, Skyfarm could grow enough food for 50,000 people a year...In Las Vegas, a 30-storey vertical farm that will grow everything from apples to zucchini, is in the planning stages; it's hopeful opening is in 2010..."

Up on the roof
Times Online, by Lydia Slater
July 26, 2008

Essex, England. "...But there’s more to its benefits than mere attractiveness: it’s fantastically eco-friendly into the bargain. “Basically, if you have a grass roof, it’s as though your house didn’t take up any space because you’re replacing the land it stands on, just a bit higher up, which is great for biodiversity,” points out Little. “A grass roof absorbs water rather than letting it all run off. It’s great at keeping a building cool. And it helps your roof last longer,” he adds... such is the demand that he has brought out a DIY guide to creating your own, in partnership with green roof campaigner Dusty Gedge..."

2009 launch for IJM Penang project
Malaysia Star, by S.C. Cheah
July 26, 2008

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "...Work on the 152-acre mixed residential and commercial development, on 338 acres of reclaimed land along the eastern coastline of Penang (near Tesco hypermarket), will begin in September and scheduled for completion in 2017...in line with the company's efforts to cut utility costs and promote green building concepts, The Light Waterfront would lead the way as Malaysia's premier eco-friendly development...Among the eco-friendly technologies are wind turbines, solar panels, a modern water management system and green roofs..."

'Spaced Out' shows '60s influence
San Francisco Chronicle, by Zahid Sardar
July 26, 2008

U.S. "...Temple pagodas, free-form adobe structures with living roofs and tepees were the containers for experimental lifestyles. Hippie creations effected a quiet architectural revolution, which Gordon describes as a "sudden revelation of personal experience..."

Have You Been Greenwashed?
Channel 4 News, by Lucy Searle
July 25, 2008

London, England. "...4 Green and living roofs are undoubtedly eco-friendly and can be highly effective on larger buildings, but there are drawbacks. You need at least 600mm of soil to achieve a practical level of insulation; and in summer you have to irrigate and weed your roof. You also have to use several different layers of plastic for waterproofing and containing the soil. On the other hand, when insulation isn’t so important..."

Developer's ambitious new plans for Lancaster's future
Lakeland Today, by Staff
July 25, 2008

Lancaster, England. "One of Lancaster's most historic and important commercial sites could get a dramatic facelift under new plans submitted by local developers Lancaster Prop-erty Network...The buildings and associated uses will minimise the demands that they place on the environment by promoting techniques such as passive solar control, renewable energy sources, green roofs and walls..."

Putting the green back in golf
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon, by Sam Bennett
July 25, 2008

Fairview, OR. "Sustainable design concepts that emerged in Metro’s recent Integrating Habitats international competition may find their way into the $11.5 million Blue Lake Nature and Golf Learning Center planned...“Bioswales, permeable pavement, eco roofs, vegetated walls, wind turbines, solar panels – we would like to do it all..."

A park to suit every interest, in 15 years’ time
TODAYonline, by Staff
July 25, 2008

Singapore. "...Besides developing new parks and rejuvenating existing ones, NParks will think vertically by undertaking research to identify plants and planting methods suitable for skyrise greenery. NParks will work with the industry to help guide developers to implement sky gardens and green roofs..."

The Development Of the Superstar Urban Plan
Wall Street Journal Blogs, by J.S. Marcus
July 25, 2008

Orestad, Denmark and Milan, Italy. "...Architect Daniel Libeskind is designing the downtown of Orestad, a five-kilometer-long urban area south of Copenhagen. The 19-hectare area will include two concave 18-story towers, which will dominate the main square and will be visible from the center of Copenhagen, and low-rise buildings with landscaped roofs...The architect also includes landscaped roofs and terraces in his Fiera Milano project, which is redeveloping 43 hectares of Milan's old fairgrounds..."

The Hanging Gardens of Chicago (and other modern cities)
2Modern Design Talk, by Kit Hughes
July 24, 2008

The World. "The number of green roofs is growing across the globe. The contemporary trend began in Germany in the 1960s and spread to other European countries, such as Switzerland and the Netherlands, before expanding to other continents, including the US and Australia..."

Hughes accepts lure to 'greener' pastures
Philadelphia Daily News, by Matt Saunders
July 24, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...One example he gave was "green" roofs. These are eco-friendly roofs that lessen energy use and are better for the environment. If you were to look at the basic principles of green roofs, he said, "you would see the price of green roofs to be more expensive then regular roofs." That's the short-term concern. But those higher initial costs are balanced by a decrease of in energy use over time, which can result in money savings over a long period of time..."

Eco-towns: raising the game with the toughest ever green standards
24dash, by Kate Henderson
July 24, 2008

UK. "...Parks with large canopy trees combined with gardens and green roofs can help to keep summer temperatures in the eco-towns cooler and minimise the risk of urban flooding. Provision of such robust criteria for green space is also important for health and wellbeing..."

Dockside Green honoured for LEED Platinum status
Times Colonist, by Andrew A. Duffy
July 23, 2008

Victoria, B.C., Canada. "...Dockside Green's first residential phase, Synergy, was yesterday certified as built to LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) Platinum standards, and in hitting that mark, the building set a record for the highest score ever given at that level. "We set a world record in terms of the amount of points under the LEED system; it's the highest-rated building ever done globally," said Joe Van Belleghem of Windmill West, owner and partner in the mixed-used development..."

A coalition in East Liberty is tackling stormwater issues
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, by Mike Cronin
July 22, 2008

Pittsburgh, PA. "...Officials from an array of government and nonprofit groups began meeting about a year and a half ago to plan projects that would prevent water and sewage from overwhelming the region's pipes...alternatives, such as installing a combination of porous pavement and vegetated spaces -- in parking lots, on rooftops..."can reduce runoff greatly," said Jim Pillsbury, a hydraulic engineer with the Westmoreland County Conservation District. "With a permeable parking lot, we could save three-quarters of water running off," Pillsbury said. "With a vegetated roof, we could save at least half." The district's headquarters in Hempfield include one building with a green roof..."

Ground broken on $500M Gates Foundation headquarters
Bizjournals.com, by Clay Holtzman
July 22, 2008

Seattle, WA. "The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Tuesday marked the start of construction on its new headquarters adjacent to the Seattle Center. The 900,000 -square-foot campus, which will consist of two six-story office buildings and a visitors center, is slated to open by the end of 2010...The campus will be built to LEED Gold standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification and will feature several sustainable elements, including rainwater collection systems and green “living” roofs..."

Mike MacDonald makes sense of sustainability...starting with his own home
geosynthetica.net, by Chris Kelsey
July 22, 2008

Oakland, CA. "In the foothills outside Oakland, California, a gorgeous and entirely LEED-certified home is going up. It’s also the first house to be not only LEED-H certified but GreenPoint Rated. The project’s construction was even filmed recently by the Planet Green Network and the Associated Press has shown interest. But this is more than just one developer’s feather in a cap: it’s his family’s home... “This is the first greenroof we’ve done on the West Coast,” says Mike McDonald. He sees it not just as his family’s home but as a prototype..."

KC Council members' green sewer plan has problems
Kansas City Star, by Yael T. Abouhalkah
July 21, 2008

Kansas city, MO. "Jan Marcason and other KC City Council members say they want a green sewer plan. They laud solutions like porous paving, rain gardens, green roofs, rain barrels and vegetative swales that carry water runoff in place of sewer pipes. But let's be realistic. No one at the EPA, the DNR or City Hall knows whether these will dramatically and efficiently reduce KC's stormwater problem..."

“Plug-in" hybrid cars -plus- Green roofs
Southwest News-Herald, by Editors
July 21, 2008

U.S. Dear EarthTalk: I was intrigued to hear that there were a number of ways one could modify or construct a roof on a house or office facility that would provide great environmental benefit...The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages the creation of green roofs for mitigating the urban “heat island effect,” whereby temperatures in crowded cities can soar some 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than in less developed areas nearby. Other benefits, says the EPA, include: providing amenity space for tenants (in effect replacing a yard or patio); reducing building heating and cooling costs due to the buffering effect of the plant matter and soil; filtering..."

Saving rain: How much is too much?
Seattle Post Intelligencer, by Jennifer Langston
July 21, 2008

WA. "On a nonprofit Woodinville farm devoted to sustainable practices, rain hits a green shed roof covered in a carpet of herbs and moss. Drops run down a chain into four weathered barrels...Technically, rain that falls on your roof isn't yours for the taking. It's a resource of the state, which regulates the use of public waters through an allocation process that can take years to navigate...The nonprofit is raising $9 million for a showcase agricultural center, with solar panels, four different types of roof gardens, underground water tanks and a geothermal energy loop for heating and cooling..."

Green roofs improving
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon, by Sam Bennett
July 21, 2008

Portland, OR. "In the past 10 years, green roofs in Portland have come a long way. Jason King, a landscape architect with GreenWorks PC, said constant sharing among those in the design community helps him and others learn from mistakes and advance green roof designs...GreenWorks has designed a terrace and ecoroof for the First and Main building, which is under construction in downtown Portland and developed by Shorenstein Properties. The ecoroof could include photovoltaic panels, which King said would help the building achieve LEED platinum certification. Locating solar panels on a green roof can help boost their output, since the panels lose efficiency when they get too hot, King said..."

Redmond Community Open House for Sustainable Development
Eastside Business Journal, by Staff
July 20, 2008

Redmond, WA. "The City of Redmond needs residents’ ideas regarding how the City should encourage sustainable development and is hosting an information gathering open house on Monday, July 28 from 5 to 7 pm in the City Hall Lobby...Techniques include...installing green (vegetated) roofs..."

Burnout beckons for those starting businesses
MLive.com, by Matt Vande Bunte
July 20, 2008

MI. "...Scherpenisse is among a growing number of Michigan workers forging their own path in a shifting economy that has suffered eight years of job losses and now has the nation's highest unemployment rate at 8.5 percent...Scherpenisse, 32, has gotten guidance from a consortium of fellow green industry pros as he strives to balance time spent running his business with planning time. In addition to his tree care and landscaping work, he has launched a division looking to serve a burgeoning green roof industry..."

Natick Collection to boast area's biggest rooftop garden
Boston Globe, by Erica Noonan
July 20, 2008

Boston, MA. "Soon, the Natick Collection won't just be home to the state's first Nordstrom department store. It's also going to host the largest rooftop garden in New England, what developers are calling a 1.2-acre experiment in residential living, energy conservation and drought-resistant botany. The garden is a private amenity for residents of Nouvelle at Natick, a housing development of 215 luxury condos, located in the Collection. Only 30 units have been sold so far and developers say the new garden may help boost sales...

Big residential projects are going up green
MLive.com, by Tina Reed
July 19, 2008

Ann Arbor, MI. "..."It can be economically viable depending on the individual municipality we're dealing with," Quatro said. "If they give credits for the use of the green roof and reduce the amount of underground water detention required on the property, I think it can be a viable solution to the storm water (retention) problems were having." One of the most highly publicized examples of green building is at A3C architecture on East Huron Street in Ann Arbor. That building has a vegetated roof..."

Earth-friendly Orillia campus to start small before expanding
Orillia Packet & Times, by Colin McKim
July 18, 2008

Orillia, Canada. "Is that a parking lot or an orchard? Are those rooftops or meadows? Birds and bees gliding over Lakehead University’s future campus on the former Horne farm property may be confused looking down on all the green features. With dozens of rows of trees shading the parking lots, and grass and other vegetation growing on every roof, the campus proposed for the Old Barrie Road site will be more emerald oasis than ivory tower. The university is seeking platinum certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the highest level achievable..."

Kansas City plans green scheme for sewer system
The Kansas City Star, by Karen Dillon and Lynn Horsley
July 18, 2008

Kansas City, MO. "There’s green, and then there’s groundbreaking green. Kansas City and federal officials are collaborating to turn the massive sewer project looming in the city’s future into a showcase for ways to turn sewer systems green. Instead of $2.3 billion of concrete, they’re talking about using such progressive engineering techniques as pocket wetlands, vegetative median strips, rooftop gardens and porous pavement..."

Don’t let green roofs be victims of the crunch
Building Design, by Phil Clark
July 18, 2008

UK. "Why bother specifying a green roof when it adds extra costs, consultants, hassle and work? This attitude seems common when it comes to deciding whether to add vegetation to your scheme’s structure. And in the credit crunch, any part of a project that could be considered an added expense is likely to be first for the chop...Its sheer versatility can actually be a curse, according to one of its leading proponents in London, Dusty Gedge..."

Metro tees up a plan to revitalize Blue Lake
OregonLive.com, by Nicole Santa Cruz
July 17, 2008

Portland, OR. "...The use of recycled materials, native plants, eco-roofs on all of the buildings, plus the use of daylight and natural ventilation for heating and cooling, are some of the ways Metro plans to keep the design of the golf learning center/operations building and the lake house buildings eco-friendly..."

Greening Buffalo
Artvoice, by Sam Magavern
July 16, 2008

Buffalo, NY. "...Another technique is to intersperse big impermeable surfaces like parking lots with greenery to absorb the rainwater. Green roofs—roofs planted with vegetation—also help. Buffalo has reported only three green roofs, while Chicago has over one million square feet of green roofs, because it has offered developers and residents various incentives to build them...Minneapolis and other cities charge separately for storm sewer service, based on amount of impervious surface, and then offer credits to residents and businesses that reduce their rain water impact with landscaping, removal of impervious surfaces, green roofs..."

County building’s green roof a tourist draw
Charlottesville Daily Progress, by Media General News Service
July 16, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "Albemarle County’s 3-year-old green roof is becoming a hot attraction. Hundreds of visitors including representatives of cities and counties, architectural students, builders, private homeowners and schoolchildren are now taking tours of the unique roof each year, said Lee Catlin, county spokeswoman. “We’re finding that the green roof is turning into a kind of learning lab,” Catlin said. “It’s been a great demonstration project that’s inspiring people to do the same...”

Country, the City Version: Farms in the Sky Gain New Interest
NYTimes.com, by Bina Venkataraman
July 15, 2008

The World. "What if “eating local” in Shanghai or New York meant getting your fresh produce from five blocks away? And what if skyscrapers grew off the grid, as verdant, self-sustaining towers where city slickers cultivated their own food? Dickson Despommier, a professor of public health at Columbia University, hopes to make these zucchini-in-the-sky visions a reality. Dr. Despommier’s pet project is the “vertical farm,” a concept he created in 1999 with graduate students in his class on medical ecology, the study of how the environment and human health interact..."

See Slide Show, too.

Albemarle's Green Roof Inspires Others
nbc29.com, by Jenn McDaniel
July 15, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "Albemarle County is celebrating the three year anniversary of its green roof. Some people thought Albemarle was crazy when the project started, but the county has seen payoffs that have many people changing their minds..." See Video.

Albemarle Green Roof Continues to Improve Environment
charlottesvillenewsplex.tv, by Staff
July 14, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "The Albemarle County Green Roof, which at 9,000 square feet is among the largest in central Virginia, continues to thrive as it turns three years old this summer. The small sedum plugs planted in 2005 have spread to cover nearly the entire roof and little white flowers can be seen in full bloom..."

See Video.

Animals rejoice: Sanctuary is under construction
Bethany Beach Wave, by Wallace McKelvey
July 16, 2008

Georgetown, DE. "...To minimize its impact on the environment, Gryczon said the shelter will be built to standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design classification system...Most of the water that runs off the building is collected and used for pressure-washing the cages, he said. Portions of the roof will be vegetated, Quillin said, to collect rainfall and prevent runoff from polluting nearby creeks." The plants will evaporate water through transpiration," he said, "turning pollutants into biomass..."

America's Best Hospitals, Green Edition
U.S. News & World Report, by Maura Judkis
July 16, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, ranked No. 10 on our orthopedics list, uses green cleaning products and energy-efficient lighting. All new buildings being constructed in the medical complex will be LEED certified, with green roofs that collect rainwater...The greening of hospitals is a topic making the rounds at medical conferences, with an increasing number of healthcare facilities looking to minimize their environmental footprint..."

Town has its first 'Green' roof and it's not library
Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin, by Shawn Giilck
July 16, 2008

Collingwood, Canada. "Collingwood has its first building with a green roof and it's not the new public library. Greenland Consulting installed a small green roof last week...The new public library is slated to have a full-size version installed. The benefits range from lowering heating and cooling costs to aesthetic values, Jennifer Serviss of Bioroof said..."

Pioneering Green Wall Researchers Wanted
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Press Release
July 16, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "The Green Walls Group (GWG), a Corporate Member sub-committee of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities – North America, Inc. (GRHC), a non-profit industry association is pleased to announce the first green wall research grant in North America. The group is currently seeking requests for proposals for green wall research projects by Sept. 2, 2008..."

Rooftop Oasis
American Way Magazine, by Heather Millar
July 15, 2008

Europe and North America. "Green roofs -- buildings topped with gardens rather than with asphalt, tile, or shingles -- sound (and look) good. also, in addition to cutting energy consumption and soaking up storm-water runoff that would otherwise pollute rivers and harbors, these constructed green spaces can provide a refuge for wildlife..."

Officials see future in going green in downtown West Union
WCFcourier.com, by Josh Nelson
July 14, 2008

West Union, IA."...In the future, West Union may be looking at using a downtown geothermal system, solar-powered lights and green roofs --- which are covered with vegetation and or solar panels --- to cut down on energy usage. Robin Bostrom, director of the West Union Chamber of Commerce, said the city could see economic benefits as well as environmental ones...Woodard was involved with a citizens' planning group that guided the project. He said he's been inspired enough that he plans to put a green roof on his insurance building..."

Yonkers going green with huge roof
New York Daily News, by Adam Lisberg
July 12, 2008

Yonkers, NY. New York's environmental agency is planning to build the world's largest "green roof" atop a Yonkers reservoir that feeds the city. The $1.6 billion project would cover the 90-acre Hillview Reservoir with a concrete cap, then pile a foot of dirt and grass on top of it. "The choices aren't being made for aesthetics," said Rich Zunino, the Department of Environmental Protection's manager of the project. "The soil actually provides some protection to the concrete...."

The right building materials can foil fires
San Francisco Chronicle, by Eve Kushner
July 12, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "...Covering a roof with vegetation and soil, with a waterproofing membrane underneath, is a valuable tool in restoring health to our environment. Roofs sporting sedum or drought-resistant native vegetation (as at the new California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco) provide a host of energy-saving benefits. Whereas many traditional roofing materials absorb solar radiation and send that heat back into the air, making hot days even hotter, green roofs have a cooling effect. Green roofs also moderate building temperatures quite effectively. If grasses are used, they need to be irrigated in order to be fire resistant. By contrast, sedum and other succulents are naturally fire resistant and drought tolerant."

Planting with the future in mind
North Shore News, by Erin McPhee
July 11, 2008

North Vancouver, Canada. "Interested in acting responsibly, as well as providing a model for their clients, Synthesis Design Inc. staff recently installed a living roof atop their two-storey East First Street office... Synthesis staff were assisted by Langley's NATS Nursery with the installation of 180 square feet of live roof planters June 20...the District of North Vancouver...is currently working with a consultant to put together a green building strategy. The strategy will look at all aspects of green building, including green roofs..."

Green rooftops can have many uses
China Internet Information Center, by Guest
July 11, 2008

China and Japan. "More and more buildings nationwide are getting makeovers, as owners install rooftop gardens. Since "green roofs" provide excellent insulation, they can keep room temperatures from rising in the summer. As a result, electricity consumption can be cut. For this reason, green roofs are encouraged by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Environment Ministry as effective measures to counter global warming and ease the urban heat island effect..."

Green roof's cool for pupils
Sheffield Telegraph, by David Bocking
July 11, 2008

Sheffield, England. "Several more Sheffield schools will be getting green roofs under the latest round of the government's Building Schools for the Future Programme. Newfield, Talbot, Yewlands and Silverdale will all be getting 'bio-diverse roofs.' That is, green roofs seeded with wildflowers and perennials to encourage new homes for birds and insects..."

Colombia’s Finca el Retorno Eco-Shelters
Inhabitat, by Mike Chino
July 11, 2007

Guatapé-Antioquia, Colombia. "...G ateliers Architecture constructed their Finca el Retorno refuge as an eco-friendly complex that consists of a series of hiking trails, a chapel, a restaurant, and 8 shelters. Each unit is topped with an insulating green roof that seamlessly extends the slope of the hill while giving the structure a sleek profile..."

Green design awards for students
News Shopper, by Staff
July 11, 2008

London, England. "...The University of Greenwich students won prizes at the Make Awards on June 20 in London. Student Vladimir Berezouskiv, 21, was named winner of the undergraduate section. His design was for a group of residential, educational and public buildings with allotments, roof gardens, wind turbines and solar panels..."

Liquid Plastics Takes Its Green Roofs Global
What's New In Building, Press Release
July 10, 2008

London, England. "Liquid Plastics, pioneer of liquid roof waterproofing technology, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the World Green Roof Congress, which takes place in London from 17th-18th September. The company launched its BBA approved green roof systems in 2006 working closely with Livingroofs.org, who is co-partner of the Congress...Liquid Plastics also operates on a global scale with offices in the US, Belgium, and the Middle East..."

2010 Winter Olympics Village in Vancouver Going Green
Inhabitat, by Mahesh Basantani
July 10, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "...the 2010 Winter Olympics are making headlines with the intent to become the green envy of eco-minded Olympic planning committees everywhere. The 2010 Winter Olympics Athletes’ Village will be built to a remarkably high level of sustainability and meet the LEED standards...All of the buildings will be fitted with solar panels and feature green roofs. Rain water will be harvested and be used for the irrigation of the green roofs and landscaping..."

Green roofing growing in US
MLive.com, by Linda Theil
July 10, 2008

Ann Arbor, MI. "This spring, local master gardeners meticulously fitted trays of healthy sedums in shades of green, red and burgundy onto the roof of the A3C Collaborative Architecture...A3C principal Dan Jacobs consulted with landscape architect William Knighton of Atwell-Hicks Inc. in Brighton to design a green-roof garden that would complement the firm's rooftop conference suite...Jorg Breuning of Green Roof Service, a green roof expert who installed his first green roof in Germany in 1980 and came to the U.S. in 1999 to work on a green roof for the Chicago City Hall, advised Jacobs on the A3C project. In order to document potential energy savings using green-roof technology, his firm is coordinating a research project with the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning to analyze various roof systems..."

New Orleans Rebuild Efforts Going for LEED Platinum
Inhabitat, by GlobalGreen
July 9, 2008

New Orleans, LA. "The opportunity to rebuild New Orleans as an international example of sustainability comes in the aftermath of what is increasingly being recognized as the tipping point for global awareness of climate change and its devastating impacts...The first completed home, which is powered by the sun, awaits its LEED Platinum certification. The house gains 100% of its electric needs via solar panels, and boasts unique features such as a green roof, vegetated..."

University acts as green beacon
Environmental Data Interactive, by Sam Bond
July 9, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is the province's newest higher education facility and is committed to being environmentally friendly...Green roofs also crown most of the buildings, offering not only high levels of insulation but also helping to reduce the heat island effect, improving drainage and providing fresh, oxygenated air for the climate control systems..."

New world out on the water
Boston Globe, by Staff
July 9, 2008

Boston, MA. "The Boston Children's Museum already went green, rebuilding its home as an environmentally sensitive structure that doubles as a learning lab for children...One good example of a balance between the natural and the man-made are the museum's green roofs. Covered with plants, they soak up storm water to reduce the runoff that spills into Fort Point Channel..."

State-of-the-art sustainable neighborhood
The Columbian, by Jonathan Nelson
July 9, 2008

Victoria, Canada. "Dockside Green, this self-contained neighborhood is being built on 15 acres on the city’s Inner Harbor, and is hailed as one of the most environmentally advanced projects of its kind. What makes Dockside so special? Highlights include... Stormwater system: Stormwater will be treated through green roofs and flow through a series of connected creeks and waterways..."

State senate check aids green project
The Daily Collegian Online, by Leslie Small
July 8, 2008

State College, PA.  "...One goal of the Penn State-EPA research is to measure how green roofs can be used to enhance municipal storm water management planning. Preliminary research also suggests green roofs effectively buffer acid rain, according to the Web site. The borough's green roof, which will occupy 2,500 square feet of roof space above the building's community room, will be a "demonstration project" to illustrate the benefits of green building initiatives, Whitfield said..."

State College gets green education, park grants
Centre Daily Times, by Mike Joseph
July 8, 2008

State College, PA. "The borough has received $5,000 from the state toward new play equipment in Orchard Park and $25,000 toward a municipal building project to educate the public on construction methods and benefits of building environment- friendly green roofs...The green roof project will cost about $80,000 to retrofit an isolated, 2,500-square-foot section of the roof of the municipal building, 2443 S. Allen St., to install three to six inches of soil or other growing medium, the borough said. The project is scheduled for construction next spring..."

Green Insurance for Homeowners Nationwide
Daily Green, by Brian Clark Howard
July 8, 2008

U.S. "Following up on recent success with "green insurance" for commercial buildings, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is set to launch green insurance for homeowners this summer. According to the company, this is the first-ever green insurance available to U.S. homeowners...Qualifying structures automatically receive a 5% reduction in premiums versus standard rates. Plus, such features as green roofs...The new green homeowners insurance is now approved in 26 states, with others expected to come online shortly."

More Bang For Your Efficiency Buck
Forbes.com, by Brian Wingfield
July 7, 2008

Washington, D.C. "On a recent afternoon in the nation's capital, dozens of business and government executives from across the U.S. huddled in a hotel conference room to swap ideas on energy efficiency..." See "Pictures: 10 Efficiency Bangs For Your Buck" Slide 5 on Green Roofs.

Customers 'eat up' store's rooftop garden
abc30.com, by Staff
July 7, 2008

Chicago, IL. "For Michael Repkin, it's a treasure hunt. His bounty isn't buried though, it's on the roof. "We're actually growing plants that can be used for food, fuel and fiber," said Michael Repkin, Urban Habitat Chicago . Repkin and his friends have taken rooftop gardening to a whole different level. They converted the roof a health-food store in Edgewater into a food-producing 'mini-farm,' where they grow everything from peas to cabbage and kale. In the small space, they've created an entire ecosystem..."

In the Year 2035 – if Ecosystem Markets Keep Man Alive…
Ecosystem Marketplace, by Chris Wood
July 6, 2008

North America. "The new book Dry Spring: The Coming Water Crisis of North America, is an environmental cautionary tale with a hopeful ending delivered courtesy of ecosystem markets...Air travel has become pricy, but those who do fly into North American cities no longer look down on industrial deserts of asphalt, concrete and tar-and-gravel roofing. Instead, they see kilometres of patchwork meadow: "green" roofs, planted with local grasses and shrubs. These reduce owners' heating and cooling costs and lessen flash runoff from rain. Some large factories have even turned their roofs into revenue opportunities, leasing them out to farmers for cultivation or qualifying for eco-payment credits. You can see cows grazing or grapes ripening above sprawling industrial complexes...."

State Farm’s rooftop grass a lofty idea
Charlottesville Daily Progress, by Bryan McKenzie
July 6, 2008

Charlottesville, VA. "A hot summer sun broils the 8.5-acre roof where, in a small patch in a corner of the 367,000-square-foot building, John Creech and Weinstephaner Sedum live side-by-side. The sedum brothers are plants and they are growing on top of the State Farm regional headquarters. While most people would tear out wayward roof foliage, insurance company officials planted the plants on purpose..."

Raise the Roof by Making It Green
Washington Post, by Christine Dell'Amore
July 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. "At Sixth and I streets NW, amid the Chinatown bustle, Nancy Somerville is standing in front of a rolling meadow sprinkled with black-eyed Susans. It's no urban mirage: This colorful mosaic of plants lives four stories high atop the American Society of Landscape Architects' building. Somerville, the society's chief executive, is one of her industry's biggest advocates of green roofs -- layers of soil and hardy plants that replace conventional black-tar or shingled roofs..."

Local Environmentalists Propose Rooftop Gardens
1200 WOAI, by Jim Forsyth
July 6, 2008

San Antonio, TX. "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the ancient wonders of the world, but we could all have a hanging gardens of our own if local environmentalists get their way...The San Antonio Audubon Society says what it calls a 'vegetated roof' is the best way to lower heating and cooling costs, and it is offering a $2,000 price to the home or business owner who can plant the best garden on their rooftop in the coming year..."

Dutchess agencies revive 'green' loan fund
Poughkeepsie Journal, by Craig Wolf
July 5, 2008

Dutchess County, NY. "A novel rebirth to a dormant loan fund has been announced by two agencies in Dutchess County. It's a "green" revolving loan fund for businesses that seek to improve energy efficiency or use alternative energy. The funds, about $355,000...Applicants could be businesses, nonprofit employers or building owners. Uses include solar, wind, green-planted roofs, energy-efficiency..."

Fireworks ignite small fires at IC
Ithaca Journal, by Raymond Drumsta
July 4, 2008

Ithaca, NY. "It seems an ill wind blew during the 61st annual Community Fireworks Show Wednesday night at Ithaca College, causing small fires and damage to at least one car. Ithaca Fire officials said fireworks debris, floating south from the fireworks launch site, caused several brush fires at about 10 p.m., including one on the grassy roof of the newly-opened Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise...“None of them amounted to anything, which we're glad of,” Wilbur said. “To my knowledge, there were no injuries.” A fire department report indicated that “stray embers from the fireworks landed” on the roof of the business center and ignited a fire..."

Environmental credentials of waterproof membranes
Processing Talk, by Staff
July 4, 2008

Europe. "Waterproof membranes are key components for geoengineering projects: a November conference "Waterproof Membranes 2008" will review products, applications and trends...Optigruen is a leader in the field of cultivated roofs and is now looking at water conservation using green roofing: in some areas the roof is used to collect and purify..."

Going up - Vertical gardens catch on
Vancouver Sun, by Steve Whysall
July 3, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "Vancouver is in the middle of a green wall revolution. A record number of these environmentally friendly sustainable "living" walls - also called vertical gardens - are being built here at the moment..."

The Golden Arrow First Resort to Install Living Green Roof
iStockAnalyst, by Staff
July 3, 2008

Lake Placid, NY. "...The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, New York furthered their Green Initiatives with the installation of a 3400-square-foot green roof Tuesday, June 10, 2008, installed by Weston Solutions, Inc. & GreenGrid®. The Golden Arrow is currently the only resort in New York State to have a green roof. The Golden Arrow's green roof is comprised of plant varieties native to northern New York, provides a habitat for native birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects that flourish in the Adirondack region..."

Gardens in the sky: growing green roofs for healthier city air
Environmental Expert, via European Commission, Environment DG
July 3, 2008

Europe. "Air quality can play a significant role in the well being of people living in cities. New research suggests that planting vegetation on rooftops to make 'green roofs' could substantially reduce the impact of urban air pollution, thus enhancing city life..."

How to go green
Business in Berkshire, by Staff
July 3, 2008

Windsor, England. "Eco friendly homes are being opened to visitors in June and July with help from the South East England Regional Assembly to encourage more residents to go green...The homes show the benefits of super insulation, solar panels, water recycling, biomass boilers, green roofs and walls, and recycled materials."

Developers Take Public Place To The Public
Brooklyn Downtown STAR, by Jeffrey Harmatz
July 3, 2008

Brooklyn, NY. "As the Public Place development moves forward on the shores of the Gowanus Canal, representatives of Community Board 6 and the Gowanus and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods continue to exert influence over the mega-project, and the working relationship between the development groups and the community is setting a standard for future development in the area...Additionally, the new infrastructure that will be created for the site will be “green,” featuring planted roofs, innovative landscapes, and a storm water removal system that will create a small river running throughout the development..."

Doghouses get a green roof with plants that cool the inside
Los Angeles Times, by Bettijane Levine
July 3, 2008

Los Angeles, CA. "Landscape architect Stephanie Rubin and sculptor Chris Isner sell such homes with rooftop gardens for $1,000 to $4,000, but you can make your own for much less...Rubin's rooftops are filled with pet-friendly, nonpoisonous, mostly native plants that require no pesticides or fertilizers. Her favorites include woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), stonecrop..."

New apartments offer an early slice of Battersea regeneration
Easier, by Staff
July 3, 2008

London, England. "...The Quadrangle, a development by Battersea Park Investments Ltd is a part new build, part refurbished scheme situated on Battersea Park Road...Sumptuous penthouse apartments in the new building feature vast terraces and private roof gardens which give an overwhelming sense of space...The converted building also benefits from a large communal roof terrace..."

Green overhead
Anchorage Daily News, by Elizabeth Bluemink
July 2, 2008

Alaska. "For nearly 30 years, master gardener Marnie Isaacs' roof has been her lawn. It has also been her garden. Above her ceiling, tomatoes ripen on the vine and a horde of raspberry bushes is straining to escape a fenced, raised bed...Green roofs aren't new to Alaska. The ultimate green roofs, perhaps, grew naturally on the traditional sod homes of the Arctic..."

Toyota Throws More Weight Behind Its Homes Unit
Wall Street Journal, by John Murphy
July 2, 2008

Kasugai, Japan. "Toyota Motor Corp. has put millions of people on four wheels. Now, the global auto giant wants to put roofs over their heads, too...Toyota is looking to apply its ecofriendly image and technical know-how to help boost sales of its small and little-known prefabricated-housing division...Analysts say that while Toyota may realize some research benefits from its housing operations, it is hard to judge whether Toyota gains much financially from the enterprise or its other minor side businesses, including planting roof gardens..."

The latest buzz on the green scene
National Post, by Vanessa Farquharson
July 2, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...all the buildings will also be LEED-certified with rainwater-capturing systems, solar panels, living walls, geothermal heating and green roofs. But of course, in the world of eco-extremes, green roofs are nothing. These days, to impress most eco-buffs, you have to have a fully functioning rooftop garden, complete with seasonal herbs, fruit and vegetables, maybe even some hops, a few grape vines and a bee hive or two in order to produce as-local-as-possible booze and honey. This may sound like it's feasible only for those who live in the country and make gardening a full-time hobby, but in fact, the Fairmont Royal York hotel in downtown Toronto is doing all of this, with enough time leftover to offer guests daily rooftop tours with their afternoon tea..."

Green Roofing Options
Green Living Ideas, by Staff
July, 2008

The World. "...Green roofs offer one big piece of the solution to Urban Heat Island syndrome. Modern cities, with their huge production of waste heat, and replacement of cooling, sun-reflecting vegetation with heat-absorbing asphalt and concrete, are hot spots on the planet’s surface which even create their own unnatural weather. Perhaps one day our city roofs viewed from the air won’t look like geometric scars on the landscape, but patterns of waving greenery."

Red Hook Industrial Company To Have First Green Roof Under New Initiative
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, by Sam Kestenbaum
July 1, 2008

Brooklyn, NY. "...Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez...was speaking Tuesday in Red Hook on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s announced support for the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Corporation’s (SBIDC) “Green Roof Project.” Velázquez presented a check for $250,000 to the Josh Keller, executive director of the SBIDC, which is spearheading the green roof initiative, an effort to replace black tar roofs with living, “vegetated roofs.”...The rooftop of Linda Tool & Die Corp. at 123 Dwight St. will be the first green roof in this initiative and the first green roof on a commercial building in Brooklyn...The Gaia Institute, an environmental group, will provide this synthetic soil, a mixture of recycled styrofoam, pectin and compost..."

What's your shade of green?
Cape Cod Times, by Sarah Shemkus
July 1, 2008

Pocasset, MA. "...Onset has a growing niche of customers who use the devices to bolster their attempts to go green. Nicole Goldman, the owner of 'g' Green Design Center in Mashpee, recently installed a "green roof" — rooftop gardens that act as natural insulation and storm water management systems — on her Woods Hole home. Goldman uses one of Onset's data loggers to monitor air temperature, humidity and soil moisture on her roof..."

Zarco 66 Opens Earth Friendly Fuels Station in Kansas
ens-newswire.com, by Staff
June 30, 2008

Lawrence, KS. "...A green roof garden and a rain garden at the station will reduce urban heat-island effects and stormwater runoff, while filtering pollutants and greenhouse gases...Additional stakeholders in the Zarco 66 venture include...Hydrotech, Inc.. .."

State legislature approves tax breaks for rooftop gardens
New York Daily News, by Nicole Ettlinger
June 30, 2008

New York. "...The credit of $4.50 per square foot, approved last Monday, is about a quarter of the cost of a typical green roof. "The biggest barrier to a green roof is upfront cost," said Rob Crauderueff, director of sustainable policy at the nonprofit group Sustainable South Bronx. "They typically cost $15 to $20 per square foot." "It's long overdue," said Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. (D-Bronx), who sponsored the bill... Supporters said the legislation will also help spin off local "green" jobs. "If you make an investment in the environment, you make an investment in the community," said James Chase, who created a green rooftop for his home in the South Bronx in October..."

Green overhaul planned for Toronto waterfront
Environmental Data Interactive, by Sam Bond
June 30, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "Despite Toronto's enviable position on the banks of Lake Ontario, its waterfront has been largely ignored by developers...Exactly how they achieve the LEED standard, which is a points based system, is largely down to the developers themselves - but the Waterfront has stipulated that all but the smallest buildings must have green roofs..."

Roof grows green
Tri County Journal, by Janice Denham
June 29, 2008

Midwest U.S. "...Kelly Luckett of Green Roof Blocks, a modular system for rooftop plantings, says his business has doubled in each of the last two years. Vic Jost says Jost Greenhouses still picks perennials and landscape flowers for its bread and butter, but the market for plants that grow on rooftops "has grown exponentially in the last two years..."The study would build 27 scale-model buildings at SIU to study (effects on) white, black and green roofs, variable insulation, the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, in hopes of coming to some sort of baseline," Luckett says. "Then we could estimate the savings of energy for each situation..."

Eco-office leads ‘green agenda’
The Northern Echo, by Owen McAteer
June 28, 2008

Darlington, England. "A social housing group is to build an environmentally-minded head office. Derwentside Homes has been granted planning permission for the £3.3m eco-office in County Durham. The environmentally-friendly features of the building include ground source heat pumps, green roofs and recycled..."

Can city dwellers be more self-sufficient?
Times Online, by Anna Shepard
June 28, 2008

UK. "...According to Sustain, the food and farming alliance, the greatest challenge of modern agriculture is how to produce affordable food for everyone. “Growing Food for London”, a one-day conference that takes place on Monday...Perched above the centre of Reading, he describes the urban oasis as “a beautiful space that you can eat”. It contains 180 varieties of plants, most of which are edible...According to Despommier's plans, one vertical farm, rising up to 30 storeys, could provide enough food for 10,000 people..."

Plan a Green Roof Safari for Summer Vacation
EcoGeek, by Jaymi Heimbuch
June 27, 2008

The World. "...while I’m currently stuck inside a Lego block of a building with nearly no windows, my mind can still wander…onto a green rooftop! The best kind of vacation is one in which you learn lots, bring home cool stories, and have a great, unique time. Green Roof Safari provides just such a trip...Not only will the guides fill you in on details, but you’d also get a chance to talk about green roof issues with policy-makers, designers and researchers. Talk about heaven on earth for exploring EcoGeeks..."

St. Louis County garage goes green with sod roof
Duluth News Tribune, by John Myers
June 27, 2008

Duluth, MN. "...Eventually, most of the 18,000 square foot roof will be covered with native sedum plants. The first phase of the project will cover about two-thirds of the roof at a cost of $174,450. A $50,000 grant from the Lake Superior Coastal Program helped cover the cost...“It’s going to be a great demonstration project for our area. Not only does it store storm water, which is a huge issue in a city like that, but it’s adding insulation and cutting energy use.“

Fisher: Teens present vision of San Jose's future
San Jose Mercury News, by Patty Fisher
June 27, 2008

San Jose, CA. "What would downtown San Jose look like if a bunch of creative kids designed it from scratch?...Picture a huge central park with a roller coaster that's also a mass-transit system. An outdoor movie theater and an art museum where you can make your own art. Fanciful architecture, energy-efficient buildings and lots of roof gardens..."

Plan Your Vacation with Green Roof Safari
TreeHugger, by Christine Lepisto
June 26, 2008

Europe. "Here is a novel green vacation to add to your plans. Green Roof Safari offers a unique opportunity to learn about a diverse array of green roof projects in Germany and Switzerland. The Safari will visit at least three green roofs per day over a six day tour, featuring walkable days and individual time for private expeditions. The tours are hosted by Christine Thuring of chlorophyllocity and Jörg Breuning. Christine is a Swiss-Canadian with an M.Sc. from the Centre for Green Roof Research at Pennsylvania State University. Jörg is German and works with Green Roof Service in the US..."

The cutting edge: Green Roofs
Arizona Republic, by Staff
June 26, 2008

AZ. "...Tempe built a Sonoran desert rooftop garden on its new transportation center, and Northern Arizona University put native plants atop a conference annex to a new campus building. In Scottsdale, rooftop gardens help cool condominiums at Optima Camelview Village."

Hub grows green roof study
Boston Herald, by Donna Goodison
June 26, 2008

Boston, MA. "Grass and other plants may soon sprout from the rooftops of Boston municipal buildings. The city is commissioning a $50,000 study to determine guidelines, requirements and a cost-benefit analysis for creating green roofs on existing municipal buildings, including schools, and new construction projects..."

Chicago's Olympic bid going for the green
Chicago Tribune, by Kathy Bergen
June 26, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid team announced Wednesday it will solicit corporate support to help create urban "green" centers around the planned sporting venues. In those zones, which will include some of the city's poorer neighborhoods, building owners and residents will have greater access to a range of environmental programs, likely to include grants for green roofs and assistance for obtaining energy-efficient..."

Green roofs cool cities, combat climate change, say Germans
CNN.com, by Mark Wickstead
June 26, 2008

Germany, UK, North America. "...The exception to the rule has been Germany, where the industry is now annually worth $77 million...Majora Carter, who set up Sustainable South Bronx to help lift the area out of poverty by creating green-collar jobs, is frustrated by this difference between the European and American industries...Dusty Gedge, co-founder of Livingroofs.org, a UK Web site promoting the green roof industry, believes it is the government's responsibility to help the industry grow. "We need government bodies to accept certain civil engineering benefits, such as storm water amelioration, like the Germans, Austrians and Swiss do..."

Green Space: Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers meet Generation G
Metromode Media, by Kelli B. Kavanaugh
June 26, 2008

Detroit, MI. "...How it went down is that architects, planners and engineers from Detroit-based NORR created a curriculum complete with lessons, demonstrations, art projects and field trips. We're not talking about planting a sunflower in a cup, but rather building two varieties of green roofs, exploring green career choices and even enduring an end-of the-week test on all the stuff they learned..."

Call for redesign of 'eco-towns'
BBC News, by Tom Warren
June 25, 2008

England. "...environmental groups agree the designs, as they currently stand, are not "eco" enough...The CPRE wants to see "sustainable urban drainage" included at each site. This means incorporating features such as raised grass verges and reed beds to soak up water and help prevent flooding. It also wants green roofs on houses to soak up rain and provide insulation..."

Moves Aim for Greener Rooftops in NYC, Nationwide
Commercial Property News, by Denise L. Meyer
June 25, 2008

New York, NY. "Between the New York City tax credit bill that passed yesterday and an announcement of a strategic alliance between GE Energy and GAF Mater-als Corp. to develop solar roofing systems, commercial and residential customers alike now have sweeter incentives to green their rooftops. Building owners in New York City who install green rooftops will now receive a significant tax credit. Under this new law, those who install green roofs on at least 50 percent of available rooftop space can apply for a one-year property tax credit of up to $100,000. The credit would be equal to $4.50 per square foot of roof area that is planted with vegetation, or approximately 25 percent of the typical costs associated with the materials, labor, installation and design of the green roof...The tax credit starts Jan. 1, 2009, and will expire after..."

Beijing embraces Brave New World of buildings
CNN International, by Stephanie Busari
June 24, 2008

Beijing, China. "China's new found wealth has seen an explosion in the number of new developments springing up in what is, arguably, the world's biggest building boom...The brainchild of New York architect Steven Holl, the mixed-use unit is a ring of eight 21-story towers, linked at the 20th floor by gently sloping public sky bridges, lined with galleries, cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The development has been widely praised for its forward thinking sustainable design that includes a waste water recycling plant that sits beneath the complex...It also has green roofs, filters to protect residents..."

Province of British Columbia: New home for social sciences, mathematics opens at UVIC
Insurance News Net, Press Release
June 24, 2008

B.C., Canada. "The University of Victoria's $37.7-million social sciences and mathematics building will officially open today, providing state-of-the-art space for students and researchers under two sustainable green roofs, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced..."

Lower Providence Township Grants Preliminary Approval to The American Revolution Center(R) Land Development Plans
istockAnalyst.com, Press Release
June 24, 2008

Wayne, PA. "...As part of the environmentally sensitive and energy efficient plan, about 50% of the museum building will be built underground. A planned vegetated roof will reduce pollution and water runoff. The project will be LEED registered..."

Green Rooftops in New York City Now Rewarded with Tax Credits
E-Wire, Press Release
June 24, 2008

New York, NY. "Building owners in New York City who install green rooftops will now receive a significant tax credit under a bill (A.11226) sponsored by Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. that passed the state legislature on June 24, 2008. Under this law, building owners in New York City who install green roofs on at least 50 percent of available rooftop space can apply for a one-year property tax credit of up to $100,000..."

Sowing the seeds of urban farming
BBC News, by Victoria Bone
June 24, 2008

UK. "Is agriculture a purely rural activity? Not any more, if a new breed of urban farmers get their way. Across the country, roof-top honey farms, window-box herb gardens and parkland vegetable patches are taking root...They want to see 6,000 acres of land in the capital used to grow enough food for the 14 million meals that will be needed during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. This, they say, would require 2,012 new food-growing spaces, including community gardens, allotments and roof gardens..."

Hope that school's green roof will rain supreme
Peterborough Today, by Tara Dundon
June 23, 2008

Peterborough, England. "Youngsters at Orton Wistow Primary School are flushed with the success of their new state-of-the art green extension. Five new classrooms will be provided at the school in a £1.3 million eco-friendly development which will open in September. It will include a green roof constructed from a grass-like plant which, with its run-off design, will allow rainwater to be collected and used for flushing the school's toilets..."

Salt Creek watershed plan advances
Chesterton Tribune, by Staff
June 23, 2008

Salt Creek Watershed, IN. "...Several other demonstration projects were installed while developing the Salt Creek Watershed Management Plan. Save the Dunes partnered with the following groups: Portage Parks Department to install a vegetated roof at Imagination Glen Park..."

Green skins
The Australian, by Greg Callaghan
June 21, 2008

Sydney, Australia. "...Sydney will have its own verdant towers, too – by no lesser names than architectural superstars Jean Nouvel, designer of Quai Branly Museum in Paris, and Norman Foster, creator of London’s iconic “Gherkin”, the Swiss Re Building. The former Carlton & United Brewery on Broadway...is to be redeveloped as a residential and commercial corridor linking the 19th century, terraced suburb of Chippendale with the glass-and-cement fortress of the University of Technology, the centrepiece being two green towers...So dramatic are the energy savings and environmental benefits of greening a building, says Jim Osborne, NSW representative for Green Roofs Australia, that an increasing number of architects and developers see it as a golden..."

Green roof for City Hall
Twin Cities Planet, by Rachel Dykoski
June 20, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "On June 12, the City of Minneapolis and RSP Architects saw their vision come to fruition: A rooftop garden at 350 S. 5th Street received its finishing touches from the crew with Minnesota Native Landscapes. On what could be called the ‘mezzanine’ level of City Hall –just up the stairs from the rotunda, an interior roof has been spruced up to abate heat, use storm water and provide a soothing, pastoral scene in the midst of this concrete jungle..."

Changing landscapes
Rocky Mountain News, by Julie Hutchinson
June 20, 2008

Denver, CO. "...Leading the list of local examples is the recently opened UMB Stapleton Banking Center...Not a single blade of traditional lawn grass grows in this landscape, a significant savings in maintenance and irrigation costs. Although it's not so visible from the street level, the bank also features one of Denver's first green roofs and is planted with native vegetation..."

Miami, San Francisco, Chicago schools get green
San Jose Mercury News, by AP
June 19, 2008

Miami, FL, San Francisco, CA, and Chicago, IL. "Schools in Miami, San Francisco and Chicago will be a little greener thanks to a partnership between a TV network and an environmental media company. CBS Corp. and EcoMedia of New York City announced Thursday that they will sell special advertising content and programming. They will use part of the proceeds to install solar power, green roofs and organic gardens at schools in the three cities. One school in each city will be chosen in the fall as part of the so-called "Green Schools Initiative." It will cost about $250,000 per school for..."

Target Center roof going green
Twin Cities Finance and Commerce, by Brian Johnson
June 19, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "Another major “green roof” project is set to move forward atop a high-profile building in downtown Minneapolis. City officials are putting together construction documents for a green roof over Target Center, even as the city – with help from a project team led by RSP Architects – continues the job of planting 40 varieties of mostly native plants on a portion of Minneapolis City Hall..."

Trammell Crow JV to Build Austin Mixed-Use
Commercial Property News, by Scott Baltic
June 19, 2008

Austin, TX. "The Austin City Council late yesterday selected a joint venture consisting of Trammell Crow Co., USAA Real Estate and Constructive Ventures Inc. to redevelop a five-block city-owned downtown site. ..The project is aiming for LEED Gold certification, including buildings outfitted with solar thermal collectors, double-skin membranes, solar screens and vegetated roofs. Other green aspects include earmarking parking spaces for Austin Car Share and providing electric car plug-in stations..."

København cool - Socially sustainable Danish architecture
Building.co.uk, by Martin Spring
2008 Issue 24

Copenhagen, Denmark. "...“What if the parking became the foundation of the housing – like a concrete hillside covered by a thin layer of housing, cascading from the 11th to the first floor? All apartments would have sun-soaked roof gardens, amazing views and street parking all the way up to the 10th floor! The Mountain is a suburban neighbourhood of garden homes flowing over a 10-storey building...”

London Leaders celebrate success and call for more people to sign up to pioneering scheme
Livingroofs.org, Press Release
June 19, 2008

London, England. "The Commission also announced today that London Leader, Dusty Gedge, the pioneering urban naturalist and co-founder of Living Roofs (www.livingroofs.org) has just achieved a significant milestone in his pledge to convince three London companies to retrofit a living roof onto their buildings..."

Look to old buildings for new green ideas
OregonLive.com, by Fred Leeson
June 19, 2008

Portland, OR. "What makes the most sustainable building? Don't look to new towers with eco-roofs, solar panels and LEED ratings, says an expert who came to Portland recently...Paul Falsetto, a Portland architect versed in historic preservation and LEED standards, says the profession is starting to recognize the value of "embodied energy" lost when old buildings are demolished. He agrees that renovating old buildings should receive higher regard in the LEED scale..."

Canal Harbor fouled by sewage overflow
Buffalo News, by Sharon Linstedt
June 19, 2008

Buffalo, NY. "...Riverkeeper is urging individuals to take steps to reduce storm sewer flow by disconnecting their downspouts from storm drains, employing rain barrels to capture rainfall and using green roofing options."

Rooftop shrubs draw council snubs
Toronto Star, by Paul Moloney
June 19, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "A $750,000 plan to install rooftop plants at the Eglinton West subway station is being criticized as an expensive frill...In effect, the project's main benefit might be in its public relations value for Mayor David Miller's green strategy. A Toronto Transit Commission report noted that Eglinton West is a high-traffic location beside the Allen Expressway, making the proposed green roof highly visible to the public..."

Convention Center should be growing far more green
Philadelphia Inquirer, by Inga Saffron
June 19, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...Comcast Center's developer, Liberty Property Trust, cast its eye toward a future of peak oil and spiraling energy costs, while the Convention Center Authority stuck with the past. The result is that the Comcast building employs the latest energy-saving techniques and materials, recycles collected rainwater, includes a small green roof...Though the $700 million Convention Center expansion expects to incorporate some green features, such as an energy-efficient ventilation system and heat-deflecting window glass, its most conspicuous design element, the vast barrel-vaulted roof, will be left bare, a sprawling 18-acre urban desert..."

Five Years Later, Rouge Remains Touchstone for 'Green' Projects Around the World
Media.Ford.com, Press Release
June 18, 2008

Dearborn, MI. "This month, Ford Motor Company celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Ford Rouge Center’s "green" makeover and the construction of its environmentally friendly Dearborn Truck Plant...Linda Velazquez, publisher of Greenroofs.com, concurred: "The Ford Rouge project has helped popularize vegetated roofs within the U.S. Having held the title of ‘the world’s largest green roof’ helped propel the Rouge project into the minds of designers, business and government leaders, researchers, students and the media. The visionary leadership of Ford executives and the plant’s site-sensitive design clearly demonstrated that green roofs are economically feasible and possible at many scales, on different types of buildings..."

The Greening of America
Business Facilities, by Brian Donahue
June, 2008

U.S. "Cities large and small are racing to mandate sustainable building practices, while developers and property owners are discovering that "going green" makes good business sense...Los Angeles' new ordinance requires all projects of 50,000 square feet or more to meet LEED standards. In exchange, the city will work with builders to speed up approvals and remove obstacles in the municipal code for elements of sustainable building design, such as green rooftops, cisterns and permeable pavement..." 

Green roofs for healthy cities
Wicked Local West Roxbury, by Karen L. Weber
June 18, 2008

Boston, MA. "Just shy of a month ago, the annual Green Roof for Healthy Cities Conference took place in Baltimore. Two years ago, it was here in Boston. Much has happened since...We need to work on Boston! Green roofs are a good thing to install any and everywhere, but the most important impact is along our coasts, where our urban centers are cement ovens emitting great amounts of heat into our atmosphere..."

Cities Need to Offer Incentives for Building Green Roofs
Green Building Elements, by Kristin Dispenza
June 17, 2008

North America. "...Seattle has also kept pace with current trends in green roofing when it comes to the construction of government buildings. But according to an article in the Puget Sound Business Journal, the city does not offer enough financial incentives to make it worthwhile for private developers to adopt the technology...The situation in Seattle may be moving in the right direction, however. Developer R.C. Hedreen, who was allowed to increase the height of the company’s Olive 8 project downtown in exchange for donating money to enhance King County’s rural habitats, is set to install the city’s largest green roof — 14,500 sq. ft. — at the Olive 8 property itself..."

It’s not just about the money, says print shop owner
Business Gazette, by Steve Monroe
June 16, 2008

Silver Spring, MD. "...Telschow says, ‘‘What of the future? Maybe a green roof for our plant. We recently installed a new roof membrane on our building, and spent the extra money to make sure it could sustain a vegetated layer on top. Our hope is that we’ll be able to afford the $30,000 to install a green roof at some point in the next several years.”.."

Planners see new proposals for south downtown
Westseattleherald.com, by Staff
June 16, 2008

Seattle, WA. "...Other provisions include a mechanism for new development to financially support existing historic buildings through an Historic Transfer of Development Rights program, and the use of Seattle's "Green Factor" for enhanced landscaping, including green roofs and green walls..."

Rain Bird Awards Scholarship
Lawn & Landscape, by Staff
June 16, 2008

Muskegon, MI. "Jeremiah Johnson is the recipient of Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water (IUOW) Scholarship. Rain Bird established the $2,500 Intelligent Use of Water Scholarship to recognize an outstanding landscape architecture, horticulture or irrigation science student in the final two years of undergraduate study...He plans to use the IUOW Scholarship as he begins work on his master's degree at Michigan State, with an emphasis on environmental design. Johnson will specialize in the area of green roof technology, application and long-term maintenance. His goal is to start a landscape architecture firm promoting sustainable design..."

Keeping The Faith
Barron's, by Eric Uhlfelder
June 16, 2008

The World. "Managing a fund that honors Islamic principles would seem to make a tough job even tougher. Shariah -- the body of laws governing all aspects of Muslim life -- says that earning interest is haram, or forbidden, which rules out investing in bonds or in any financial institution that lends...Among the companies making the cut on these bases was construction-material maker Carlisle Companies (CSL), where he put 1.1% of Amana's money in April at an average price of $30. Carlisle has become the dominant supplier of so-called "green" roofs, which help reduce the energy needs of large retail and industrial operations. Growing demand for such improvements in both new construction and retrofits is propelling secular earnings growth of 18.3% a year..."

Going Green From The Ground Up
Texas Contractor, by Jo Ann Jarreau
June 16, 2008

U.S. "...Green roofs are another way to reduce a site's dependence on the municipal grid. A green roof is insulating, bringing down heating and cooling costs. And the plants on a green roof protect it from harmful UV rays, prolonging the life of the roof and decreasing future maintenance costs. Information about other steps you can take today to "green" your sites and plans is available from the Sustainable Sites Initiative and the U.S. Green Building Council. A LEED accredited landscape architect can provide you with..."

"Greensburg": Rising from the rubble
Kansas City Star, by Aaron Barnhart
June 14, 2008

Greensburg, KS. "...Other ideas are so radical that you have to admire the hundreds of locals who cheered when they were laid out in full. The new master plan, drawn up by BNIM Architects of Kansas City and adopted by the city council, looks like Tomorrowland with its green roofs, zero-carbon-footprint design and cozy streetscape of occupied..."

Rotterdam to help city handle floods
Jakarta Post, by Staff
June 14, 2008

Jakarta, Indonesia. "The Rotterdam administration in the Netherlands' plans to help the Jakarta administration mitigate frequent flooding as part of its sister city initiative...Climate change has forced the Rotterdam administration to rethink water management systems in the city and to develop systems to prevent water problems. "We're now adapting...by creating more green roofs in the city and by making what we call water squares..."

Going Green on the Blue Cross Project on Cameron Hill
WDEF News 12, by Amy Katcher
June 13, 2008

Chattanooga, TN. "The new 950,000 square foot BlueCross BlueShield office complex seeks to become a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design by getting certified by the U.S. Green Building Council...The buildings' roofs are bright white- to deflect sunlight. Three smaller areas will have green-roofs with foliage. Another aspect to LEED certification is conserving water..."

Price is right on Kipling 1-bedroom
Chicago Tribune, by Seka Palikuca
June 13, 2008

Evanston, IL. "...Upon completion, it will have green roofs landscaped with native plantings in order to reduce heat islands and water run-off. In all, Winthrop Club meets 46 criteria for the Gold certification, including seven that are mandatory for any LEED building..."

Making it Happen - the Summer of Solutions
It's Getting Hot In Here, by Callista Perry
June 12, 2008

St. Paul, MN. "...The vision is this: a reclamation of that Ford site, a low-GHG emitting remediation of the toxic spaces, and the construction of a mixed-use residential (both low- and high-income) and manufacturing development on the site. The

manufacturing facilities can be converted to sustainably produce solar panels or wind turbines, creating 2,000 new green jobs for workers. There will be green roofs... Community gardens, greenhouses, you name it. Super sustainable development - green jobs..."

Healthy ambitions
Lake Oswego Review, by Jim Redden
June 12, 2008

Portland, OR. "The Oregon Health & Science University has set some lofty goals for the satellite campus it is planning along the west bank of the Willamette River just south of the Ross Island Bridge...It also calls for solar panels and eco-roofs to be installed on as many buildings as possible..."

Bid for new villa work favoured
Yorkshire Post, by Jeni Harvey
June 12, 2008

Sheffield, England. "Plans for a new extension to a Grade II-listed building in Sheffield have been recommended for approval despite objections from heritage groups...Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson has applied to build a contemporary-style extension to the side and rear of the villa, using traditional materials which would have to be approved by the planning authority prior to building work being carried out. The extension would have a vegetated roof in order to blend in with the land..."

Learning Landscape" Prototype Constructed at Bronx Public School
TAXI Design Network, Press Release
June 12, 2008

The Bronx, NY. "...students and teachers at the Adlai Stevenson Campus at 1980 Lafayette Avenue in the Bronx completed a 16'x16' prototype of a rooftop "learning landscape" planned for their building with materials provided by Pittsburgh Corning and Tremco. The prototype is the forerunner of a 20,000-square-foot project that will transform the concrete surface of the school's roof into a living laboratory for hands-on study...When completed, the landscape will be one of the largest monitored green roofs ever realized in the city and among its most innovative, featuring a structural system designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects' first annual Research Fellow, Joe Hagerman..."

University Christian Ministries plan to build 'green' house
SIU - Daily Egyptian, by Jeff Engelhardt
June 12, 2008

Carbondale, IL. "...If everything goes according to plan, the ministry's residence halls would be the first on campus to achieve such a high level of sustainability, Presley said. The initial design includes solar energy, super insulation, green roofs, natural ventilation and solar..."

Toronto’s green development policies earn passing grade
Daily Commercial News, by Saul Chernos
June 12, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...In February 2006, council enacted a green-roof strategy that included a plan to develop Web-based educational materials, divert $200,000 from city water revenues to finance a one-year rebate pilot program, and look into incorporating green roofs into the approval process for zoning and official plan amendments...Peck says the city awarded approximately $200,000 to 16 projects in 2007 through the water-revenue-based pilot..."

Contradiction in Terms? Duke U. Builds Green Parking Ramp, Green Parking Ramp, Green Stadium
Chronicle of Higher Education, by Scott Carlson
June 11, 2008

Durham, NC. "...Duke is renovating a football stadium with help from Ratio, and that project too will incorporate various green features, particularly in buildings that will hold the restrooms, concessions, and scoreboard. Those buildings will make use of daylighting, and the architects are hoping to top them with green roofs..."

Oregon BEST invests in green research teams
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon, by Staff
June 11, 2008

Oregon. "The Oregon Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Center has announced that it will invest $480,000 in 10 Oregon university faculty teams who are working in the sustainability and renewable energy sectors...The projects range from solar cells, green roofs and biomass processing to green building..."

Big hitters back the Go Green campaign
Birmingham Post, by Staff
June 10, 2008

Birmingham, England. "...We have always been determined to minimise the impact of the construction and to ensure that our campus will be as energy efficient as possible. Features such as wind turbines, greywater recycling and green roofs, as well as a custom-built Combined Heat and Power Plant, will help us achieve our goal..."

SUB roof undergoes green maintenance
Argonaut, by Christina E. Lords
June 10, 2008

Moscow, ID. "More than 1,600 square feet of the Student Union Building’s roof is undergoing maintenance — vegetative maintenance. Mark Miller, assistant director of operations for the Idaho Commons and Student Union, is spearheading the SUB Green Roof Project at the University of Idaho. The sustainability project will replace part of the building’s roof with assorted plants and soil..."

Local kindergartners go "green"
Tri County Journal, by Staff
June 10, 2008

Webster Groves, OH. "Kindergartners at Bristol Elementary School in Webster Groves have gone "green." Brad Furfaro, president of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, recently visited Stephanie Smith's kindergarten class and taught students about landscape architecture and green roof technology..."

Oregon BEST announces new funding
Sustainable Industries, by Celeste LeCompte
June 9, 2008

OR. "...The funded projects are aimed at improving sustainable technologies and systems ranging from solar cells, green roofs and biomass processing to...Some of the funding will also go toward equipment enhancements at shared research facilities...and enhancements to an environmental wind tunnel used to study the efficiency of green roofs."

Food For Thought
Seven Magazine, by John Johnston
June 8, 2008

London, England. "...With increasing urbanisation and lack of space in already urban areas, how can many people grow their own food? Gardeners are no longer thinking laterally; they’re climbing up the walls and looking to the skies. “Vertical Gardens” or “Le Mur Vegetal” have been in the commercial sector of architecture for some time now after their invention by Patrick Blanc...Roof gardens are also increasingly used in urban landscapes. The advancement in technology has produced better water membranes, drainage layers and filter fabric to protect the roof of buildings from the plants on top...roof gardens were big attractions at 2008’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show..."

London Zoo Wins Green Award
Garden and Green, by Staff
June 7, 2008

London, England. "The penguins at ZSL London Zoo have been up to something fishy - getting in on the act of being “green” and helping celebrate the Zoo’s recent Green Tourism for London award, with the addition of environmentally friendly living green roofs to their nest boxes..."

Gowanus Goes Green
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, by Staff
June 6, 2008

Brooklyn, NY. "The Gowanus Canal Conservancy's first annual Gowanus Goes Green festival held on Sunday June 1 was blessed with a gorgeous sunny day...Out on Carroll Street, shoppers perused an assortment of natural bags, toys, and organic T-shirts; learned more about green roofs and NYC's first green spa..."

When putting a roof over your head, try making it more like a forest
San Francisco Chronicle, by Philip S. Wenz
June 6, 2008

San Francisco, CA. "...The solution to hard surfaces, it seems, would be to make cities more like forests. Enter "ecoroofs" - roofs covered with a thin layer (4 to 6 inches) of soil and vegetation that provide many of the environmental services of natural ecosystems...Residential ecoroofs are becoming more practical, however, because cities such as San Francisco, Portland, Ore., and Chicago are encouraging their installation and, in some cases, offering stormwater-fee rebates. San Francisco will be issuing stormwater design guidelines in the near future..."

Going green is focus of Chamber meeting
Frederick News Post, by By Ed Waters Jr.
June 6, 2008

Frederick County, MD. "...Cheairs, whose company oversees and coordinates construction projects, said each one must be looked at to see what green aspects can be used. That can range from recycling water, low-flow plumbing and more efficient lighting to green roofs, which have grass on them. "It is a learning curve for the client," Cheairs said, noting that much guidance comes from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, standards..."

Mexico City plants lawns on roofs to fight warming
Reuters, by Mica Rosenberg
June 5, 2008

Mexico City, Mexico. "Mexico City, one of the world's most polluted capitals, is planting rooftop gardens on public buildings as part of a program launched on Thursday to combat global warming. The smog-choked metropolis plans to replace gas tanks, clothes lines and asphalt on 100,000 square feet (9,300 square metres) of publicly owned roof space each year with grass and bushes that will absorb carbon dioxide. The city also plans to offer tax breaks for businesses or individuals who put gardens on top of their offices and apartment buildings..."

Green and Long Green
Chicago Reader, by By Mick Dumke
June 5, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...Suzanne Malec-McKenna, appointed commissioner of the Department of Environment last year, has welcomed questions and even debate...Look at the green roof as an example. It was one project—but now we have 4 million square feet of green roofs in the city. We’ve brought the price down for a roof like that from $25 a square foot to $15 a square foot in seven years. We’ve gone from three contractors nationally who can do the work to two dozen in the region..."

SC4 to build 'green' roof
Port Huron Times Herald, by Jason Alexander
June 5, 2008

Port Huron, MI. "While St. Clair Community College's colors still are blue and gold, the school is making an effort to go green. The Board of Trustees last month approved putting a new roof on the college's finance building and about 15% of the covering will be a "green roof." The 35,000-square-foot roof partly will be made up of a plant material called sedum and a heavy sod that SC4 spokesman Chris Sebastian said will help the environment and the school..." 

'Parks in the sky' is Dutton's dream for Birmingham.
The Birmingham Post, by Staff
June 5, 2008

Birmingham, England. "A scheme of 'Parks in the sky' could soon be coming to Birmingham, it was announced in Chicago Wednesday...Revealing Birmingham's three-year action plan for the city's climate strategy, Mr Dutton said he had been inspired by Chicago's hugely successful green roofs scheme, where hundreds of buildings across the metropolis have been given sustainable 'living' roofs to help absorb CO2 and provide living environments for wildlife and plants..."

Planting on your roof can save on energy bills
CBS 42, by Megan Campbell
June 3, 2008

Austin, TX. "Texas summers are legendary for their heat, and it seems like only true natives know how to handle it. And who could be more native than Texas plants, who are now firmly rooted and greening roofs around Austin. “One study suggested that if 30% percent of the roofs of the city became green roofs they'd lower the temperature by 5 degrees in the summer,” Steve Windhager with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center said..."

Going green with green roof shelters
North Forty News, by Ted Schaaf
June, 2008

Fort Collins, CO. "...Designing the green roof at the Gardens on Spring Creek required engineering by a contractor with knowledge in green-roof construction. In order to keep soil in place on the sloped shelter, a specially designed egg crate plastic was installed over the surface of the roof...Dwarf varieties of plants that were successfully used on our roof include sedums, yarrow, native pussytoes, ice plant, candytuft, dianthus, gold alyssum and creeping potentilla. These plants were repeated on all four sides of the shelter, weaving a beautiful tapestry of color from early spring into late fall..."

Major Building Projects Are On Schedule, Despite The Crunch
Derby Evening Telegraph, by Chris Mallett
June 3, 2008

Derby, England. "...The £12m redevelopment of the former Princes supermarket site in Bold Lane will create 25 flats with eco-friendly roof gardens, plus shops, cafes and restaurants. The scheme is being carried out by developer Blueprint..."

Wildflower Center To Be Honored For Work on Green Landscapes
News from the University of Texas at Austin, by Staff
June 3, 2008

Austin, TX. "...The Wildflower Center has lived up to Lady Bird Johnson's hope that it would preserve the diversity and splendor of native landscapes," said Nancy Somerville, ASLA executive vice president and chief executive officer. "Their research in land management, fire ecology, native green roofs and their land restoration projects are important contributions to the environment and stewardship..."

Approach Washington, DC, with a specific plan, or none at all
Daily Citizen, by Christine Tibbetts
June 2, 2008

Washington, D.C. "...My Washington Walks tour guide said we were standing in one of the world’s largest roof gardens when we looked at the flowers surrounding the Castle information center. The Sackler Gallery, African Art Museum and Freer Gallery are all below ground, perfect for cooing off on a hot D. C. summer vacation and charming any time of year..."

It's showtime for Chicago's greenest home renovators
Chicago Sun-Times, by Celeste Busk
June 1, 2008

Chicago, IL. "The Discovery Home Channel is going green in a big way -- and Chicago is playing a big part in its new eco-centric programming. The cable channel has renamed itself "Planet Green" and on Wednesday will become the first 24-hour "eco-lifestyle network," attempting to educate while entertaining, with programming focused on conservation, sustainability and healthy living...The crew also filmed at City Hall in the Loop. Chicago turned its own City Hall 20,000-square-foot rooftop into a garden several years ago and leads the country in promoting..."

See how London is growing
Times Online, by Caroline Donald
June 1, 2008

London, England. "A great pleasure of London’s Open Garden Squares Weekend, which takes place this coming weekend and includes 176 gardens, is the opportunity to nose around properties, many of which are usually only glimpsed through railings and locked gates. These range from the grand garden squares of Kensington...Conisbee Courtyard in Islington, north London, an innovative combination of six residential flats and office space (which belongs to a structural engineering firm) set around three floors of exuberant planting...Clarke is experimenting with a “green wall”, in which a wire frame is hung on the wall like a painting and stuffed with plants such as euphorbias, heucheras, geraniums and ivy...This “green” roof is another example of cutting-edge horticulture. The 4in-6in of rubble covering the asphalt comes from the building works below and gives the area a slightly lunar appearance..."

The urban farmer: One man's crusade to plough up the inner city
Independent, by Kate Burt
June 1, 2008

UK, China, Toronto. "...perhaps one of the most high-profile initiatives – still at bid stage – is the Feed the Olympics proposal...This would involve creating 2,012 new food-growing spaces across the capital, including community gardens, allotments and roof gardens...The Chinese government also offers courses to aspiring urban farmers and plans to cultivate gardens on nearly 10,000,000sq ft of roof space over the next 10 years...Toronto scientist Gordon Graff has created plans for a 58-floor concept building – the SkyFarm – which would grow crops in the heart of the city and could provide enough food for 35,000 people every day..."

Portland's New Wave of Educators: Three graduates are growing the seeds of sustainability through education
Edible Portland, by Ivy Manning
Summer, 2008

Portland, OR. "...“Imagine all this was green, every rooftop with a garden like this one,” Marc Boucher-Colbert says as he scans the Portland skyline from the top of the lipstick-red Rocket Building on East Burnside. “Imagine the amount of food we could grow,” the 30-something farmer says wistfully as he shows me around the rooftop garden he oversees with Erin Alt of Edible Skyline for Rocket, the chic restaurant one story below..."

Rooftop Vegetable Gardener at Rocket Rooftop Garden takes us on a tour!
City Farmer, by Marc Boucher-Colbert
2008

Portland, OR. "...Rocket is a constantly changing garden that has evolved considerably in its short one-year lifespan...Currently we have available as growing space two ecoroof sections that were part of the building’s original “green” design (about 150 sq. ft. total), six 3’x 9’ raised beds that are 18” deep, and 39 45” diameter shallow “kiddie” pools (12 square feet each). Our goal for the garden is to grow food year-round which will provide the chefs with the prime material they need to exercise their creativity..."

Designing sacred spaces
United Church Observer, by Lorna Day
June, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "...Some newer suburban churches are returning to more traditional layouts, but have taken full advantage of new materials and technologies such as green roofs, solar energy and computer-aided designs..."

Vegetables on the edge
Times Online, by Lydia Slater
May 31, 2008

London, England. "Arthur Potts Dawson, Britain’s greenest chef, is standing on a rooftop in the smelly depths of King’s Cross, showing me round his garden with the pride of a latter-day Capability Brown... In huge troughs along the edge of the rooftops, rocket, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, shallots, tomatoes, marrows, pumpkins and several different varieties of bean have been planted and, for pudding, red, white and blackcurrants, black gooseberries, apples, pears and figs...his mission to green up one of London’s most urban quarters marches on apace..."

Building green homes
Pembroke Daily Observer, by Staff
May 31, 2008

Ontario, Canada. "The Ottawa River Institute is hosting free presentations entitled, "Green Building and Passive Solar Home Design" as part of its on-going series of energy and food re-localization presentations...will discuss various fascinating and environmentally friendly building methods and techniques including, Straw Bale, Earth Ships, Living Roofs, Green Eco Materials, Earthen Floors, Renewable Energy and Passive Solar Design Principles..."

Five People Who'll Make You Feel Good About the Future
Wired News, by Brandon Keim
May 31, 2008

U.S. "...microbiologist-turned-agro-revolutionary Dickson Despommier, intellectual godfather of vertical farming: skyscrapers full of gardens that produce our food and free farmland to return to CO2-sequestering forests...Majora Carter, the South Bronx born-and-raised environmentalist and MacArthur genius grant winner...Carter believes that green-collar jobs can break this cycle: she founded SmartRoofs, a green roofing company, and her nonprofit Sustainable South Bronx offers green-collar job training...."

An outsider at home in Shaughnessy
Globe and Mail, by Trevor Boddy
May 30, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "...An extended lobbying effort on behalf of Mr. Cuddington's flat-topped design...resulted in the first Modernist house in Vancouver's toniest district in decades. The house is not only flat-topped, but also uses lavish materials and boasts one of Vancouver's first single-family residential green roofs. There is lots of concrete and steel on show, and not a gable or voussoir anywhere in..."

Living roofs, solar panels – all standard in new homes
Northampton Chronicle & Echo, by Staff
May 30, 2008

Northampton, England. "A living roof, drains which lead to sunken wetland, water heated with solar panels - it sounds like something from a green home in the future but these are all standard features of a new housing development in..."

New Book Release: Green Roofs in Sustainable Landscape Design
TAXI Design Network, by Staff
May 29, 2008

The World. "...Landscape architect Steven Cantor gives the basic terminology of green roof design, defines the green roof types, reviews materials of construction and methods of installation, and explores sixty projects in detail, identifying the design process, the program for the project, and the specific application of green roof design and technology..."

Publisher's Note: Pre-order it here on Amazon.com!

Great Blue Heron Week celebrates Portland's official bird
OregonLive.com, by Gail Kinsey Hill
May 29, 2008

Portland, OR. "...Perhaps the biggest test of the city's effort to live shoulder-to-wing with nature can be found at South Waterfront. The urban village, going up where a brownfield once stretched, boasts green amenities such as eco-roofs, native landscapes and swales..."

World's first 'green' hotel opens (but only online)
Kipp Report, by Staff
May 29, 2008

Dubai, UAE. "...Rather than create a separate green hotel brand, IHG says features from the 'Innovation Hotel' could become standard across all its brands (and 4,000 properties) within the next few years. These include roof gardens (for insulation), lava stone signage (rather than plastic and metal), low emission paint, and local artwork (less travel means a smaller carbon footprint.)..."  

The Force of New Green: How cities are turning on to the green-collar economy, and where Louisville sits on the continuum
Louisville Eccentric Observer, by Jennifer Oladipo
May 29, 2008

Louisville, KY. "...Energy use is being reduced in public buildings, and green roofs are on the horizon, but supply-side mandates that would require green building and manufacturing practices are not, so far. Although Traughber recognizes that many profitable future companies will be green on some level, the city’s economic development is focused elsewhere, on the healthcare industry and traditional manufacturing..."

Chicago Derives Many Benefits from Green Buildings
NewsBlaze, by Andrzej Zwaniecki
May 29, 2008

Chicago, IL. "The city probably could have found a better site for its Center for Green Technology. But none more symbolic. The center sits on the site of a former illegal dump. It is now a hub for 400 environmental programs for residents, business owners and developers. The building received the highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council as the first municipal rehabilitation project...Chicago was the U.S. city that pioneered rooftop gardens..."

Celebrity contractor ready to go green
The Vancouver Sun, by Yvonne Jeffery
May 29, 2008

Okotoks, Canada. "Celebrity contractor Mike Holmes is ready to build a sustainable community of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes in the foothills just outside Okotoks...The homes incorporate green building features such as living roofs, grey-water recapture systems..."

Film studio at State Fairpark?
Salt Lake Tribune, by Derek P. Jensen
May 28, 2008

Salt Lake City, UT. "...RiverStone Design is focused on making the project America's foremost sustainable, entertainment community," its president, Todd Ford, says in a release. "Not only will Blackstone Studios set the bar for entertainment living and movie-studio design, but it will also incorporate green features that will include water conservation, environmentally-certified buildings, green roofs, on-site recycling, integrated storm water and preserved open space..."

City heat can add six degrees to temperature
Cyprus Mail, by Stefanos Evripidou
May 27, 2008

Nicosia, Cyprus. "Urban areas face summer temperatures that can be six degrees hotter than nearby rural areas, according to Environment Commissioner Charalampos Theopemptou, who proposed a number of easy measures to curb rising temperatures in the island’s towns...Another option is to encourage the installation of “green roofs”...“In Cyprus, unfortunately, I haven’t seen companies with the right equipment or knowledge to make green roofs. Apart from improving the local climate, the green roof and right colouring mentioned earlier, will significantly improve the thermal performance of the building,” said Theopemptou..."

Government of Canada Invests More than $500,000 Into B.C.'s Green Building Sector
Canada News Centre, Press Release
May 26, 2008

British Columbia, Canada. "The Government of Canada is investing in research being conducted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to strengthen the sustainable building technology (green building) sector in British Columbia. Federal funding of $500,000 and a $25,000 research grant will enable the expansion of applied research and demonstration projects of green roof and living wall technologies...The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will allow the British Columbia Institute of Technology Centre for Advancement of Green Roof Technology to continue to expand its activities. BCIT also received a $25,000 grant under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation External Research Program to conduct research on the benefits of green roofs with respect to storm water runoff..."

Developer plants ‘bio-wall’ project at Metairie building
New Orleans CityBusiness, by Ariella Cohen
May 26, 2008

Metairie, LA. "...New Orleans developer Josh Bruno has taken the first step toward creating a vertical ecosystem of hardy climbing plants and lush foliage on the concrete exterior of a Veterans Memorial Boulevard shopping center. The living “bio-walls” will be the first in the Gulf South, bringing Metairie into the ranks of Paris, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto, where living walls have flowered..."

Vancouver: the jolly, green giant
Independent, by Wayne Hemingway
May 25, 2008

Vancouver, Canada. "... Walking around the wonderfully landscaped waterfronts, zig-zagging across the harbour on the cute Aquabuses, marvelling at the magnificent residential glass towers with their verdant roof gardens, terraces and green roofs, and hopping off to visit the wonderful food markets of Granville Island..."

Zoo Goes Green
Chicagoist, by Tim State
May 24, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...In addition to organic foods, the zoo: has increased recycling, has planted seven heat-reducing green roofs, and installed more-efficient water recirculating systems in the polar bear and sea lion pools..."

Kitchener apartment complex uses green roof technology
Exchange Morning Post, by Staff
May 23, 2008

Guelph, Canada. "A building technique that is hundreds of years old is making a comeback. It’s “green roofing” and it has recently given a Kitchener apartment community the distinction of being the first rental apartment building in Waterloo Region to use the “new” technology. Gresham Place, located at the corner of Kingsway Road and Greenfield Avenue in Kitchener, now boasts a green roof on its link between its two towers..."

Alpharetta Wins Environmental Award For Rock Mill Park
City of Alpharetta, Press Release
May 23, 2008

Alpharetta, GA. "The City of Alpharetta has received the 2008 Water Resources Project of Excellence award for Rock Mill Park. The award is given annually by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals and the Georgia Section of the American Water Resources Association to a project in Georgia that provides for water quality, habitat or flood control. Projects are judged on the use of innovative techniques, public involvement, educational components and benefits to the community. Rock Mill Park, located off Kimball Bridge Road, is a showcase for storm water quality treatment. It includes a green roof pavilion, constructed wetlands, sand and biofiltration ponds, and connectivity to the popular Big Creek Greenway path system..."

Environmental Defense Fund Recognizes Fireman's Fund's Green Efforts
Insurance Journal, by Staff
May 22, 2008

U.S. "Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. is one of five firms recognized by the Environmental Defense Fund and Calif. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for having contributed to the "green" movement...Fireman's Fund claims to be the first property and casualty insurance firm to offer green insurance to the U.S. commercial marketplace, introduced in fall 2006. It says it gave the first financial incentive for green building owners - a 5 percent discount on the policy premium - for LEED-certified buildings. Vegetated roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, commissioning and the costs for green recertification fees for previously certified buildings are all included coverages that fill the gaps in traditional insurance policies..."

Green trend in building economical
Gary Post Tribune, by Gitte Laasby
May 22, 2008

Hammond, IN. "...conventional development practices with turf grass, gutters, storm sewers, curbs, regular roofs and bare landscapes is going out the window. It's being replaced with rain gardens, native vegetation, trees, vegetated swales, permeable pavement, rain barrels and grassy green roofs...Patchett and Wise said the major challenge to making green infrastructure more popular is to get changes in zoning and other local regulations..."

Garden guru with a taste for the high life wins biog spot
ic Wales, by Steffan Rhys
May 22, 2008

Oxford, England. "Ralph Hancock, who was born in Keppoch Street, Roath, in 1893, was responsible for creating the famous roof gardens on the 11th floor of New York’s Rockefeller Center in 1930 and the roof gardens at the Derry and Toms department store in Kensington in 1938, now the celebrity hangout Kensington Roof Gardens...To create his roof garden on the Rockefeller Center’s 11th floor, 3,000 tons of earth were taken up on the building’s service elevator, while trees were hauled up the building’s exterior by pulleys. The success of his New York project led to an invitation in 1938 to create a similar effect for what became Kensington Roof Gardens, Europe’s largest roof garden...”

Eco Living: Green Condo Week at GearCrave.com
TransWorldNews, Press Release
May 22, 2008

U.S. "...During Green Condos Week, GearCrave will be discussing the new technologies and systems built into green condos, plus looking at some of the top green condo complexes currently looking for buyers. Many of these complexes include green roofs, solar paneling, natural water and air cooling and all meet current LEED standards. Buyers can be confident that they will not only help to serve a cleaner..."

Developing situations: Going green and saving some, too
Philadelphia Metro, by Solomon D. Leach
May 21, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...Domani's three-story project will be split into five buildings, each with solar panels, green roofs and energy-efficient fixtures to reduce energy use by 50 percent. Priced between $330,000 and $700,000, about 40 percent of the site will have grass-filled courtyards and a garden area..."

Chelsea Flower Show 2008: Big ideas in tiny spaces
Telegraph.co.uk, by Diana McAdam
May 21, 2008

London, England. "...Green roofs are still a novelty in this country but Mayled, who has won four Chelsea medals, is convinced they could reduce the effects of global warming. "If you made the estimated 20,000 hectares of flat roofs in Britain into green spaces you could reduce flooding by half. It would also benefit wildlife as plants attract insects and insects attract birds." His garden is designed to be as eco-friendly as possible - even the walls have been planted - and great fun..."

Why spend money on a green roof?
Plenty Magazine, by Tobin Hack
May 21, 2008

DE. "Q. I know that green roofs cut down on CO2 and filter pollution and contaminants out of the air in cities, etc, etc. That’s all great. But—and I hate to sound selfish here—what’s in it for me?..."

Promoting green ideas for average homeowners
Westminster Eagle, by Bob Allen
May 21, 2008

Westminster, MD. "Westminster resident Dan Andrews, who organized this weekend's Maryland Heartland 2008 Sustainable Living Fair at the Carroll County Farm Museum, says "going green" is no longer just a matter of doing the right thing...The fair's programs and classes will cover a range of topics, including solar hot water and electricity, small-scale wind power for the home and farm, green building and residential green building (LEED) guidelines, green roofs..."

TV Preview: The Green’s ‘Big Ideas for a Small Planet: Grow’
Geeks of Doom, by The EnviroGeek
May 20, 2008

U.S. "Tonight’s episode of The Green – Big Ideas for a Small Planet is entitled “Grow” and focuses on the importance of green space, especially in our cities...The first idea is the Green Roof. Jorg Breuning of Green Roof Service, LLC, tells us that a green roof consists of a thin layer of soil along with tough plants and is designed to be installed on big city rooftops. When you consider the fact that places like New York City have areas consisting of 20% rooftop, it is worth noting the benefits a green roof can bring..."

Time to leave the comfort zone
BBC News, by Sir John Sorrell
May 20, 2008

UK. "...My third test is about greenery. Are a lot more big trees being planted; are acres of new allotments coming on stream; are parks being properly maintained?...And greening a place properly includes the roofs. In the northern English city of Sheffield, even bus shelters now sport green roofs to filter pollution..."

DEC Awarded Federal Forestry Grant
ReadMedia, Press Release
May 19, 2008

New York, NY. "...Vegetation holds the key to making New York City more livable and our waters cleaner,” said Basil Seggos, Riverkeeper’s Chief Investigator. “By directing storm water to an expanded network of parks, street trees, and green roofs, we prevent it from entering the sewer system and causing sewage overflows into New York Harbor..."

Inside Sri Lanka M&S supplier's 'green' factory
Lanka Business Online, by Harshani Weerasinghe
May 18, 2008

Sri Lanka. "...In a conventional manufacturing plant half the electricity used is consumed for air conditioning due to the tin roofs used in factories that let the heat in and traps it inside. Unlike in a conventional factory, the MAS plant uses two types of roofing to prevent the heat transfer from the roof in to the building. "Green roof is a one with vegetation on top of it. It absorbs the heat but does not pass it inside to the building," explains Ralapanawe...Because the interior is cooler the factory doesn’t have air conditioning and the little heat that’s left inside is pumped out by special evaporating ducts..."

23 Canary Wharf Contractors
Times Online, by Staff
May 18, 2008

London, England. "Canary Wharf has one of the largest number of green roofs in the UK, thanks to eco-friendly construction company Canary Wharf Contractors Limited (CWCL). Grey (recycled) water and heat reclaim systems are among the green credentials of the firm behind the iconic tall buildings in London’s former..."

This side up: living walls come to Chelsea
Independent, by Victoria Summerley
May 17, 2008

London, England. "...Thanks to the work of people such as Professor Nigel Dunnett at Sheffield University, we in the UK have become accustomed to the idea of green roofs that use drought-tolerant, low-growing succulents including sedum, or wildflowers that don't require a high level of nutrients. Blanc, on the other hand, has taken green walls to a whole new level...Livingroofs.org, an independent UK website that promotes the use of green roofs and walls, says climbing-plants can dramatically reduce the maximum temperatures of a building by shading walls from the sun...Noël Kingsbury has been studying at Sheffield with Professor Dunnett and is co-author with him of Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls (£25, Timber Press). He feels green walls are still a new field in Britain, compared to Japan, where vertical planting has become almost mainstream, and Germany and Switzerland, where facade greening is more common on new buildings than here..."

Up on the roof garden
Telegraph.co.uk, by Noel Kingsbury
May 16, 2008

Malmö, Sweden. "Only a few years ago, anyone who suggested growing plants on a roof might have been dismissed as a complete crank. Not any more. Green roofs have started to appear on new buildings up and down the country with remarkable speed...Given its history of growing plants on roofs, it is no surprise that one of the most important centres for promoting the modern version should be in Sweden. What is especially interesting is that green roofs have been installed on existing buildings, rather than somewhere purpose-built. The Botanical Roof Garden in Augustenborg..."

Green roof sprouts in city
Lancaster Newspapers, by Bernard Harris
May 16, 2008

Lancaster, PA. "Spring planting was a tall order on Lancaster's East Fulton Street. It took place about 25 feet up. And rather than your typical crops or garden-variety plants, landscapers working on the new National Novelty Brush Co. building spread cuttings from sedums onto a coconut fiber mat...Gattis-Schell led the county's efforts to secure a $479,333 state grant to create 79,000 square feet of green roof in urban areas...The grant money is providing $5 per square foot to Seavey and the other companies trying the technology..."

Master Gardener: Trees near your house? That's cool!
Marin Independent-Journal, by Martha Proctor
May 16, 2008

San Rafael, CA. "...Consider adding a roof garden, as "green roofing" provides insulating value that further reduces heating and cooling needs. With the increased cost, monetarily and environmentally, of using fossil fuels for heating and cooling our homes, it seems wise to consider planting a few trees in strategic places in our gardens and in our neighborhoods..."

Green Roofs Grow in Boston
WBUR, by Andrea Shea
May 15, 2008

Boston, MA. "This week, Boston is hosting the annual convention of the American Institute of Architects. One of the hottest topics at the gathering is sustainable design, and part of the conversation starts at the top: with "green roofs." They're lush and energy efficient...and also controversial...(Real Audio Available)...KAREN WEBER: Conventional roofs can get up to 150-200 degrees. You can almost fry an egg on some of those roofs. ANDREA SHEA: Sedum plants keep roofs between 77 and 90 degrees, according to Karen Weber. She's runs Earth Our Only Home...a consultancy....and is a sales rep for Roofscapes, the national green roof company behind this project. Weber says these roofs stabilize ambient temperatures inside and out..."

Goucher College Athenaeum
Library Journal, by Joseph Rizzo
May 15, 2008

Baltimore, MD. "...Other green features in the 106,000 square foot building include green roofs, daylighting, a rain garden, high-performance glass, recycled materials, and optimally efficient mechanical systems. The building, budgeted to come in at $55 million, is expected to open in fall 2009...The Athenaeum's green roofs, for example, will give Goucher students, faculty, and the community at large a glimpse at a viable alternative.

Greening the grey areas
Municipal and provincial governments get ready to green building codes and bylaws
Pique newsmagazine, by Clare Ogilvie
May 15, 2008

Whistler, Canada. "...Joe Redmond, president of the WDC, also sits as a government appointed board member for the Home Owner Protection Office, and he is seeing that now with green roofs. "I think everybody has different views on green roofs and mine is that in an area like B.C. and in particular in the rainforest, green roofs don't really accomplish anything," said Redmond. "I think in the southwest of Arizona, where you have searing temperatures, if you can put something on the roof that insulates and retains water, but we don't have to retain water round here, we are trying to get rid of it..."

Want to Build Olympic-Level Horse Facility
East Hampton Star, by Joanne Pilgrim
May 15, 2008

East Hampton, NY. "According to the application, the owners “want the project to be a model of modern, ecologically sensitive design and functionality.” The design includes “green roofing” on which grass, trees, and shrubs can grow, and a “gray water” collection, treatment, and irrigation system, and calls for the use of recycled and “eco-friendly” building materials..."

Museum rift is about Daley getting his way
Chicago Tribune Blog, by Eric Zorn
May 15, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...the museum will not rob Grant Park of any green space or intrude on its vistas. The building's grassy, land-scaped roofs will terrace gracefully down from Randolph to the park's Bicentennial Plaza. Its highest point will be its glass entrance pavilion, rising above Randolph to accommodate an elevator to its lower levels ...The museum proposal has been labeled, bizarrely, a "land grab." On the contrary, Chicago Children's Museum is a non-profit institution that is raising $100 million to build its new home, plus a new, green-roofed fieldhouse for public use..."

Landscape Architects Offer Free Green Roof Educational Resource
Business Wire, Press Release
May 14, 2008

Washington, D.C. "The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced the availability of The Roof is Growing!, an educational resource for middle-school students and teachers about green roofs and their environmental benefits. The resource includes a lesson plan, workbook, and online interactive program designed to engage students on how green roofs cool cities, clean the air, create habitats, and control stormwater. The Roof is Growing! is available at www.asla.org/greenroof..."

Abouhalkah's column: Decisions loom on light rail, sewers
Kansas City Star, by Yael T. Abouhalkah
May 14, 2008

Kansas City, MO. "Sewers and light rail are two of the hottest topics of civic interest in the spring of 2008...The groups have done a solid job, especially by proposing some “green” solutions. Kansas City ought to plant more trees, build more rain gardens, install more green roofs and..."

Initiative to 'grow green' approved
Northern Virginia Daily, by Robert King
May 14, 2008

Front Royal, VA. "...Construction methods for new buildings also must meet energy-efficiency standards under the new policy. Standards include efficient lighting, use of "sustainable" building materials, and green roofs, which are partially or completely covered by vegetation..."

Architect Vinoly Mentors New Generation of Designers (Update1)
Bloomberg, by Patrick Cole
May 13, 2008

New York, NY. "Rafael Vinoly, the designer of dramatic buildings like New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Tokyo International Forum, is celebrating his firm's 25th birthday in 2008 by funding emerging architects through an expanded apprentice program...Two years ago, researcher Joseph Hagerman designed a ``green'' roof where vegetation can grow. Now Vinoly's firm has plans to use the idea on one of its projects this year..."

A whole new way for a lawn to be green
Minneapolis Star Tribune, by Laurie Blake
May 13, 2008

Minneapolis, MN. "...The Nine Mile Watershed District levied $100,000 to begin its incentive program this year. Individuals can qualify for up to $3,000 and local governments and businesses for up to $25,000. Eligible projects include rain gardens, pervious asphalt and pavers, green roofs, cisterns and restoring stream banks with native plants..."

Largest Modular Green Roof in Atlanta Installed on Art Museum
The Epoch Times Ireland, by Mary Silver
May 12, 2008

Atlanta, GA. "The High Museum of Art recently installed a 6,680-square-foot "green roof" of tough, colorful sedum plants...Woodruff Arts Center Board of Trustees member David Harris thought of the project, which is meant to reduce storm water runoff, enhance air quality, and protect the roof...The modular system, called GreenGrid® Green Roof System is a proprietary technology of ABC Supply Co., Inc. licensed exclusively to Weston Solutions, Inc."

Mother's Day brings to mind easing Mother Earth's chores
Orlando Sentinel, by Eleanor Foerste
May 11, 2008

Orlando, FL. "...Green is more than just a color now. It is a term used to represent a new way to live, work and play that lessens the workload or impact on our Mother Earth. Sustainability, living today in a way that will allow us to continue to provide for the needs of future generations, has been a buzz word...There are green stocks, green power purchases, green cars, green roofs, green homes..."

Education the key to slow global warming
phillyBurbs.com, by Manasee Wagh
May 11, 2008

Philadelphia, PA. "...Some ways the speakers suggested to reduce emissions involved personal choices, like car sharing, or even installing a “green roof ” — a vegetated roof that keeps homes cooler and reduces energy use. Makefield Elementary School in the Pennsbury School District is planning renovations that include a green roof..."

Haworth Inc. officials believe their new headquarters will inspire change
MLive.com, by Shandra Martinez
May 11, 2008

Holland, MI. "This is an office building? Step into the three-story atrium at the new Haworth Inc. headquarters, and you might think you're in a modern museum or upscale mall...Crowned by one of the largest sedum-planted roofs in the state, the building is 50,000 square feet larger and one-third more energy efficient than its predecessor..."

Saving energy by going green
Chambersburg Public Opinion, by Robert Kessler
May 11, 2008

University Park, PA. "This past week a vanload of Extension educators traveled to Penn State to learn a little more about energy and ways to help with energy issues. We visited a "green" roof on the new forestry building that reduces a lot of stormwater runoff from the building. Green roofing is being used more and more by companies building new..."

There's No Place Like (the smart, green) Home
Lower Hudson Journal news, by Barbara Hines
May 10, 2008

West Harrison, NY. "...Green roofs, that is, a roof of a building that is partially or com-pletely covered with vegetation and soil, have proven over the long term to be part of a Best Management Practice (BMP) in the fight against global warming. A green roof retains or slows down storm..."

Council debates whether new sewer plan is green enough
Kansas City Star, by Karen Dillon
May 9, 2008

Kansas City, MO. "Can the public trust Kansas City leaders to implement green solutions such as green roofs and rain gardens into the overhaul of the city’s massive sewer system? Or should green solutions be part of a federally mandated plan to fix the sewers?..."

Green proposals for downtown Columbia
Baltimore Sun, by June Arney
May 9, 2008

Columbia, MD. "Solar arrays, "green" roofs and storm-water management that doubles as civic art and takes place only when it's raining are among the ideas for improving the environment in the redevelopment of downtown Columbia, a consultant told residents this week..."

‘Green’ Neabsco development gains steam
Inside NoVA, by Elisa Glushefski
May 8, 2008

Prince William, VA. "A Merrifield-based developer plans to bring green roofs—an environmentally friendly trend largely seen in European and urban design—to a mixed-use project in the U.S. 1 corridor...the rooftops for two mixed-used buildings would have courtyards filled with greenery and trees, one featuring a pool and deck that would not only absorb stormwater runoff and reduce air pollutants but would also offer a place for residents to go in their leisure time..."

£100m public square to create 500 jobs
Argus Lite - Brighton, by Lawrence Marzouk
May 8, 2008

Brighton and Hove, England. "...Developers want to transform the Sackville Trading Estate in Hove into a public square surrounded by 170 homes, shops, restaurants, offices and a supermarket. The new flats will be large, in response to Brighton and Hove City Council's request for family-sized homes, and all will have access to roof terraces...The plans also aim to be sustainable with extensive roof gardens, improved bus facilities, car clubs and car share schemes..."

Ajman firm unveils $408m Boulevard project
Trade Arabia, by Staff
May 8, 2008

Ajman, UAE. "...The Boulevard, Ajman; a $408 million mixed use master development...The 170,000 sq ft, 3-level shopping mall will join the hotel to offer a central leisure and shopping zone offering a spa, roof gardens, and a vast food court. The project also features fine dining; fully equipped health clubs and rooftop swimming pools..."

City's first green roof won't be last
Lancaster Newspapers, by Jennifer Todd
May 8, 2008

Lancaster, PA. "...Though Seavey said the energy-saving benefits are key, he said storm-water runoff is probably where the firm will see the largest difference...Seavey received some help with the cost in the form of a grant from Gov. Ed Rendell's Energy Harvest program. National Novelty Brush Co. shared nearly $500,000 in state funds with five other local businesses. As part of the initiative, green roofs are planned at the Bare Building at 39 E. Chestnut St., Box Company Flats at 225 E. Grant St., Penn Stone at 190 W. Ross St., Two Dudes Painting at 750 Poplar St. and the new YMCA at 265 Harrisburg..."

Smith + Gill Tapped for Ultra-Green Abu Dhabi Project
Architectural Record, by Tim McKeough
May 7, 2008

Abu Dhabi, UAE. "Desert buildings that produce more energy than they consume may no longer be the stuff of mirages. Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture recently won a competition to design Masdar Headquarters, a 1.6-million-square-foot, zero-waste, zero-carbon facility that it predicts will generate not only enough power to run itself, but also surplus energy to help fuel buildings surrounding it...Underneath the canopy, a series of interconnected volumes, topped by green roofs, provide space for offices, retail stores, and residences..."

Green Roof & Wall Design Awards Announced
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Press Release
May 7, 2008

Toronto, Canada. "Stunning green roof on the new California Academy of Sciences building and Vancouver Aquarium green wall among this year’s winners of GRHC’s Awards of Excellence design awards.  GRHC is pleased to announce the seven project design winners of its annual Awards of Excellence - a program showcasing the extraordinary vision and leadership of forward-thinking green roof and wall project design teams..."

New Natomas school roof is green - and growing
Sacramento Bee, by Laurel Rosenhall
May 6, 2008

Natomas, CA. "...With a few sprinkles of water, plants will spring from its top, forming a cover of vegetation across the roof of the H. Allen Hight Learning Center. The school's "green roof" is one of many construction features designed to save energy when the campus opens in August with 500 students. It's also likely the first local example of a building trend sweeping across rooftops worldwide..."

GDL08: Living Roofs - Joe Swift
Kits and Mortar, by Suw
May 6, 2008

UK. "Max Fraser: Living roofs are green houses, important for biodiversity, good for the environment, and facilitating better rain runoff. Old Mayor of London introduced a scheme to promote them, important in cities. Introducing Joe Swift, presenter of Gardeners’ World, here to talk about living roofs and green walls. Joe: Ken Livingstone was into living roofs, so interesting to see how this develops with the new Mayor. As our cities become harsher and harsher, green roofs become more and more important..."

New Research To Highlight Decentralized Stormwater Management Techniques
Water Online, Press Release
May 5, 2008

U.S. "The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is requesting proposals for research that will provide education, outreach, and training on decentralized stormwater management techniques to critical target audiences in order to...WERF will provide $112,000 for the development of innovative tools and training that lead to greater awareness, understanding, and use of decentralized stormwater management techniques; appropriate implementation for stormwater management; improved water quality; energy savings; and other benefits (e.g. aesthetics)...Decentralized approaches manage stormwater at the source (site level) using multiple techniques to control the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff. These methods include rain gardens, porous pavement, cisterns, vegetated roofs, and many other practices..."

Women's Giving Circle Awards $60000 to Campus Projects
University of Arkansas Daily Headlines, Press Release
May 5, 2008

Fayetteville, AR. "...Mark Boyer, associate professor in the department of landscape architecture, was awarded $10,000 for a project titled “Green Roof Demonstration Plot Trials.” The purpose of this project is to measure the benefits of green roofs in Arkansas through the construction of 12 mock roofs on the university’s new Watershed Research Education Center. The mock roofs..."

Energy conservation hits the roof
Chicago Daily Herald, by Gwen H. Jader
May 5, 2008

Chicago, IL. "...At Lakeside Lofts, a 96-unit environmentally friendly new-construction loft development at 2025-2035 S. Indiana in the South Loop, two large botanic gardens on top of the parking garage contain four-season plantings along with seasonal flowers...The 93-unit eco18, a condominium development at 1818 S. Wabash Ave., boasts a green roof. X/O Condominiums, a 496-unit high-rise and townhouse enclave at 18th and Prairie Avenues, is planning three green roofs. Plans for The Catalyst, a 217-unit building at 123 N. Des Plaines, call for a green roof on the fifth floor...Bartlett Town Center, a mixed-use development of condominiums and lofts in downtown Bartlett, is bringing the green roof concept to the West suburbs ...In the Northwest suburbs, Parkview condominiums in Arlington Heights on the corner of Dunton Avenue and Eastman Street has a terrace/green roof...The Crossings at Morton Grove by Toll Brothers offers roof top decks..."

SUNY Ulster Campus-Wide Energy
Hudson Valley Press, by Staff
May 5, 2008

Stone Ridge, NY. "...Through its office of Continuing and Professional Education, SUNY Ulster recently brought on-line a host of new courses in the area of environmental sustainability. These include courses in green home design and renovation, alter-nate energy systems for the homeowner, green roofing, and a sustainable building advisor certification class..."

Rain or shine, the answer to climate change can be found on your roof
Times Online, by Hannah Fletcher
May 3, 2008

UK. "...The number of green roof companies has increased fivefold in as many years. Where fewer than 10,000 square metres of sedum blanket were laid annually, that figure is now approaching 100,000...Green roofs might not reduce your water bills but, according to Dusty Gedge, the founder of Livingroofs.org and president of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations, they can cut your air-conditioning bills. As well as absorbing up to 60 per cent of rainwater, green roofs can lower the surrounding air temperature by up to 11C. “2005 and 2006...if we all had green roofs, we wouldn’t need air-conditioning." Just last month, Britain’s first policy on green roofs was produced by the Mayor of London. Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham are all soon to follow..."

Chattanooga: Green roofing makes a comeback
Chattanooga Times Free Press, by Amy Williams
May 3, 2008

Chattanooga, TN. "...In the next few months, Mr. McGauley’s company, Fidelity Trust Co., will install a green roof on its building at 714 Cherry St. The company completed renovations on the building in February and ordered the plants that will occupy about 2,300 square feet on the roof...The GPS roof, also close to 2,300 square feet, will have iris, phlox and even apple trees. The school’s green roof, funded by area businessman Greg Vital, will be part of Bowman Terrace, supported by the families and friends of Nickey and Peggy Bowman..."

Fort Worth looks for ways to go green
TCU Daily Skiff, by Ashleigh Whaley
May 2, 2008

Fort Worth, TX. "On April 11, the University of Texas at Arlington installed 1,000 square feet of soil and plants to the roof of the Life Science Building. This summer, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas will continue making plans to install what its director of development, Cleve Lancaster, says will be "one of the largest examples of green roof in North Texas" at BRIT's future headquarters next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden...The team is testing five different types of green roofs, Kinder said. The testing platforms are 15 wooden-box roof modules, each 16 square feet, filled with current commercial products, transplanted native soil and experimental mulch designs..."

Greensburg showing way for Wichita
The Wichita Eagle, by Randy Scholfield
May 2, 2008

Wichita, KS. "...The new master plan, approved in January, calls for every public building to be constructed to LEED platinum standards (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and platinum is the highest rating). There are also plans to build a dozen model "eco-homes" that would be testing grounds for a variety of environmental building materials and techniques from "green roofs" and double-paned windows to..."

Guest column: Tikkun olam
Diamondback Online, by Miriam Boer
May 1, 2008

College Park, MD. "...While we're at it, why not install green roofs? As the name suggests, green roofs are roofs with plants growing on top. Think breezy, green, shady park - on a roof. Not only do green roofs compensate for the footprint of the building, they insulate better than traditional roofs. In this case, the buildings would actuall