Today we have the pleasure to air the panel presentation “The Portland Ecoroof Program: A Cross-section of the Green Roof Movement in Portland, Oregon” from our Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit with Tom Liptan, Matt Burlin, Amy Chomowicz, Casey Cunningham, and Alice Meyers on greenroofs.tv and our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube.

All of you should know who Tom Liptan is, as he is one of the earliest champions of greenroofing here in the United States, in particular the Portland, Oregon area, where greenroofs are more commonly referred to as ecoroofs.  Tom is a landscape architect and the Ecoroof Technical Manager in the Sustainable Stormwater Division with the City of Portland, and his early experimentations with his own garage ecoroof (1996) spawned the greenroof movement in Portland.

Along with Charlie Miller and Katrin Scholz-Barth, I always credit Tom Liptan for my early encouragement and further study into greenroofs in the late 1990’s – the three of them were extremely gracious with their time and expertise with me when I was at UGA.

Matt, Amy, Casey, and Alice are wonderful people, too, all very dedicated and extremely enthusiastic about their work.  Everyone at the City of Portland, OR, Bureau of Environmental Services and the leadership of the City of Portland is to be commended for being such forward-thinking promoters of greenroof construction and incentives in the U.S.  Read more about this city program and the wonderful group of individuals below:

The Portland Ecoroof Program started in 1996 when a city employee constructed an experimental ecoroof on his garage.  From this small start, the program has grown and as of July 2011 there are over 420 green roofs of varying sizes, on all types of buildings, from multi-story apartment complexes and commercial buildings to humble sheds, kiosks, and garages.  These green roofs cover nearly 30 acres of Portland rooftops (extensive and intensive roofs).

The Portland Ecoroof Program consists of technical support, incentives, education, policies, and research.  The program is incentive-based rather than regulatory, and the city’s policies reflect this approach.  This presentation provides an overview of how these program elements work with the private sector and general public to sustain the green roof movement in Portland.

Tom Liptan is a registered landscape architect (Oregon) and works as an environmental specialist with the City of Portland, OR, Bureau of Environmental Services.  He has researched and developed numerous vegetated approaches for rain/stormwater management and has designed, monitored and maintained many projects, including several ecoroofs.  His work has been recognized internationally and he has presented papers at conferences and Universities in the USA, Canada, England, New Zealand, Denmark and Sweden.  A book titled Rain Gardens by Dunnett and Clayton, 2007, has a dedication to his efforts.  He is co-author of the chapter “Stormwater Gardens” in Handbook of Water Sensitive Planning and Design, 2002, and a section in Green Roofs, Ecological Design and Construction, 2005.  His garage ecoroof, the first specifically built (1996) to test rain management in the USA, is included in the new book Small Green Roofs: Low-Tech Options for Greener Living, 2011.

Matt Burlin is the Outreach Coordinator for the Sustainable Stormwater Division and Portland Ecoroof Program with the City of Portland.

 

 

Amy Chomowicz is the Program Administrator for the Sustainable Stormwater Division and Portland Ecoroof Program with the City of Portland.  Amy has worked in the water quality and watershed restoration fields for 19 years and worked on her first ecoroof project in 1997.  Prior to that, Amy worked in energy conservation and renewable energy.

Casey Cunningham is a landscape architect with the City of Portland’s Sustainable Stormwater Division.  He designs green streets and other low-impact, vegetated systems that manage stormwater and improve urban wildlife habitat.  Casey monitors ecoroofs for their value to birds and insects, and enjoys sagebrush, communicating through music and blueberries on summer days.

Alice Meyers is an Environmental Specialist with the Sustainable Stormwater Division and coordinates the Incentive in the Portland Ecoroof Program with the City of Portland.

Enjoy! Visit greenroofs.tv to see “The Portland Ecoroof Program: A Cross-section of the Green Roof Movement in Portland, Oregon” or click below:

Watch earlier videos on our exclusive Virtual Summit greenroofs.tv play list, or see the following Virtual Summit videos now available on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube:

Episode #7:  ”Constructing Gardens in the Sky“ by Terry McGlade
Episode #6: “Sky Meadows – Integrating People and Nature: Sustainable Green Roofs and Roof Gardens” by Dr. Nigel Dunnett
Episode #5: “Greenroofs & Walls for Educational & Social Equity in the Bronx” Panel Session with New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Robert Bieder, Jon Beuttler, Jess Dannhauser, Javier Lopez and Steve Ritz
Episode #4: Keynote Address “CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility – The Who, What, Where, When and How” by Ralph Velasquez
Episode #3: “CDA Leads the Way for Incorporating Green Roof Space in an Airport Environment” by Rosemarie Andolino
Episode #2: “2011 Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof & Greenwall Design” by Haven Kiers and me
Episode #1: Opening Keynote Address “A New Place” by Charlie Miller

Check back next week on GreenroofsTV for our 9th installment from the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011!

~ Linda V.

Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: 11/21/11
Cranberry Street Green Wall
Brooklyn, NY, USA
96 sf. Greenwall

Year: 2011
Owner: Private
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Building Type: Single-Family Residential
Type: Living Wall
System: Single Source Provider
Size: 96 sq. ft.
Slope: 100%
Access: Accessible, Private

Project Description & Details

The Cranberry Street Green Wall project began two years ago on a quaint street in Brooklyn, when the client approached Town and Gardens to create and install gardens for her charming 1800s Brownstone. The client was in the midst of a complete renovation of her house, and decided to go forward and re-create the backyard space as well as the rooftop.

The backyard was transformed into a beautiful space which now boasts a gorgeous 96 square foot, 16’ x 6’ high green wall from Plant Connection. From the beginning, the client wanted a fresh start with the backyard, and her only request was that they preserve her Japanese Maple Tree. The green wall became a living focal point that changes with every season providing the clients with a multi-media spectacle that could be enjoyed from both inside and out.
 

Designers/Manufacturers of Record

Designer: Hanna Packer, Town and Gardens, Ltd.
Greenwall System: Plant Connection
Landscape Architect: Kris Horiuchi
Installation: Town and Gardens, Ltd.

Additional Info

Designed by Hanna Packer of Town and Gardens, Ltd. and Installed by Town and Gardens, Ltd., the Cranberry Street Green Wall used Plant Connection’s Exterior G-O2™ Green Wall system.

Yet it all started with a beloved Maple tree and a sketch:

Enjoy the before and after photos:

The project is the Grand Award Recipient of PLANET’s 2011 Annual Environmental Improvement Awards Program.

“The Environmental Improvement Awards Program reflects PLANET’s commitment to creating and preserving the beauty of our landscape. The program is designed to reward independent interiorscapers and landscape and lawn care professionals who execute superior projects. This program is an excellent way to market your company to current and potential clients.” ~ PLANET Professional Landcare Network

Did we miss something?  We’d love to hear from you!  Click here to see more information about this project in The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database.  See how you can submit yours here.

Love the Earth, Plant a Roof!

~ Linda V.

Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: 11/14/11
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Rooftop Healing Gardens
Vineyard Haven, MA, USA
9,704 sf. Greenroof

Year: 2010
Owner: Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Location: Vineyard Haven, MA, USA
Building Type: Healthcare
Type: Intensive
System: Single Source Provider
Size: 9,704 sq. ft.
Slope: 1%
Access: Accessible, Private
Google Maps: link

Project Description & Details

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s new, 90,000 sf LEED-Gold certified facility includes the design and construction of a new replacement on the 6-acre hospital campus featuring two floors of efficient, centralized, state-of-the-art medical services and technology plus 200+ solar photovoltaic panels and more. An important LEED credit includes a Connection to the Natural World, Places of Healing and Respite.

The Rooftop Healing Gardens function as a “wellness” area for patients, which posed an exciting challenge for Weston Solutions’ Northeast GreenGrid team. Weston worked extensively with landscape architects Horiuchi Solien to decide on a plant mix including grasses, perennials, and sedums that are proven to be reliable in the Northeast climate and that bloom at various times during the season. The healing garden not only provides a beautiful, accessible space, but also reduces storm water runoff and attracts beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The combination of ocean views and various blooming plants provide a tranquil place for patients to enjoy, with the added benefits of extending the life of the waterproofing membrane, reducing CO2 in the air, and improving the quality of storm water that percolates through the system.

Designers/Manufacturers of Record

Modular Greenroof System: GreenGrid
Landscape Architect: Horiuchi Solien Landscape Architects
Installation Contractor: Capeway Roofing Systems
Maintenance: Fuller Landscaping
Architect: Thomas, Miller & Partners
Construction Manager: Columbia Construction

Additional Info

When designing a new campus, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, a Partner’s Healthcare affiliate, desired a green replacement hospital.  Because the hospital was located within a residential neighborhood and on an environmentally sensitive site, the project had a Development of Regional Impact status and was required to have all project details reviewed and debated through a public hearing process by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.  The hospital was very pleased to engage the tight-knit community in its vision.

Initially, plans were submitted for a LEED-certified rated building, but the public wanted more including wind and solar power and a Silver Leed strategy was pursued.  Yet as a result of innovative strategies, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is the first LEED Gold Hospital in the State of Massachusetts.

Navigating the LEED process was a collaborative effort.  Working closely with the architect, Thomas, Miller & Partners, as well as the hospital, Columbia Construction lead the team.

Protecting the surrounding habitat and restoring the wetlands was key to the hospital and to the community so the plan included bio-retention basins planted with natives designed by Horiuchi Solien Landscape Architects.  Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s avant-guarde interiors feature operating rooms, a medical/surgical unit, intensive care unit, physical therapy department, an emergency department, and medical imaging and laboratories.

“What really led to the success of achieving LEED Gold on this project was the fact that the Hospital in addition to the island community were very committed to sustainability from day-one. With the island’s limited natural resources, the Hospital and local community were committed to various conservation measures and helped drive the sustainability strategy on this project from the beginning – it was really a true team effort.” ~ Neil Lemieux, Director of Preconstruction at Columbia Construction in a July 13, 2010 Press Release

As an affiliate of the Planetree Model of Care, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital was able to meet innovative credits by incorporating many Planetree patient-focused elements into the new facility to encourage patient healing include views to the adjacent harbor and other natural features, natural light, privacy, and access to healing gardens.

“The functional layout was carefully arranged for the unique staffing needs and patient fluctuations.  Several sustainable elements were integrated into the design including bio-retention basins, a vegetative roof, solar photovoltaic panels, use of regional materials, construction waste management and low-flow plumbing fixtures.  Alternative transportation already existed by way of the bus shuttle to and from the hospital.  And, an existing bike path ran adjacent to the site, so the architect incorporated showers and bike racks into their design,” (Medical Construction & Design , 2010).

The third largest island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard presented some logistical challenges in terms of soils, design, labor and construction.  A modular GreenGrid greenroof system was chosen for the rooftop garden.

“The featured rooftop garden was designed with a tray system versus a plant-in-place system. The tray system was less expensive, and provided easier access and maintenance.  It also allowed for an off-site and contained growing season, which provided an instant rooftop garden…” ~ Marc Rowland, AIA, ACHA in Medical Construction & Design, November/December 2010

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital says the Roof Garden and the Courtyard Garden have been provided to connect the healthcare patients, visitors, and staff to the health benefits of the natural environment.  The calm, natural spaces are great enjoyed by the patients, visitors and the caring staff.

To learn more, make sure to read the very informative “Beyond budgets, profits” by Neil Lemieux and Marc Rowland in Medical Construction & Design from November/December 2010.

Did we miss something?  We’d love to hear from you!  Click here to see more information about this project in The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database.  See how you can submit yours here.

Love the Earth, Plant a Roof!

~ Linda V.

Published bi-annually by Singapore’s Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology, or CUGE, the beautifully designed and illustrated CITYGREEN aims to discuss and highlight issues relating to urban greening and ecology.

In CITYGREEN’s latest issue, Parks – Enhancing Liveability in Cities, articles range from feature projects, best practices on planning, lighting, design and safety to commentaries on the role and evolution of urban parks.

Contributors for the current issue include organizations like Projects for Public Spaces and renowned individuals including Peter Harnik and Martha Schwartz.  The full listing of exciting articles for Issue 3 – ISBN: 978-981-08-9764-2 is shown below with selected photos:

“Planning Green Open Spaces for South East Asian Capital Cities”- left
Strategies to green up urban open spaces in our region
Author: David E. Aldous

“Learning From The Success of The World’s Great Parks”
Key lessons from Central Park New York, Luxembourg Gardens Paris and Hong Kong Park, among others
Authors: Fred Kent, Kathy Madden and Dana Kitzes

“Encouraging Green Open Spaces: Parks in Shanghai”- left
A look at sustainability-driven parks and initiatives in Shanghai
Author: Geoff Ng

“An Excerpt: Urban Parks in the 21st Century United States”
A Peek at Harnik’s Urban Green: Innovative Parks for Resurgent Cities
Author: Peter Harnik

“The Importance of Planning: A City in a Garden”- left
Planning, designing and programming attractive parks in land-scarce Singapore
Author: Lim You Ling

“A Place for Leisure, Culture and Entertainment: Cairns Esplanade”
The redevelopment of Cairns Esplanade into an icon of the place
Author: Stephen White

“Past, Present, Future: The Singapore Botanic Gardens”- left
The evolution and lasting relevance of our Singapore Botanic Gardens
Author: Peter How

“A Walk Through the Years in Singapore’s Parks: Interview With Kong Yit San”
Insights into the transformation of Singapore’s parks since the 1980’s
Author: Ho Rui An

“The Need to Improve Our Oversight of These Spaces: Playground Area Standards Update”- left
Why it is important and how to make public spaces safer for our children and elderly
Author: Kenneth S. Kutsa

“Encouraging Public Appreciation: Interpretation and Education in Parks”
Methods to help parks reach out to the public and students
Author: Janice C. K. Yau

“Adding Value to Parks Through Understanding User Needs”- left
Methods of evaluating and improving parks for their users
Author: Victor Tan

“Benchmarking Sustainable landscapes: Green Mark For Parks”
Using a triple-bottom line approach to assess and benchmark parks on sustainability
Authors: Neil Power and Kannagi Sekar

“Small Details, Big Results: Landscape Lighting” – left
See several considerations behind light and good lighting design
Author: Fernando Rojo

“A Focus on Planning and Design: Facilitating Safety”
Thinking about safety and risk issues in good design
Author: Michael Behm

“Community Engagement and Health Promotion in Parks and Gardens: Population Health and Nature in the Urban Environment”- left
Taking a leaf from initiatives by the South Australian government
Authors: Adam Dwyer, Graeme Hopkins and Christine Goodwin

“Ecological efforts in Karori Wildlife Santuary, Kaikatiki Project and Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park”
Author: James Wang

“Revisit and Discover: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve”- left
A place to learn about Singapore’s mangrove history and Wetlands biodiversity
Authors: Sharon Chan and Edwin Lee

“A Landscape Architect’s Vision for Singapore’s City Centre: Orchard Central Park”
Imagining green possibilities for the dynamic Orchard Road shopping belt
Author: Joerg Rekittke

“The Role of the Public Realm Landscape: The Softer Side of Sustainability and the Hard Working Urban Landscape”- left
The challenge to integrate hard and soft systems to design and create meaningful public spaces
Author: Martha Schwartz

Online subscription is now available at www.citygreen.sg.

Last autumn, I was honored to have been asked to write an article about Greenroofs.com entitled “The International Greenroof Industry’s Online Information Portal: Greenroofs.com” for their second issue.  The full-color 104-page magazine was included in all the registrants’ bags for the  inaugural International Skyrise Greenery Conference 2010.

View contents of Issue 2 here and Issue 1 here.

I have to say that CITYGREEN is a first rate, very high quality publication and worth the cost!  I can’t wait to receive my copy.

I hope you, too, enjoy this very informative, glossy publication from CUGE on parks worldwide worthy of your greenroof and greenwall library and coffee table!

~ Linda V.

Our Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 is less than two weeks away!

Last week I told you about our seven fantastic panel sessions who you’ll be watching followed by a live Question and Answer session, including:  ”Biodiversity and Green Roofs,” Greenroofs & Walls for Educational & Social Equity in the Bronx,” “The Portland Ecoroof Program: A Cross-section of the Green Roof Movement in Portland, Oregon,” “Vertical Agriculture: A Global Movement Starts Locally, from Walls & Roofs to Table,” “Wind. Water. Heat. Grow. Greenroofs.,” “Greenroofs: Wind & Fire,” and “Green Roofs Without the Hype.”

In addition to our four awesome Keynote Speakers whom we’ve already profiled - Andrew Grant, Charlie Miller, Ed Snodgrass and Ralph Velasquez – and other luminaries previously highlighted, here are more brilliant speakers you will enjoy hearing:

Roland Appl, Germany:  The Technical Director of ZinCo and President of the International Green Roof Association (IGRA) will present “Combining Green Roofs with Photovoltaics.”

Jörg Breuning, USA and Germany:  The principal of Green Roof Technology (Previously Green Roof Service) and co-founder of Green Roof Safari will present “Green Roof Technology Sails Around the World.”

Ignacio Espoz, Chile:  The founder of LatinGreen, Director of the World Green Roof infrastructure Network (WGIN), and Director of the Chilean Association of Green Infrastructure will present “Green Infrastructure in Chile and Innovative Living Walls for Environmental Restoration in Mining of the Atacama Desert.”

Tanya Müller Garcia, Mexico:  The founder of AMENA – Asociación Mexicana para la Naturación de Azoteas – (National Mexican Greenroof Association), Vice-President of WGIN, and Director of Urban Reforestation and Bikeways for the City of Mexico will present “Development of Greenroofs and Walls in Mexico and Latin America.”

Richard Hayden, RLA, ASLA, CLARB, USA:  The landscape architect and Garden Roof Department Manager at American Hydrotech, Inc. will present “Sloped and Complex Green Roofs.”

Haven Kiers, LEED AP, GRP, USA:  The founding partner of GreenSwell Design and Planning, trainer with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, and contributing editor on Greenroofs.com will co-present the “2011 Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof & Greenwall Design” with Linda Velazquez.

Terry McGlade, Canada:  The horticulturalist, landscape designer, and founder and President of Gardens in the Sky will present “Constructing Gardens in the Sky.”

Chris Wark, MSME, LEED AP, USA:  The engineer, Senior Energy Analyst for Viridian Energy & Environmental, and contributing editor on Greenroofs.com will present “E = MC2 of Green Roofs: Ranking Energy Benefits by Mission, Climate and Construction.”

Imagine a world of green:
What are we doing to create organic architecture?

Next week I’ll highlight the rest of our stellar cast of greenroof and greenwall professionals and enthusiasts!

See the GGW Virtual Summit Speakers page and Agenda to learn all about each presenter and their presentations or the panel sessions.

You’ve got to admit that you can’t beat the super low registration fee of $99 for September 27 and 28 plus the 30 days archived on demand through October 28 to hear from all of these excellent speakers…

… but we want everyone to qualify for the even lower Associate Rate of only $49 (just type in the name of the non-profit/organization/constituency that you belong when prompted) or the Students/Faculty/Government Professionals Rate of only $25 (state the school/university or government).

And, you’ll be automatically entered for the chance at winning our second Apple iPad2 drawing, announced on September 30, 2011.

Pre-register or learn more by visiting:  virtual.greenroofs.com.

We hope you join us for this very interactive virtual experience – think film festival meets 2-day webinar and online expo extravaganza!

Brought to you by Greenroofs.com, we’d like to thank to our Virtual Summit Sponsors TREMCO (Rare Earth) and American Hydrotech (Emerald) and our Exhibitors, Associates, and Media Partners – make sure to visit them at the Expo Pavilions.

See you online on September 27 & 28, 2011!

~ Linda V.

Just a quick post to remind you to pre-register for the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 by midnight tonight EDT to qualify for the half-off price of only $49 ($25 for students/faculty and government professionals).

PEOPLE: Creative thinkers, innovators, and trailblazers sharing project-focused organic “vegitecture”

PROJECTS: International icons of sustainability:  early successes + current & visionary profiles of excellence in design

DESIGN: Proven standards of diverse green technologies + dynamic and cutting edge designs for greening the planet with building integrated greenery:  bioclimatic, biodiversity, biomimicry & chic sustainability

This gives you full access to all the presentations, panel sessions, Expo Pavilion booths, Sponsor Meeting Rooms, Networking Lounge, Media Lounge and all your Social Collaboration Network (SCN) online video, audio, and text chatting on both September 27 and 28 and 30 days archived on demand through October 28!

As I’ve said before, we’re really giving away two iPad2’s to registrants and attendees.  But increase your chances by pre-registering now and to become eligible for the first drawing, announced tomorrow, September 9, 2011 at noon.

One random winner will be chosen from the Early Bird Registrations and one from attendees who have been the most active using the (SCN) during the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 on September 27 & 28.  This includes all your online chatting and visiting our very important sponsor and exhibitor booths at the Expo Pavilions!  Swipe your Virtual Badge at each exhibitor booth you visit to increase your chances.  See the official Rules & Regulations here.

Watch our quick Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 Trailer below for highlights of Speakers, the Agenda and more:

Visit the Virtual Summit website here to see how it all works.

See you online on September 27 & 28!

~ Linda V.

Last week I told you about our Keynote Speakers for the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 - Andrew Grant, Charlie Miller, Ed Snodgrass and Ralph Velasquez –  awesome thinkers, designers, trend setters, eco-luminaries all of them!  And among others, we have French botanist and modern green wall pioneer Patrick Blanc, whom I’m interviewing this afternoon in Chicago…

See the GGW Virtual Summit Speakers page and Agenda to learn all about each presenter and their presentations or the panel sessions.

Speaking of our panel sessions, we have seven very distinct, innovative, and important collaborations that you are sure to enjoy and learn from personal experiences of movers and shakers in their respective fields from international non-profit, private and university level to U.S state, city, and borough level to professional association, private enterprise, and corporate experiences.

Click on the photos or titles to learn more about each scheduled time slot on the Agenda and each individual - they all have live Question & Answer sessions afterwards, so don’t miss them to pick their brains on how they are succeeding in greening our roofs and walls:

“Biodiversity and Greenroofs” above left to right: Christine Thuring (Moderator), Nathalie Baumann, Dusty Gedge, and Gary Grant discuss original research and unique experiences, from field work upwards to bigger picture perspectives, as well as corresponding experiences with legislation on urban nature conservation.

Christine is moderating the panel on “Biodiversity and Green Roofs” where she also speaks about her research on plant community development and ecological processes on extensive green roofs with time.  Nathalie speaks about “Green Roofs / Natural Roofs = Biodiverse Habitats and Ecological Compensation in Urban Space: 15 Years of Experience in Switzerland.”  Dusty speaks about “Designing and Working for Biodiversity on Green Roofs for Over 10 Years.”  And Gary speaks about “My First Biodiverse Green Roof in 1992, Considerations for Planning and Design and Some Thoughts on the Future.”

“Greenroofs & Walls for Educational & Social Equity in the Bronx” above left to right: Robert Bieder (Moderator), Jon Beuttler, Jess Dannhauser, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Javier Lopez, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Steve Ritz.  Fueled by a passionate and committed Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr., it is common knowledge that the Bronx is leading NYC in embracing green technologies and the green economy. To wit, the policies and educational initiatives underway in and of the Bronx are making dramatic strides in the quality of life and opportunities for all residents with concentric benefits and ripples felt citywide, statewide and nationally.

This panel featuring: a State Senator, noted business leader, NYC project manager, health care manager, social service providers and a dedicated educator speaks to triple bottom line benefits, impacts and the uses of green roofs, green walls, and urban agriculture as highly replicable, critical components to creating and leveraging social equity and economic and educational opportunities in challenging times.

“The Portland Ecoroof Program: A Cross-section of the Green Roof Movement in Portland, Oregon” above left to right: Tom Liptan, Matt Burlin, Amy Chomowicz, Casey Cunningham, and Alice Meyers.  The Portland Ecoroof Program started in 1996 when a city employee constructed an experimental ecoroof on his garage.  From this small start, the program has grown and as of July 2011 there are over 420 green roofs of varying sizes, on all types of buildings, from multi-story apartment complexes and commercial buildings to humble sheds, kiosks, and garages.  These green roofs cover nearly 30 acres of Portland rooftops (extensive and intensive roofs).

The Portland Ecoroof Program consists of technical support, incentives, education, policies, and research.  The program is incentive-based rather than regulatory, and the city’s policies reflect this approach.  This presentation provides an overview of how these program elements work with the private sector and general public to sustain the green roof movement in Portland.

“Vertical Agriculture: A Global Movement Starts Locally, from Walls & Roofs to Table” above  left to right: George Irwin (Moderator), U.S. Congressman Tom Reed, and Tom Ferraro.  Urban agriculture is on the rise globally – up the walls and on rooftops.  Fresh, local crops benefit the entire community for many reasons.

U.S. Congressman Tom Reed from the 29th district of New York, Tom Ferraro, CEO of Foodlink – a national network of 200 food banks – and George Irwin, CEO of Green Living Technologies International (GLTi), provide interactive conversation and commentary concerning the impact of education, economics and opportunity around local food production with green walls and roofs.  Rochester-based GLTi started in New York City and has since grown nationally and internationally through education and collaborative hands-on projects with local youth, the underprivileged and disadvantaged in New York and Los Angeles and with business partnerships in Santiago, Dubai, and beyond to include their Food Factory and more.

“Wind. Water. Heat. Grow. Greenroofs.” above left to right: Dr. Bill Retzlaff, David Aponte, Kevin Songer, and Joe Webb.  Greenroofs are impacted by wind, water and heat on an unrelenting basis.  Through wind trials and real hurricane survival stories in Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Edwardsville, IL, and Puerto Rico, we have met those challenges and will discuss various projects’ responses and successes to Hurricanes Ike and (any others?).  Drought, hot winds, and unseasonable 100° days can also quickly desiccate or kill greenroof plants.

Dr. Bill Retzlaff moderates discussing wind studies and plant trials for greenroofs at SIUE. Joe Webb talks about his project which endured 110 to 120 mph winds and 11” of rain in 24 hours and shares water mapping and Living Building Challenge Water requirements.  Kevin Songer talks about the Outdoor Turbine Hurricane Simulator at the University of Florida, water conservation through ‘nature-based irrigation design,’ and the importance of biodiversity.  David Aponte speaks to his experience of engineering and designing greenroofs with the correct growing media and plants in hurricane-prone, sub-tropical Puerto Rico.

“Greenroofs: Wind & Fire” Panel above  left to right: Kelly Luckett, Mike Ennis, and Jim Kirby.  No longer can the green roof be deleted from a project due to failure to comply with the fire code.  After three years in the making from members of Single Ply Roofing Industry in cooperation with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), we now have a green roof design guide for minimizing the risk of fire on green roofs.  The securing of a place in mainstream construction through the International Code Council (ICC) has resulted in a milestone for the North American green roof movement. Fire concerns are only half of the code story as the wind design guide is still progressing through the ANSI process – we must overcome both the wind and the fire obstacle.

Kelly Luckett, President of Green Roof Blocks, moderates and shares his experiences representing GRHC with the consensus based ANSI/SPRI VF-1 and RP-14 standards.  Jim Kirby, NRCA’s AED, Technical Communications, provides NRCA commentary about building codes, vegetative roofs and RP-14.  Mike Ennis, Technical Director for SPRI, speaks to SPRI’s leadership leadership in the development of fire and wind standards and experience in the building code arena.

And, because the panel sessions weren’t stirring enough, we’ve ended with the “Green Roofs Without the Hype” Panel above left to right: Patrick Carey, Dr. Robert Berghage, Charlie Miller, and Ed Snodgrass.  Here are four people with the knowledge to speak frankly about the current state of affairs in green roofing.  This panel focuses on the designation and evaluation of expertise, appropriate background and training, roadblocks to research and education, design origination and control, chain of custody issues, installation, and the residential market.

We hope you join us for this very interactive virtual experience – think film festival meets 2-day webinar and online expo extravaganza!

Pre-register or learn more by visiting:  virtual.greenroofs.com.  Don’t forget to pre-register by this Friday, September 9 for the discounted Early Bird rate of only $49 ($25 for students/faculty and government professionals).

Brought to you by Greenroofs.com, we’d like to thank to our Virtual Summit Sponsors TREMCO (Rare Earth) and American Hydrotech (Emerald) and our Exhibitors and Media Partners – make sure to visit them at the Expo Pavilions.

See you online on September 27 & 28, 2011!

~ Linda V.

The ever growing demand for sustainable design continues to grow across the world – especially with living architecture, and Greenroofs.com’s inaugural Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit held online on September 27 and 28, 2011 is truly a groundbreaking event you can’t miss!

Join us as we inform, share, and create a global social media experience for learning and networking via the power of the Internet.   It’s a community destination that will allow you to connect with everyone in our growing community!

Over 50 speakers from around the world are joining us in the Virtual Summit including architects, ecologists, landscape architects, engineers, educators, industry CEOs, product manufacturers and suppliers, botanists, non-profit directors, government officials and representatives from the state of New York, cities of Portland, OR; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx.

We’ve just released our very impressive international speaker line-up for the Virtual Summit 2011 – you can now see the Speakers page and Agenda to learn all about each presenter and their presentations or panel sessions.

Our Keynote Speakers are thinkers, designers, trend setters, eco-luminaries:

“Imagine a world of green:
What are we doing to create organic architecture?”

• Andrew Grant, Landscape Architect, Principal, Grant Associates, presenting: “Gardens by the Bay, Singapore“
  Charlie Miller, P.E., Principal, Roofmeadow, presenting “A New Place“
  Ed Snodgrass, Farmer, Author, Co-owner, Emory Knoll Farms/Green Roof Plants, presenting “Right Plant, Right Place“
  Ralph Velasquez, Executive Director of Sustainability, Tremco, presenting “CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility – The Who, What, Where, When and How“

Here are just a few more of the illustrious speakers we have in store for you:

Rosemarie S. Andolino, USA: The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner will present “CDA Leads the Way for Incorporating Green Roof Space in an Airport Environment.”

Dr. Patrick Blanc, France: The renown botanist and creator of Le Mur Végétal will present “The Vertical Garden – from Nature to Cities” with an exclusive interview by Linda Velazquez.

Dr. Nigel Dunnett, UK: The Director of the Green Roof Centre and University of Sheffield Professor will present “Sky Meadows: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Diverse Green Roof Plantings.”

Paul Kephart, USA: The President of Rana Creek and ecological designer will present “Large-Scale Applications of Living Architecture.”

Xianmin Wang, China: The Deputy Chief of the Vertical Greening Academic Group of China Green Building Council; Vice Chairman of the International Rooftop Landscaping Association will present “The Current Situation and Future of Green Roofs in China.”

We’re treating our Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011 as a production, and now you can see the trailer – it’s fast, fun, and informative and gives you a glimpse of presentations to come.  Watch just a few highlights from our stellar cast of greenroof and greenwall professionals below:

Don’t forget to pre-register by September 9 for the discounted Early Bird rate of only $49 ($25 for students/faculty and government professionals) for access on both September 27 and 28 and 30 days archived on demand through October 28!  Plus, you’ll be automatically entered for the chance to win the first of two Apple iPad2s that we’re giving away.

One random winner will be chosen from the Early Bird Pre-Registrations and one from attendees who have been the most active using the Social Collaboration Network, including all your online chatting and visiting our very important sponsor and exhibitor booths at the Expo Pavilions!

Pre-register or learn more by visiting:  virtual.greenroofs.com

Brought to you by Greenroofs.com, we’d like to thank to our Virtual Summit Sponsors TREMCO and American Hydrotech and our Exhibitors and Media Partners:

See our Press Release here.  Join us for the sharing, networking and fun event of the year!

~ Linda V.

Jim Lapides, the Manager of Public Relations for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) – of which I’m an associate member – shared some exciting news with me yesterday:  The ASLA’s new Green Roof page is a Webby Award finalist under the “Society>Associations” category.

How fitting since April is National Landscape Architecture Month, when landscape architects plan special activities to be visible in their communities across the country, working with their chapters to introduce students and the public to the profession.  The ASLA Green Roof page is pretty awesome, containing:  Green Roof Central, Tour the Green Roof, Green Roof Data, Contributors and Benefactors, and a Student/Teacher Guide – plus some great photos, graphics, and videos.

Held on AOL.com, the 15th Annual Webby Awards say “Help create the Web by You” and be a part of the experience by voting for whom we think deserves to take home a People’s Voice Award.

“Unlike other award shows that crown just one winner chosen by the people, we think the public should have a say in who wins big. That’s why we give you the chance to crown a Webby winner in every category.

The Webby People’s Voice Awards honors the year’s best work in Websites, Interactive Advertising, Online Film & Video and Mobile. And while our esteemed judges have their own opinion, we want to hear from you. You can vote in every category, so go ahead. Step up on your soapbox and let the web know who rules your digital world.” ~ Webby Awards

The ASLA Green Roof page is honored for their excellence in informing the public about their own greenroof at the ASLA Headquarters plus educating about living roofs in general.

Voting for the 2011 Webbys is open from April 12th through to April 28th 2011.  Jim says:

“I’m fairly certain that it’s the only nominee in the history of the Webbys that is focused on green roofs.” ~ Jim Lapides

So get going to have your say on who should win, including supporting the “ASLA Green Roof Experience” – vote for them at the 2011 Webby Awards!  I just did.

You’ll need to create a quick profile and then you’re set.  They’re in second place right now – let’s get them to #1, which would make for a truly celebratory Landscape Architecture Month as well as support our industry by highlighting greenroofs!

Happy Greening,

~ Linda V.