The Mexican Association for Green Roofing (AMENA by its acronym in Spanish), the Government of Mexico City’s Environment Secretary and the World Green Infrastructure Network  (WGIN) are presenting the World Green Roof Congress 2010 in Mexico City, Mexico on October 7-9, and we’ll be there.   I’ll be presenting our “2010 Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof & Greenwall Design” here and hope to connect with colleagues I’ve only known via email and make new connections with professionals from across the globe, and specifically Latin America.

Did you know this is the first time a major greenroof conference is being held in Latin America?   Green architecture is not new here, and greenroofs and greenwalls are sprouting up throughout the  Spanish speaking (and Portuguese – we can’t forget Brazil!) populations of Mexico, Chile, Brazil,  Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Peru, and more.   In fact, in terms of greenroof development, Mexico is one of the leading Latin American countries in square meters greened,  and Mexico City is the first city in Latin America to adopt a technical standard for the installation of greenroofs: the environmental standard NADF-013- RNAT.   Created by the Government of Mexico City’s Environment Secretary, this standard provides technical specifications for the installation of greenroofs in the city.

I don’t want to let all of the cats out of my bag yet, but Haven Kiers and my  “2010 Top 10 List” includes “The Greening of Latin America” in the #5 position – look for a press release soon on the rest!   This  Congress  represents an excellent business opportunity – anyone doing business or looking to do business in any of these countries should not miss out on this premier event!

“The Congress is a forum to promote green infrastructure for sustainable urban development. This exciting event will provide a better understanding of the benefits of different facets of green infrastructure. Furthermore, it will encourage the implementation and innovation of both green roofs and walls as well as other aspects of sustainable urban development.” ~ 2010 World Green Roof Congress Mexico City website

Experts from across the globe will be on hand to share experience and insights including Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Canada, the United States, Colombia, Cuba, Greece, Germany, Spain, India, Japan  and Australia,  and will provide a platform for the presentation of case studies, research results and policy initiatives with a particular focus on Latin American experiences.   The Congress will be simultaneously translated in English and Spanish.

Congress organizer Tanya Müller Garcia, President of founding WGIN  member AMENA  (Asociación Mexicana para la Naturación de Azoteas), says the Congress “will promote the implementation of green roofs and walls, offering innovative opportunities for the exchange of experiences and knowledge.”   Topics will include successful urban green infrastructure practices, environmental policy and the implementation of green technologies in large cities, scientific research, and the aesthetics and design of urban green infrastructure.

The Congress will be held at the beautiful five-star  Hilton Hotel Mexico City Reforma.   The hotel is ideally located on the Paseo de la Reforma, just steps away from Mexico City’s historical center, and there are four other area hotels that are offering us discounted rates.   On the third day of the Congress, participants can choose to either take a Course on  “Construction systems and guidelines for green roofs” – available only in Spanish – or take  one of two  Tours.   Each tour will visit six sites, providing the opportunity to visit  cutting-edge greenroof and wall projects in both public and private spaces.   Some of the greenroofs include these projects:

Being half-Latin myself (I’m half-Chilean), I’m very proud of the continuing proliferation of ecologically aware designs in Latin America and am looking forward to spending some time here in the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City.   (By the way, my Velazquez last name comes from my Cuban husband, Aramis!)

The cost for the Congress is a very affordable $250, which includes access to all conference presentations, coffee breaks, trade show, inaugural cocktail, closing cocktail and the guided greenroof and greenwall  tour.   If you are interested in Sponsorship opportunity information, download the brochure here, and for Exhibitor information, click here.   Below is one of the greenwall projects on the tour, the Restaurante Salotto in Mexico City:

Read all about the Congress in English or Spanish, and to register, click here.   For additional information about the World Green Roof Congress 2010 in Mexico City, please contact Luis Feijóo (lfeijoo.amenamex@gmail.com) or Ulrike Grau (ugrau.amenamex@gmail.com) or call AMENA: + 52-55-5676-2619.

Hope to see you there!   Espero verlos en el Congreso! ~ Linda V.