More than two dozen members of the
Cincinnati Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council attended a green roof presentation last week at the
Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) facility on Galbraith Road in Hartwell.
David Hart of
Tremco Roofing presented the technology of green roof applications and sampled local and international applications of vegetated building envelopes.
The informational meeting was followed by an on-site tour of the MSD roof, part of a pilot project launched in late 2007 as part of their Green Infrastructure Program.
"It's an A+ green roof," says Virginia Russell, chair of
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. "The design, the plant selection, the stormwater management features - it sets the pace for extensive green roofs in the region."
"Many would be surprised to learn that Cincinnati, Hamilton County and Ohio have taken steps that are progressive and unique to anywhere in the country," says Tom Kennedy, programs chair for the regional chapter. "Unlike the old saying, 'If the world is coming to an end, I'm going to Cincinnati', we are not behind on sustainability."
This year, the local chapter has seen similar projects at the Harold C. Schott Education Center at the
Cincinnati Zoo and
Twenhofel Middle School in Independence.
They plan to tour the Fernald Preserve next month and
Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky in October.
"The few green roofs that we have in this metro area are excellent examples of the positive impact that this technology can have on effective stormwater management, reduced urban heat island, improved air quality, and energy conservation," Russell says. "Awareness is growing, and like other green building strategies, the initial costs will come down with more demand and we'll see great returns on investment."
For further information, please contact USGBC chapter administrator Amy Ostigny at 403-0301.
Writer:
Kevin LeMasterSources: Tom Kennedy, programs chair, USGBC Cincinnati Regional Chapter; Virginia Russell, chair, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.