Local USGBC chapter explores green roof technology

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.

“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.

For further information, please contact USGBC chapter administrator Amy Ostigny at 403-0301.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Tom Kennedy, programs chair, USGBC Cincinnati Regional Chapter