Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) announced the results of its 2011 Annual Industry Survey of corporate members, which found that the green roof industry grew by 28.5% in 2010, up significantly from the 16% growth recorded in 2009.
In the Top Ten U.S. Metropolitan Regions List, the city of Chicago led the way for the seventh year in a row, with more than 500,000 sq ft installed, followed closely by Washington, D.C., partners in the April 11 and 12 Living Architectural Regional Symposium.
“Government investment in green roofs for their storm water, air quality, green space and city cooling benefits largely fuels the growth of our industry,” said Steven W. Peck, founder and president of GRHC. “Cities such as Chicago, Washington, New York, Portland [Ore.], Seattle and Philadelphia continue to lead the way with incentives and regulations that recognize the many benefits from green roofs, including much needed green jobs in their communities. We are also seeing tremendous leadership within the federal government and its agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and General Services Administration.”
“Chicago is proud of our progress in promoting and installing green roofs, especially considering the many benefits they provide in support of the Chicago Climate Action Plan. They include storm water capture, building insulation, local heat island reduction and new green space for people and wildlife. Green roofs are just a part of Chicago’s support of green infrastructure solutions to make cities more livable and vibrant through sustainable design and innovative programs,” said Commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna of the Chicago Department of Environment.
"It's very gratifying to see the District at number two nationwide, but no surprise!” said Christophe A.G. Tulou, director of the Washington District Department of the Environment. “The District government and our property owners, developers and residents citywide have embraced green roof technology for its many benefits. And we are really just getting started! I expect green roofs will play an increasingly important role as we improve storm water management to clean and protect the District's rivers and streams."
Source: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
