GREEN ROOF INDUSTRY POSTS GREATER THAN 80% GROWTH

GREEN ROOF INDUSTRY POSTS GREATER THAN 80% GROWTH

First-of-its-kind industry survey shows tremendous growth in going green

Toronto, Canada – April 18, 2006 – Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a non-profit industry association whose mission is to increase the development of the green roof industry across North America, is pleased to announce the results from its first Corporate Members Survey independently administered by Kendon Light, E.A.

The survey asked member-companies to report on their completed 2004 and 2005 green roof projects in North America. Results indicate a 72% growth in green roof square footage across North America between 2004 and 2005, and over 80% growth in the United States. North American green roof infrastructure implementation increased from 1.3 million square feet in 2004 to 2.5 million square feet in 2005. “We’re very excited to see the actual growth numbers which match the huge increase in green roof interest our association members see on a daily basis,” says Steven Peck, Founder & President of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “We anticipate even greater growth in the future.”

Boston, MA, which ranked 4th in the 2004 TOP TEN CITIES list is the co-host of the 4th Annual Green Roof Conference, Awards and Trade Show on May 11-12, 2006. “Boston is proud to host this year’s Green Roofs Conference,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “Our city is committed to sustainability through high-performance green buildings and green roofs will be an important component in meeting LEED™ standards, slowing climate change, and keeping our environment clean and healthy for the future of our cities.”


The top ten cities by square footage planted in 2005 are as follows:
Chicago, IL.; Washington DC; Suitland, MD; Ashburn, VA; New York, NY; Culpepper, VA;
Austin, TX; Arlington, VA; Des Moines, IA and Ottawa, ON. “Given their many public benefits, more and more cities, states and utilities are developing policies that support widespread green roof implementation,” said Peter Lowitt, Chairman of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.

The survey results and methodology are available at www.greenroofs.org as well as details of May’s Annual Conference in Boston, featuring more than 40 speakers from around the world and 75 exhibitors. “This first major survey of the green roof industry shows the growth has not abated and I believe the industry is poised for even greater growth in 2006 and beyond,” said Steve Skinner, Chairman, Corporate Members Committee.

Green roof infrastructure (a.k.a. eco-roofs and vegetated roofs) involve the use of technologies that incorporate drainage systems, high quality waterproofing, a root-repellant layer, light-weight growing media and specially selected plants onto the roofs of buildings. The benefits of green roofing are widespread and include a significant reduction in storm-water run-off, better heat and sound insulation, energy savings, improved air quality and reduction in the City’s urban heat island. Other benefits include increased park space, improved aesthetics, community gardening and biodiversity.

For interviews or more information, contact Rob Felber, Ph: (330) 963-3664 – Cell 216-299-3361, RobFelber@felberandfelber.com or Steven Peck, (416) 971 4494 – Cell (647) 226 4494.


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