Meeting 2 – 6/24/09 @ The Asa Lofts & Bridgeport
Tour: We spent the first hour touring the Asa Townhomes + Lofts. See photos.
Discussions centered on the following topics:
Residential: There is a gap between the commercial and residential green roof industries, particularly in system design and components, insurance, and industry standards. Training programs and seminars are lacking in the residential market.
Architecture:From the perspective of many architects, incorporating ecoroofs can be difficult because among other issues, they are not a product but a system. A premium is often paid to simplify the process and liability for the architect and building owner by getting a whole roof/green roof system (product) from one manufacturer.
Surveys Needed:
- Who drove existing projects? (Architects, building owners, incentives, community, etc)
- Benefits of various types of ecoroofs vs. public perception and aesthetic value
- Cost Benefit analysis needed to quantify value of systems to building owners, occupants, and city – air quality, heat island effect, energy usage, habitat, stormwater issues, landfill space (extended life of roof membrane)
Licensing issues: are of major concern as the industry grows. Because many categories in the green roof industry are so new, there can be few or no regulations, leaving the building owner/designer/occupants/green roof company or installer/general public perception at risk.
Education: is an issue that comes up repeatedly at every meeting. Non-proprietary information to the building owners, architects, green roof suppliers/installers, city officials and general public could move the industry and benefits of ecoroofs to the next level. Beyond the many economic and environmental benefits of ecoroofs, what causes them to fail or thrive should be documented and shared.
Ideas for future meetings:
- Residential ecoroof tour with owners present for discussion
- GRiT outreach programs (volunteer ecoroof maintenance, rooftop ag, ecoroof seminars and workshops, guerrilla ecoroofing)
- Join forces with other local groups – AIA, homeowners associations, Cascadia, Energy-focused groups, Federal programs,etc
