Green Roof Technology Releases New Podium Roof Garden Assessment

Bel Air, MD, February 12, 2012 --(PR.com)-- In a new series of green roof project assessments, Green Roof Technology analyzes extensive green roofs - vegetated / living / eco roofs - all across the world and relates them to the market in which they are located. Extensive green roofing is becoming increasingly localized with local policies dictating market conditions and creating unique environments for constructing green roofs.

In their first green roof assessment, Green Roof Technology sets aim on the Toronto green roof market. The design and construction of the Podium Garden Roof at Toronto City hall is brought under focus and critical questions are asked. The assessment questions the design of the project and reports that the landscape architect’s design led to higher installation costs and higher future maintenance costs. The assessment ends by asking two fundamental questions regarding public financing of green roof projects and the appropriate methodology for their construction.

Throughout the assessment, Green Roof Technology remarks on the history of green roofing in North America. “During the industry’s infancy, many systems and technologies were created by a variety of companies, each with differing experiences, specializations, and varying degrees of green roofing knowledge,” says Jörg Breuning, Principal. “The result has been a patchwork of green roofing systems - some experimental or antiquated, others well-established and proven to work for decades in Europe. This has led to a continent full of beautiful, well-functioning green roofs but also a continent rife with under-performing and failing green roofs.”

The series will continue with monthly project assessments featuring extensive green roof projects from cities all across North American and Europe. Special attention will be placed on regions that have introduced stormwater legislation or created green roof incentive programs. Ultimately, the aim of any green roof is to create a sustainable, low-maintenance environment in the most cost-effective way possible. Whether a green roof stormwater management program is established as a requirement, an incentive, or a tax, all parties involved - the regulators or the regulated - must understand the technical properties of green roofs and how they are designed and constructed in the most cost-effective manner. Green Roof Technology’s goal is to continue educating the public and designing a more sustainable, greener world.

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