The New York Times reported last week that Toronto is considering adopting a bylaw mandating installation of green roofs on new structures with gross floor areas exceeding 54,000 square feet. If the provision is adopted, the city will be the first in North America to require the installation of green roofs. Curiously, and disappointingly, the proposed legislation exempts schools and public housing from the requirement. Incorporating green roofs and other low-impact development technologies into schools would provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate the concept of sustainability into educational curricula, while installing green roofs on low-income housing would provide residents with a nearby natural refuge, potentially improving health and reducing stress.
The May issue of National Geographic features a fascinating article and photo gallery exploring green roofs throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.
Australian newspaper The Age reported today on a competition to design a green roof for Monash University's corporate center, part of a larger effort to prompt Melbourne residents to reconsider the possibilities associated with their roof space, to generate demand for green roofs, and to make the city more livable.
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