Unfortunately, the time to put together thoughful comments on articles continues to elude me... but this bit about rainwater harvesting from greenroofs.com is worth reading, if only for the linked resources...
I hope that I'll have time to post more in-depth ideas/photos/research/etc. soon!
Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Greenroofs, PV panels, and green building
A couple of tidbits for your Monday AM:
An interesting article about the symbiosis between greenroofs/white roofs and PV panels...
And a very cool building planned for Portland, OR.
And last, but not least, the Wall Street Journal did a short overview of stormwater management in big -- and biggish -- American cities.
An interesting article about the symbiosis between greenroofs/white roofs and PV panels...
And a very cool building planned for Portland, OR.
And last, but not least, the Wall Street Journal did a short overview of stormwater management in big -- and biggish -- American cities.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Greenroofs in the news
Three interesting articles today:
1. NPR outlines the benefits of green- and cool roofs.
2. Another rooftop farm in NYC, started by one of the people that developed the one in Greenpoint.
3. Systems for making sure your greenroof doesn't leak.
1. NPR outlines the benefits of green- and cool roofs.
2. Another rooftop farm in NYC, started by one of the people that developed the one in Greenpoint.
3. Systems for making sure your greenroof doesn't leak.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Galactic gardening in NYC
No need to consider soil fertility with these hydroponic greenhouse pods. Very interesting... but they presumably offer no water retention or insulation...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Rooftop soil fertility
A very interesting article on fertility problems associated with Uncommon Ground's intensive greenroof/garden roof soil.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chicago's Comer Youth Center green roof wins ASLA award
I've got this fantasy about starting a network of agriculture-supporting green roofs, akin to the one at Rooftop Farms in Brooklyn. Seems as though I'm onto something. Much more here.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Greenroofs for Redstarts
In another success story for urban wildlife, green roof professionals in Sheffield, England have replicated habitat favored by the Black Redstart to the degree that the birds now appear to inhabit the roofs.
Also, there's an audio slideshow of a "greenroof safari" here. The narration explains some of the benefits of green roofs and depicts a variety of those found in Sheffield (actually, the show provides a good sense of the different intents and designs associated with greenroofs, from recreation areas to those made to mimic habitat). Our intrepid narrator gets inexplicably and disconcertingly winded at the end... perhaps an issue with heights?
Also, there's an audio slideshow of a "greenroof safari" here. The narration explains some of the benefits of green roofs and depicts a variety of those found in Sheffield (actually, the show provides a good sense of the different intents and designs associated with greenroofs, from recreation areas to those made to mimic habitat). Our intrepid narrator gets inexplicably and disconcertingly winded at the end... perhaps an issue with heights?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
In Brooklyn, Lettuce, Not Steel, Scrapes the Sky
Today the Atlantic published an inspiring piece by Annie Novak of Rooftop Farms. Check it out: In Brooklyn, Lettuce, Not Steel, Scrapes the Sky.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ecobia?
In a bizarre coincidence, while surfing Yale's Environment 360 site today I happened upon an article from last month about offshore aquaculture. It intrigued me, so I clicked. Lo and behold, within the first nine words, the author mentions Brian O'Hanlon -- my elementary school swimming archnemesis (at least in my mind). Now to track him down and wrangle an offer to move to Panama and swim with the fishes.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's blocking my sunlight!
An interesting bit about rooftop agriculture (and highlighting Rooftop Farms) in the Detroit News.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Rooftop Farms
So, I finally made it to Rooftop Farms in Greenpoint yesterday to scope out what they're up to and how they've managed to grow vegetables and fruits atop the City That Never Sleeps. I must say, it's a great space albeit smaller than I had envisioned.
They had what looked to be a decent year despite the bad weather. Lots of healthy looking tomatoes, chard, kale, cilantro, lettuce, winter squash, beans, eggplants, peppers, etc.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get details on the technical considerations, since apparently Goode Green did the design and installation of the greenroof without involving the farmers themselves.
Nevertheless, I got some cool shots on my phone and will return (next week, assuming I get all my fall seeds planted on Friday or Saturday) to help and -- hopefully -- learn something about composting sans worms.
They had what looked to be a decent year despite the bad weather. Lots of healthy looking tomatoes, chard, kale, cilantro, lettuce, winter squash, beans, eggplants, peppers, etc.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get details on the technical considerations, since apparently Goode Green did the design and installation of the greenroof without involving the farmers themselves.
Nevertheless, I got some cool shots on my phone and will return (next week, assuming I get all my fall seeds planted on Friday or Saturday) to help and -- hopefully -- learn something about composting sans worms.
An unassuming building topped by a very cool roof.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Vegetable roof
Check out this awesome flickr set of a friend's friend's very verdant rooftop garden in Chicago. Some great ideas and some really beautiful produce.
full sun + great air circulation + exceedingly inventive methods for keeping plants from getting thirsty = spectacular results
Once I get a rooftop that I can use, I will be referring to these pages again...
full sun + great air circulation + exceedingly inventive methods for keeping plants from getting thirsty = spectacular results
Once I get a rooftop that I can use, I will be referring to these pages again...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
White light/white heat
The New York Times featured a story today on the energy benefits of white roofs. The article speaks to the savings that white roofs produce in hot climates, while acknowledging that they are not a panacea; in cities like Minneapolis and Detroit, scientists suggest that white roofs can actually lead to increased energy bills since they reflect light (and heat) during cold winter months.
While I can't refute evidence on the suitability of white roofs in northern climes, I certainly can speak to the benefit of green roofs. The beauty of the green roof is that it buffers temperature extremes, whether hot or cold. If you're skeptical, plug "green roof energy savings" into Google Scholar and see what comes up. (Start with these: "Analysis of the green roof thermal properties and investigation of its energy performance" by Niachou et al. and "The effects of rooftop garden on energy consumption of a commercial building in Singapore" by Wong et al.).
I'm not sure why the author didn't think it appropriate to include green roof information in the article, but I sure wish that there were a comment section on this one...
While I can't refute evidence on the suitability of white roofs in northern climes, I certainly can speak to the benefit of green roofs. The beauty of the green roof is that it buffers temperature extremes, whether hot or cold. If you're skeptical, plug "green roof energy savings" into Google Scholar and see what comes up. (Start with these: "Analysis of the green roof thermal properties and investigation of its energy performance" by Niachou et al. and "The effects of rooftop garden on energy consumption of a commercial building in Singapore" by Wong et al.).
I'm not sure why the author didn't think it appropriate to include green roof information in the article, but I sure wish that there were a comment section on this one...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Carroll Gardens garden roof
I've been researching green roofs for Eco Brooklyn for the better part of two months, and have become acquainted with the components and fluent in the language. I've really enjoyed learning the theory. But because of the confines my dayjob, I have been limited to developing an abstract notion and knowledge of The Green Roof. This weekend that finally changed, as I participated in my first green roof installation.
Prepping the roof for the water retention layer: Jack cutting reclaimed styrofoam insulation to form the perimeter boundary.
Gennaro inserting plugs of radiant heating tube to keep the roof from slipping downslope. The water retention layer was actually triple-ply filter fabric and it created slipping problems (this is NOT protocol: do not do this if you can avoid it).
Plugs in place. Notice the (drilled out) drainage holes -- there are fewer upslope and additional ones as you approach the drain.
Laying the filter fabric over the drainage layer: challenging when the wind is gusting.
Gaia soil: good growing medium (made with compost and shredded styrofoam packing peanuts) used to fill the burlap bags laid on the roof.
Burlap bags to be cut and planted with sedum...
Sedum cuttings waiting to be planted.
The (by far) least glamorous green roof job: pulling soggy, moldy year-old woodchips out and marching them up four flights to mulch the roof and keep moisture in.
A sea of blank canvases waiting to be attended to.
We worked with folks from Green-It-Yourself (GIY) to install a modular extensive green roof using Gaia Soil, burlap bags and a variety of sedums. We ran into some unforeseen issues and couldn't finish while it was light on Saturday, so folks were going back today. I imagine that Gennaro will post photos of the finished roof on the Eco Brooklyn blog, so check there if you want to see the remainder of the project. In the meantime, check out my photos below (sorry the picture quality is kind of bad -- had to use the iPhone camera since I broke my digital in a rainstorm).
Get in touch if you want to learn how to do this yourself...
Prepping the roof for the water retention layer: Jack cutting reclaimed styrofoam insulation to form the perimeter boundary.
Gennaro inserting plugs of radiant heating tube to keep the roof from slipping downslope. The water retention layer was actually triple-ply filter fabric and it created slipping problems (this is NOT protocol: do not do this if you can avoid it). 
Plugs in place. Notice the (drilled out) drainage holes -- there are fewer upslope and additional ones as you approach the drain.
Laying the filter fabric over the drainage layer: challenging when the wind is gusting.Gaia soil: good growing medium (made with compost and shredded styrofoam packing peanuts) used to fill the burlap bags laid on the roof.
Burlap bags to be cut and planted with sedum...
Sedum cuttings waiting to be planted.
The (by far) least glamorous green roof job: pulling soggy, moldy year-old woodchips out and marching them up four flights to mulch the roof and keep moisture in.
A sea of blank canvases waiting to be attended to.Thursday, July 9, 2009
Green roofs on a slope
I posted another note on the Eco Brooklyn webpage this evening, this time about installing green roofs on a pitched slope. Here it is:
In this post, I’m going to diverge from the format of my past several entries a bit and explore strategies for installing green roofs on pitched surfaces.
The International Green Roof Association (IGRA) states that roofs with up to a 30 degree pitch can be outfitted with a green roof, and that “traditional” green roof components can generally be safely and effectively used on roof slopes up to 10 degrees. Beyond the 10 degree threshold, however, installation becomes significantly different from a traditional green roof and requires a different approach.
Though some problems typically associated with green roofs can be mitigated when installing on a sloped suface (e.g., drainage is better and water does not typically pool as frequently), other stressors arise. Modifications to structural components, growth medium, and vegetation must be made to prevent roof failure. I will explore challenges and techniques for installing green roofs on sloped roofs in more detail below.
To start, the IGRA wrote a brief but helpful introduction to pitched green roofs (scroll to the bottom of page 2). The article points out several important challenges to establishing a vegetative community on a pitched roof. First, shear forces threaten to pull the build-up, substrate, and plants off of the roof. Second, the substrate is more highly susceptible to erosion. Third, plants are often subjected to more intensive drought stress.
Other sources, including a Zinco planning guide, highlight some of the other important challenges to establishing sloped green roofs. For example, pitched roofs with southern exposure are typically subjected to more intense solar radiation than flat roofs, which can dessicate plants more rapidly. In addition, installing independent root barriers is often difficult or impossible since build-up materials may slip more easily against root barrier materials than against waterproofing membranes, so waterproofing membranes must be root-proof. Third, access for routine maintenance on sloped roofs is more difficult, but must be incorporated into the design. Lastly, to prevent erosion, vegetation must be planted and cultivated to cover the roof as quickly as possible, and coverage must remain high year-round. And as roof slope increases, these challenges typically become more severe.
Although establishing a pitched green roof can be more challenging than installing a flat roof, steps can be taken to ensure that a sloped green roof functions as desired. allbusiness.com and the Pomegranate Center provide good perspective on establishing sloped green roofs in an article and a homeowners’ guide, respectively, that I borrow from below.
First, a varety of structural and build-up components can be installed to hold the roof in place. Safeguard produced a good visual how-to on installing pitched green roofs; it includes information on installing front edging boards and free-standing timber frames and can be found here. Green roof component producers make build-up materials specifically for use in pitched roof situations, as well. For example, Zinco’s Floraset FS 75 and Georaster provide additional reinforcement to the substrate layer, thereby reducing erosion. Designers of one of the steepest green roofs in North America used Roofscapes, Inc.’s Roofmeadow Type I, a full green roof system intended for pitched roofs, which includes an integrated “slope stabilization system”, in their build-up. American Hydrotech produces GardNet, and Presto Products Corp. produces Geoweb, components that divide the roof into cells and thereby help to reduce erosion on sloped roofs. Colbond makes Enkamat, a 3-D mat designed to act as a synthetic root structure and quickly and permanently prevent soil erosion. In lower-slope applications, jute, straw, or wood erosion mats laid top the substrate might suffice to reduce soil movement and loss.
Second, design of nonproprietary components (e.g., growth media, plant type, etc.) can be modified to address concerns associated with pitched green roofs. Growth media depth can be increased (depending upon the roof’s load bearing capacity) to retain additional moisture, or irrigation can be built into the roof design for use in serious droughts. Growth media formula can be tweaked to ensure greater water retention. Thicker water retention mats can be used to retain additional moisture, as well. Vegetation must be chosen carefully to ensure that the plant community grows quickly enough to cover the roof withtin the first growing season and survives prolonged periods without water. In addition, it is important to consider that water will flow down the roof, affording rooftop plants the least amount of time to absorb water and those plants along the bottom edges of the roof more time. In some cases, it may be beneficial to increase growth medium depth at the rooftop to allow additional water storage. It might also be beneficial to plant vegetation that can tolerate drier conditions on roof peaks and vegetation that grows best in wetter conditions along the gutters.
The bottom line, therefore, is that with careful planning it is possible to sucessfully install a pitched green roof. It is crucial, however, that builders make considerate design choices and source appropriate materials.
The next steps in outlining a design for a pitched green roof include identifying which particular materials will be used to build the roof, identifying appropriate growth media composition and depth, and choosing vegetation. Part of the decision-making process with respect to build-up components will depend upon cost and availability. Build-up components will, to an extent, influence nonproprietary components. Getting prices and information on whether these materials can be shipped to Brooklyn, then, is the next priority. This process can sometimes be tricky, however, as green roof materials (and their prices) are generally available only through company sales representatives. I’ve begun contacting folks at the companies I’ve listed above to get a feel for what these products will cost and will post that information when it becomes available. Check back!
In this post, I’m going to diverge from the format of my past several entries a bit and explore strategies for installing green roofs on pitched surfaces.
The International Green Roof Association (IGRA) states that roofs with up to a 30 degree pitch can be outfitted with a green roof, and that “traditional” green roof components can generally be safely and effectively used on roof slopes up to 10 degrees. Beyond the 10 degree threshold, however, installation becomes significantly different from a traditional green roof and requires a different approach.
Though some problems typically associated with green roofs can be mitigated when installing on a sloped suface (e.g., drainage is better and water does not typically pool as frequently), other stressors arise. Modifications to structural components, growth medium, and vegetation must be made to prevent roof failure. I will explore challenges and techniques for installing green roofs on sloped roofs in more detail below.
To start, the IGRA wrote a brief but helpful introduction to pitched green roofs (scroll to the bottom of page 2). The article points out several important challenges to establishing a vegetative community on a pitched roof. First, shear forces threaten to pull the build-up, substrate, and plants off of the roof. Second, the substrate is more highly susceptible to erosion. Third, plants are often subjected to more intensive drought stress.
Other sources, including a Zinco planning guide, highlight some of the other important challenges to establishing sloped green roofs. For example, pitched roofs with southern exposure are typically subjected to more intense solar radiation than flat roofs, which can dessicate plants more rapidly. In addition, installing independent root barriers is often difficult or impossible since build-up materials may slip more easily against root barrier materials than against waterproofing membranes, so waterproofing membranes must be root-proof. Third, access for routine maintenance on sloped roofs is more difficult, but must be incorporated into the design. Lastly, to prevent erosion, vegetation must be planted and cultivated to cover the roof as quickly as possible, and coverage must remain high year-round. And as roof slope increases, these challenges typically become more severe.
Although establishing a pitched green roof can be more challenging than installing a flat roof, steps can be taken to ensure that a sloped green roof functions as desired. allbusiness.com and the Pomegranate Center provide good perspective on establishing sloped green roofs in an article and a homeowners’ guide, respectively, that I borrow from below.
First, a varety of structural and build-up components can be installed to hold the roof in place. Safeguard produced a good visual how-to on installing pitched green roofs; it includes information on installing front edging boards and free-standing timber frames and can be found here. Green roof component producers make build-up materials specifically for use in pitched roof situations, as well. For example, Zinco’s Floraset FS 75 and Georaster provide additional reinforcement to the substrate layer, thereby reducing erosion. Designers of one of the steepest green roofs in North America used Roofscapes, Inc.’s Roofmeadow Type I, a full green roof system intended for pitched roofs, which includes an integrated “slope stabilization system”, in their build-up. American Hydrotech produces GardNet, and Presto Products Corp. produces Geoweb, components that divide the roof into cells and thereby help to reduce erosion on sloped roofs. Colbond makes Enkamat, a 3-D mat designed to act as a synthetic root structure and quickly and permanently prevent soil erosion. In lower-slope applications, jute, straw, or wood erosion mats laid top the substrate might suffice to reduce soil movement and loss.
Second, design of nonproprietary components (e.g., growth media, plant type, etc.) can be modified to address concerns associated with pitched green roofs. Growth media depth can be increased (depending upon the roof’s load bearing capacity) to retain additional moisture, or irrigation can be built into the roof design for use in serious droughts. Growth media formula can be tweaked to ensure greater water retention. Thicker water retention mats can be used to retain additional moisture, as well. Vegetation must be chosen carefully to ensure that the plant community grows quickly enough to cover the roof withtin the first growing season and survives prolonged periods without water. In addition, it is important to consider that water will flow down the roof, affording rooftop plants the least amount of time to absorb water and those plants along the bottom edges of the roof more time. In some cases, it may be beneficial to increase growth medium depth at the rooftop to allow additional water storage. It might also be beneficial to plant vegetation that can tolerate drier conditions on roof peaks and vegetation that grows best in wetter conditions along the gutters.
The bottom line, therefore, is that with careful planning it is possible to sucessfully install a pitched green roof. It is crucial, however, that builders make considerate design choices and source appropriate materials.
The next steps in outlining a design for a pitched green roof include identifying which particular materials will be used to build the roof, identifying appropriate growth media composition and depth, and choosing vegetation. Part of the decision-making process with respect to build-up components will depend upon cost and availability. Build-up components will, to an extent, influence nonproprietary components. Getting prices and information on whether these materials can be shipped to Brooklyn, then, is the next priority. This process can sometimes be tricky, however, as green roof materials (and their prices) are generally available only through company sales representatives. I’ve begun contacting folks at the companies I’ve listed above to get a feel for what these products will cost and will post that information when it becomes available. Check back!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Texas green roofs
Not the best-written article in the world, but there's a great nugget about researching and designing a sustainable green roof for use in harsh environments.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The World Science Festival & Mannahatta Project
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a World Science Festival event called The Hudson Since Henry. The event was hosted by Andrew Revkin, the New York Times science writer, and incorporated a number of folks who spoke about Hudson River science and art. In my opinion, by far the most interesting presentation was given by Eric Sanderson of the Wildlife Conservation Society. He spoke about his efforts to recreate and understand the physical landscape and ecology of Manhattan before its development, called the Mannahatta Project. Check the website here, learn how they completed the project here, and make sure to explore the history of any block in Manhattan here.
Tonight it's off to Rising Waters in a Thirsty World with Maude Barlow. If Blue Gold is any indication of the quality of this event, it should be excellent.
Tonight it's off to Rising Waters in a Thirsty World with Maude Barlow. If Blue Gold is any indication of the quality of this event, it should be excellent.
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