Photo Credit: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and FXFOWLE Architect

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) has released results of its 2011 Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members which found that the green roof industry grew by 28.5 percent over the course of 2010, up significantly from 16 percent growth recorded in 2009.

In the Top Ten U.S. Metropolitan Regions List, Chicago led the way for the seventh year in a row, with more than 500,000 square feet installed, followed closely by Washington.

“Government investment in green roofs for their stormwater, air quality, green space and city cooling benefits largely fuels the growth of our industry,” said Steven W. Peck, founder and president of GRHC. “Cities such as Chicago, Washington, New York, Portland, Seattle and Philadelphia continue to lead the way with incentives and regulations that recognize the many benefits from green roofs, including much needed green jobs in their communities. We are also seeing tremendous leadership within the federal government and its agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and General Services Administration.” 

“Chicago is proud of our progress in promoting and installing green roofs especially considering the many benefits they provide in support of the Chicago Climate Action Plan. They include: stormwater capture, building insulation, local heat island reduction and new green space for people and wildlife. Green roofs are just a part of Chicago’s support of green infrastructure solutions to make cities more livable and vibrant through sustainable design and innovative programs,” said Commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna of the Chicago Department of Environment.
 
“As the green roof and wall industry develops further we will see costs come down and benefits to building owners rise, through the application of integrated design practices that turn wasted roof and wall spaces into value added urban farms, habitat, recreational spaces, horticultural therapy centers, energy conservation, green energy production, and stormwater management infrastructure,” said Jeffrey L. Bruce, chair of GRHC.  “The industry is also benefitting from the more than 425 accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRPs) in the market.”

For the full press release, click here.