SOS Asheville

Fall 06 SOS Report 

TOPIC:  Green Roofs

Convenor: Cathy Holt              

Participants: Jonah Goldwag, Christina Nelson, Charlotte Anthony, Cathy Holt

Past History of this Topic (if applicable): At DSL, the Local Environment Group proposed green roofs as a strategy for
Asheville to save energy and mitigate stormwater. Since then, Robin
Cape (City Council) and Cathy Holt and Janell Kapoor have been organizing a campaign for a green roof on the Civic Center.

Key Discussion Points: Benefits of green roofs = savings of 20-30% in heating & cooling costs; absorb 50-95% of stormwater runoff, with slower and delayed release of water; roofing materials last 2-3 times longer; creation of habitat for birds, insects, etc.; beautify the landscape; reduce urban heat island effect; filter pollutants out of air. Costs: typically 1/3 – ½ higher than standard roof for extensive type, more for intensive with deeper soil, larger plants and human access. NC State has done a study of 4 green roofs in NC, including the one at the Arboretum. There is a new green roof at UNCA with another one planned. The Civic Center roof  would be extensive because of load bearing limitations and lack of easy access. Other buildings for possible green roofs: Blue Ridge Biofuels, David McConville’s building, the Fortune Building (Jonah)—a 3000 square foot restored building, and the parking lot next to the Civic Center. Germany is the world leader in green roofs; Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Washington DC, Atlanta, and New York City are leaders in the U.S. Chicago estimates it will save $100 million in energy alone with green roofs. ABTech will be teaching a green roofs class. Many jobs in horticulture, design, installation, materials, contracting. The EPA Clean Water Act sec. 319 provides funding for up to 60% of cost on municipal buildings.

Conclusions or Recommendations for Action:  Find out who are the local roofers, landscape architects, designers. Consider use of  bacteria (EM, mycorrhizal fungi, earthworm castings)  in place of compost in the growing medium, since it would not leach nutrients such as nitrates into the water. Involve Ashevillage Building Convergence in a project in
W. Asheville for a green roof. The Civic Center green roof project will meet on Monday, 9/18 at 5:30 pm at the home of Janell Kapoor.  Robin Cape and 4 people in the green building industry will be there.