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ASLA Endorses Green Rooftop Program Act06-26-23 | Association News

ASLA Endorses Green Rooftop Program Act

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) Introduced the Act
by Staff

ASLA is backing H.R. 1863 after H.R. 7693 died in Congress, to fund grants towards adding Green Roofs to public elementary and secondary schools.

On June 21st, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), with support from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) introduced the Public School Green Rooftop Program Act.

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In 2021, Rep. Velázquez introduced the legislation that would allocate federal funds towards green roof implementation at public elementary and secondary schools. The bill, H.R. 1863 was then referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

According to her website, "estimates from the Missouri educational system, green roofs can save a single school up to $41,587 a year in electricity costs alone. These roofs will cut district energy and maintenance costs substantially. A regularly maintained green roof has a longevity of forty years, as opposed to a standard roof's ten to fifteen. Additionally, the bill grants maintenance funding for up to four years after the installation of every roof."

If passed, the bill would then direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program for the install and maintenance of the green roofs. Schools would have to apply for grant funding to pay the costs of planning and for the installation process.

"Energy savings, heat mitigation, and a nature-based learning environment that supports local wildlife makes the Public School Green Rooftop Program Act a victory for students and budget-conscious administrators alike. I can say from experience with ASLA's Green Roof on our headquarters in Washington, D.C. that our roof is up to 59 degrees cooler than neighboring roofs in the summer, and we save on energy costs in the winter as well. For students living in dense urban environments, a green roof at school also provides access to nature, which research shows has a direct impact on well-being. The American Society of Landscape Architects supports the Public School Green Rooftop Program Act and urges Congress to pass it," said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Filed Under: ASSOCIATION, GREEN ROOF, ASLA, LASN
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