Green Roofs Growing

The green roof industry has grown around 115 percent since 2009, according to some estimates. Companies and organizations like Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), Cities Alive, and the more than 425 accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRPs) have pushed the increase.

State and federal governments are also taking an interest in this landscaping niche. ''Government investment in green roofs for their storm-water, air quality, green space and city cooling benefits largely fuels the growth of our industry,'' asserted Steven W. Peck, founder and president of GRHC.

Of note to landscape contractors is the idea that green roofs represent a market niche that is growing faster than other landscaping areas. While homeowners have not embraced the green roofs in any measureable way, the commercial market has and continues to.

Some of the cities leading the green roof initiative include Washington DC, Chicago, New York City and Toronto, although every major city is taking an interest in these types of projects, creating more and more green jobs in their communities.