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Washington DC Installs Most Green Roofs in 201405-19-15 | Association News

Washington DC Installs Most Green Roofs in 2014

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), a not-for-profit industry association working to promote awareness of the economic, social and environmental benefits of green roofs and green walls, has released the results of the 2014 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is pleased to announce Washington DC as the number one region for green roof installations according to its 2014 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey.

"I'm proud that the District of Columbia has once again been named the national leader in the installation of green roofs," said Tommy Wells, Director of the District Department of the Environment. "The District is recognized as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, and with the recent adoption of rigorous stormwater regulations and other progressive environmental policies, our nation's capital shows no sign of relinquishing its berth."

The Washington DC Metropolitan Region saw the installation of 1,207,114.56 square feet of green roofs in 2014. Washington has adopted public policies and programs that support green roof investment, including rebates of $7-$15 per square foot per green roof installed, and credits that reduce storm-water fees.

Toronto ranked 2nd amongst North American cities, with 775,216 square feet of green roofs installed. The Toronto Green Roof by-law of 2009 requiring green roofs on most new buildings has resulted in the permitting of more than 2 million square feet of green roofs.

"It comes as no surprise that the top performing regions are those that invest directly and indirectly in green roof infrastructure projects to create green space, mitigate storm-water run-off, improve air quality and moderate the urban heat island effect." said GRHC founder & President Steven W. Peck, GRP, Honorary ASLA.

In the survey, GRHC also observed a 12 percent reduction in growth rate for green roofs in 2014. This is largely due to the end of federal stimulus funding, and limitations in data collection.

To view the 2014 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey, visit www.greenroofs.org.

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