Green at the Top

By Maria Thi Mai

In the beginning... 3 inches of soil were planted on the 18,000 square foot roof of the Portland buildingThese plants will absorb more than 200,000 gallons of stormwater per yearPortland is taking sustainability to a higher level. Literally. This month, workers expect to finish installing an ecoroff on top of the Portland Building to replace the worn out traditional roof. Ecoroofs last about 40 years, as long as a conventional roof. The advantage is they soak up rain to reduce stormwater runoff, and help reduce the urban heat island effect.