Portland challenges Chicago with ecoroofs

Doug Christi of Anderson Roofing harvests tomatoes from his ecoroof in NW PortlandLast Thursday (Dec 1) more than 100 ecoroof enthusiasts joined with Sam and representatives of the fledgling ecoroof industry and citizens of Portland to help chart the next course for the advancement of Ecoroofs in Portland. Presentations were made about the progress made over the past 10 years when the first ecoroof was constructed to test its rainfall catchment performance. (It worked then and subsequent testing of other Ecoroofs has shown they can retain as much as 60% of the rain that falls on them. Acting very much like our evergreen forests.)

Hundreds of sedums help green up the ecoroof on the Portland buildingOther presenters included representatives from Ecoroofs Everywhere; GBD Architects, Portland State University, Gerding Edlen Development, Gold Properties, and Portland Office of Sustainable Development. Almost all aspects of ecoroof development was covered, including the good news (they work to address at least 10 major urban issues) and the bad news, not all are equal and quality of design and construction is very important.

Sam's enthusiasm was contagious as the group readily shared their ideas, concerns and visions for Ecoroofs in Portland. Topics included, designs appropriate for this climate, the difficulty of getting insurance on single family homes with Ecoroofs, lack of information, contractors, suppliers, incentives, policies, city codes, research, greenspaces, energy, livability, stormwater, habitat and many others. All will be investigated by the city with the intent of setting the next course for the Portland Ecoroof Program.

Another aspect of the workshop were the generous efforts made by the presenters and the citizens who took time out of their schedules to help move Ecoroofs forward in the city. Thanks very much to you all!

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