The City of Portland has had an ecoroof program since 1996 when BE
[0]Orpinela EcoroofS first constructed a small ecoroof and monitored it's rainfall management characteristics. The results were successful and since that modest beginning numerous other demonstration Ecoroofs have been installed; and codes and policies blostered to support installation of more Ecoroofs.
The city was first in the nation and envied by other larger cities. Perhaps most significant are three policies that set Portland at the forefront of this economic and environmental building practice. First, and based on BES monitoring data in 1999, Ecoroofs are considered to meet all stormwater management requirements of Title 17.38 [1]. Second, in spring 2001 the city added to Title 33.510 [2] that Ecoroofs could obtain Zoning FAR bonuses. Third, the city passed a resolution in 2005 that all future re-roofing or new roofs on city owned buildings must have Ecoroofs (when practical). In addition, the city provides grants and technical assistance to building owners who wish to install ecoroofs.
Portland Building EcoroofWe have done and learned a lot in the process. Ecoroofs work; they manage rainfall, insulate buildings, reduce urban heat island, provide wildlife habitat, extend the life of a roof system, provide jobs and numerous other benefits. We have also learned that not all Ecoroofs are equal, they don't all work the same, and even though they are becoming more acceptable they are not mainstream, yet. Plus, the most sustainable design for the Pacific NW Region is yet to be determined. Although our ecoroof acreage is less than others, we have more policies and efforts than, perhaps, any other city. And, yet with all this, Portland only has less than 0.2% of its rooftops in ecoroofs. Of the 12,400 acres of rooftop in Portland today only 8 acres have Ecoroofs. However, more than 40 projects are under construction or on the drawing board — the time is ripe for Portland to take several actions that will improve the health of our city and set us ahead of all other cities in the Americas, including our closest competitor, Chicago. [2]Walker Macy Landscape Architects
In August of 2006, Sam convened an Ecoroof Workshop [3] which was held on December 1, 2006. That afternoon, more than 100 ecoroof enthusiasts joined with the commissioner and representatives of the ecoroof industry and citizens of Portland to help chart the next course for the advancement of Ecoroofs in Portland.
Rood GardenMembers of the audience 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. Commissioner Adams assured all that we would work on these issues and convene another workshop in 2007. The issues raised will be investigated by the city with the intent of setting the next course for the Portland Ecoroof Program
Ecoroofs:
Portland Public School District [3]
The Mt. Tabor School raingarden [4]
Web Links
Portland's Ecoroof Program [5]
Portland Ecoroof Tour [6]
Office of Sustainable Development [7]
Stormwater Management Manual [8]