American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters
Washington, DC, USA
2,500 sf Greenroof

Greenroofs.com Project of the Week: June 18, 2018

The American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters is an outstanding example of corporate (in this case non-profit) social responsibility.  Its design choices for two properties in Washington, D.C. reflect fostering environmental sustainability on several fronts, especially with the incorporation of greenroofs during renovation (in addition to a utilities plan that uses 100 percent wind energy).

We are highlighting the American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters in memory of Gregory Long of Capitol Greenroofs, who passed away in April.  His company installed both APA building greenroofs.  Greg was a fantastic individual and consummate professional whose belief in greenroofs as a means to create a healthier and more sustainable built environment is evident in all of his work.

The photo below during construction of the American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters shows Greg and his team’s commitment to getting the job done, even during tough and challenging weather.

“Even the northeaster that blew through with some driving snow showers couldn’t keep us from meeting our deadline. Not ideal to work but hey….sometimes you just have to deal with what mother nature throws at you.” ~ Greg Long, Capitol Greenroofs, 2014

Mini Description & Details

The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. In an effort to reduce energy consumption, maximize recycling and contribute to a healthier environment, in April 2014 a second greenroof was added to APA properties at their headquarters (see the APA/World Resources Institute HQ from 2008), which qualified for the DDOE grant program.

In 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency rated both buildings in the top 10 percent of buildings in the U.S. with the lowest carbon footprint.

The plantings in April, 2014.

The design at the APA HQ building was focused on how greenroofs benefit people’s mental well being. Rebate funding was provided by the District Department of the Environment through a program administered by the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Many private companies were also involved which made this project successful. Installed by Capitol Greenroofs, the system design called for plenty of seating and relaxation with Bison Innovative Products decking tiles, metal planters, and perennial planting areas.

More

Composed of a mixture of perennials, woody shrubs and small magnolia trees set within modern style seating areas with bright decorative accents, this greened patio creates usable event space with spectacular views of the Capitol building.

The plantings in May, 2015.

Year: 2014
Owner: American Psychological Association
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Building Type: Corporate
Roof Type: Intensive
System: Single Source Provider
Roof Size: 2,500 sq.ft.
Grade: 1%
Access: Accessible, Private

Designers/Manufacturers of Record:

Architect: Gensler Associates
Landscape Architect: Oehme, van Sweden & Associates, Inc.
Contractor: HITT Contracting
Greenroof System: Henry Intensive Greenroof
Installation: Capitol Greenroofs
Decking Tiles: Bison Innovative Products
Contractor: Consolidated Waterproofing
Planters, Edging & Planter Benches Manufacturer: Ore Inc.

All the Info:

View the American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters project profile to see ALL of the Photos and Additional Information about this particular project in The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database.

Gorgeous APA rooftop blooms in May, 2015.

Project of the Week Video Feature

Watch the American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters Project of the Week Video below or see it on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube:

Greenroofs.com Project of the Week 6/18/18 video photo credits: Courtesy of Greg Long, Capitol Greenroofs.

Did we miss your contribution? Please let us know to add you to the American Psychological Association (APA) Headquarters profile.

Would you like one of your projects to be featured on Greenroofs.com? We have to have a profile first! Submit Your Project Profile.

Love the Earth, Plant a Roof (or Wall)!

By Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA, LEED AP, GRP
Greenroofs.com Publisher & Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summits Host