Archives Past Events 2002

The Earth Pledge Foundation presented a two-day green roof workshop entitled "Greening Gotham's Rooftops," on November 22 and 23, 2002. Continuing with efforts from their first greenroof symposium held last June, 2002 (see highlights below), Earth Pledge organized a Fall Green Roof Workshop devoted to developing an action plan for green roof incentives in New York City.

Presenters included Tom Liptan, ASLA, Environmental Specialist with the City of Portland, Oregon (see Greenroof Industry Support); Jennifer Ward, Director of Planning at the Queens Botanical Gardens; Eric Shriner, landscape architect for an "eco-roof" atop a slaughterhouse renovation project in Nashville, TN; Balmori Associates, a landscape design firm and designer of the Earth Pledge Greenroof; and Don K. Russell of Ford Motor Company's Environmental Quality Office who discussed the 10.4-acre living roof at Ford's River Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Earth Pledge summed up the very successful Workshop as follows: "On November 22nd + 23rd, Earth Pledge held Greening Gotham’s Rooftops, a two-day event exploring a comprehensive green roof plan for New York City.

Friday’s event was a closed-session forum for government officials. Our 35 attendees represented 16 New York City, State, and Federal agencies including New York City Departments of Buildings, City Planning, Housing Preservation and Development, Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination, Housing Authority, School Construction Authority, Environmental Protection, and Parks. Representatives from the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency were also in attendance.

The afternoon concluded with a roundtable discussion that dealt with options for government support of green roof implementation. Government is in a unique position to support green roof projects through research and test projects, creative incentive packages, zoning structures, and regulations.

The crowd for the open symposium on Saturday was made up of 130 architects, engineers, landscape designers, developers, media, and general public. Presentations included some of the most innovative green roof projects currently being developed in North America, including the 10.4-acre living roof at Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan, and an “eco-roof” atop a renovated slaughterhouse in Nashville, Tennessee."

For complete details of the event, please contact Colin Cheney, Green Roof Initiative Coordinator, at: ccheney@earthpledge.org; phone: 212.725.6611 x 249; www.earthpledge.org.

The Des Moines Founders Garden Club sponsored a public forum on GREEN ROOFS on Tuesday, November 19, 2002, from 5:30-8 p.m. at Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Since the new Des Moines Public Library, designed by London architect David Chipperfield, may have a green roof, the Des Moines Founders Garden Club organized this forum on the subject to promote educated discussion and decision-making at all levels in our community.

The green roof experts who presented were Georgia landscape architect Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA Associate, founder and publisher of Greenroofs.com, an international portal for greenroof technology; Canadian Kaaren Pearce, experienced designer and installer of green roofs; and Marcus de la fleur of the Chicago landscape architecture firm of Conservation Design Forum.

Ms. Velazquez presented an overview of green roof technology and its application internationally. She has studied green roofs in Europe and recently lectured on green roofs at the International Green Roof Institute in Malmö, Sweden. Ms. Pearce focused on North American green roof projects. She described her experiences with different green roof systems, discussed research findings, previewed upcoming systems, and provided plant information. Marcus de la fleur will spoke about Conservation Design Forum's design of the Chicago City Hall rooftop garden. Attendees were invited to share comments, questions and information.

Additional financial support was provided by Barb and Dave Hurd, Georgia and Robert Helmick, Kay and Bob Riley, and the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. In-kind assistance was provided by the Downtown Community Alliance and the Marriott Hotel. The event was free and open to the public, and the auditorium was full. For more information on the event, please call the organizer, Marie Louise Kane, at 515.277.2183. Read the Des Moines Register's follow-up story from November 20, 2002 under NEWS LINKS.

The First Annual International Green Building Conference & Expo was held November 13 - 15, 2002 at the Austin Convention Center, in Austin, TX. International green technologies, sustainable design, and luminaries were highlighted at the largest gathering of Green Building Professionals worldwide. The Conference Registration Brochure stated, "180 outstanding educational presentations highlighting benchmarks of sustainability across a broad array of issues - including site location and development, water use, energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, biophilia, health and productivity, financing - and more!"

According to their website, "The U.S. Green Building Council (USGB) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Council members are leading a national consensus for producing a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out. Our members work together to develop design guidelines, policy positions, educational tools, and industry standards—including the LEED™ Rating System—that support the adoption of sustainable design and building practices."

Conference highlights included special members only LEED™ workshops; Opening Reception in the sold-out exhibit hall; A Night on the Town; Gala Awards Dinner; Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced LEED™ Workshops; Green Building Tours; and the Concurrent Educational Sessions.

Several speakers presented talks relating to greenroof technology, and these are highlighted here:

404 What's New in Green Materials - Alex Wilson, BuildingGreen, Inc. and Environmental Building News - The Best of What's New in Green Building Products
804 Green Construction Technologies - Dr. David J. Beattie, Penn State University - Penn State's Center for Green Roof Research to Quantify the Energy Advantages of Green Roofs
107 Value Beyond Dollars - Kevin Burke, AIA, William McDonough + Partners - Design for Eco-Effectiveness: From "Sustainable" to "Sustaining"
509 Cities Go Green, West - Lucia Athens and Tony Gale, City of Seattle - Developing a Public Portfolio of LEED™ Projects: The Seattle Experience
509 Cities Go Green, West - Rob Bennett, City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development - Changing the Way Portland Builds: The City of Portland Green

For complete program details, schedule and registration information, visit www.usgbc.org.

The Roofscapes International Green Roof Construction Fall Conference was held on November 4 & 5, 2002 in Chicago, IL, at the Days Inn Gold Coast Hotel. The first day was open to non-members on a first-come, first-serve basis. The goal of this conference was to provide a forum for German and American designers and contractors to discuss the principals and practical aspects of greenroof design. Presentations were made by German contractors and greenroof landscape specialists.

On November 4, 2002 Charlie Miller, P.E. and President of Roofscapes, Inc. introduced the Roofscapes Network, its members and projects, and presented an overview of the purpose and organization of the Network and its successes in building green roof projects in the United States. Uwe Harzmann, President, of Optigrün International AG, provided an overview of the pivotal role that Optigrün has played in the development of the greenroof market in Germany and its unique capabilities, including its RWS program. Jörg Breuning, greenroof installation consultant, also spoke, along with Dr. Henze of the German Bundesverband Garten- und Landschaftsbau. Dr. Henze addressed the German greenroof trade system and its specialized organizations, i.e., BGL, EBB, FLL, DIN. Charlie Miller discussed the integration of greenroof products and systems in the American roofing industry, and provided a summary of waterproofing systems that are currently in use with greenroofs, along with a discussion of compatibility issues, root penetration protection, shared liability, and leak detection strategies (including the new EFVM technique).

November 5 was reserved for Roofscapes Network members only, and included round-table discussions of selected American and German greenroof projects and an introduction to the latest developments in Roofmeadow® green roof materials and methods. Out of town attendees received a special rate at the Days Inn Gold Coast Hotel located at 1816 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL (near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum). Guided tours of the City Hall Green Roof were included in the conference. Reservations for the meeting were required and there was a fee for attending. View photos of the Roofscapes Green Roof Construction Conference and highlights here: http://www.roofmeadow.com/seminar.html

The Earth Pledge Foundation: Fall 2002 Farm to Table Cooking Classes and Lecture Series. Participants were invited to sign up for small demo-style cooking classes (up to 15 people at a time) to support local farms, learn about sustainable cuisine, taste a variety of New York wine, and help prepare delicious dishes from New York restaurant like Café Boulud, Craft, Patio Dining, and Lupa.

The chefs incorporated herbs, such as mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and sage, and select vegetables like squash, lettuces, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant - all grown atop the Earth Pledge greenroof's Rooftop Kitchen Garden. Cooking classes cost $80 and were held from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, hosted by the following guest chefs:

Monday, September 30, 2002 - Julia Lee, Director, Saveur, test kitchen
Monday, October 7, 2002 - Sara Jenkins, Patio Dining
Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - Rémy Fünfrock, Executive Pastry Chef, Café Boulud
Monday, October 21, 2002 - Karen DeMasco, Pastry Chef, Craft and Craftbar
Monday, November 4, 2002 - Mark Ladner, Executive Chef, Lupa

For complete details on the cooking classes or to learn about the Fall 2002 Lecture Series, read the Earth Pledge Foundation Invitation or call 212.725.6611 X 225.

The Winnipeg Prairie Green Roof Infrastructure Training Workshop was held on October 29, 2002 at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Canada. Presented by The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the pertinent benefits and applications of green roofs in the prairie region was explored. Local and national experts discussed design and implementation techniques and identify local research needs and possible obstacles. Case studies included the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Center and the Mountain Equipment Co-op.

The Winnipeg Prairie Green Roof Infrastructure Training Workshop was held from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM in Room 343, Asper School of Business, Drake Centre, University of Manitoba. A Walking Tour of Downtown Winnipeg was offered the morning of October 30, 2002 and included visits to five downtown area greenroofs. For program information, please contact Trina Flett at 204.956.0660 or tflett@cier.ca. For workshop information, contact Rodney McDonald at the same number or at rmcdonald@cier.ca.

The 2002 ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo was entitled, "Challenge the 21st Century: Leaders of Discovery," and was held October 18-22, 2002 in San Jose, CA. According to Rodney L. Swink, FASLA, and ASLA President, the annual meeting of the American Society of Landscape Architects is "the chance for landscape architects to gather together to share in our profession's achievements, to learn from one another and from others new strategies and methods, as well as to look towards future opportunities... "

General education sessions focused on issues of importance to landscape architects and also reflected the world outside landscape architecture. The informative education sessions focused on the following seven significant and compelling tracks: Design & Construction Technology; History/Historic Preservation; Parks & Recreation/Greenway & Byway Planning; Practice Management: Regional/Rural Planning; Interactive Workshops; and LandTech. The sold-out exposition hall of 500 exhibitors displayed products and services from companies dedicated to serving the needs of the profession, including the LA Bookstore, Cyber Cafe, LandTech Pavilion, and the ASLA Central.

The GreenTech Booth # 1925 displayed an intensive greenroof system in a Northern California or Mediterranean style planting using their modular units, represented on a "mini brick building," as seen below. Photos, design and construction by LSV.

Toronto City Hall Green Roof Tour, Press Conference and Reception was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2002 in the City Hall Rotunda, Main Floor, at 100 Queen Street West from 3:15 PM to 7:00 PM. Sponsored by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, The City of Toronto, Technology Early Action Measures, National Research Council Canada, Environment Canada, and Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the event celebrated the completion of the Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre Green Roof Research Site. The results of an Environment Canada study was released on how greenroof technology can help reduce Toronto's urban heat island, save energy, and improve air quality. Check out www.greenroofs.ca for the complete report.

Building Green with LEED™ in New Jersey Conference and Trade Show was held in Trenton, New Jersey on October 9, 2002 at The Lafayette Yard Marriott Conference Hotel. Sponsored by The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and The United States Building Green Council USGBC), the one day seminar included detailed information regarding green building philosophy and practical techniques for construction and renovation projects. The program agenda provided key elements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Green Rating System. Benefits were studied showing examples of how green building offers cost savings and enhances property value. Case studies were presented and the trade show will feature a variety of green building products and related services.

Members of the U.S. Green Building Council New Jersey Organizing Group lead a Tour & Reception following the Conference at 5:00 PM, at the Thomas Edison State College (TESC www.tesc.edu/contacts/directions/kelsey.php) They toured the recently renovated TESC Historic Townhouses in Trenton, New Jersey. Further info can be obtained through Athena Sarafides at 609. 633.1161 or at athena.sarafides@dep.state.nj.us.

Course Coordinators were Steven Rinaldi, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Research Scientist, Bureau Recycling and Planning; and Athena Sarafides, NJDEP Research Scientist, Office of Innovative Technology and Market Development. Moderator for the event was Steven Rinaldi. Speakers included Scott Chrisner, Course Coordinator, Green Building Champion and Sustainable Business Development Consultant; Frank Sherman, AIA; Mark Biedron, Founder, The Willow School; Cate Soroczan, Senior Researcher, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Scott Horst, Executive Direct, Athena International Institute, 7Group; Fred Bartl, Principal, Chelsea Group; Marcus B. Scheffer, Energy Opportunities, 7Group; Jason Kliwinski, Project Architect, The Prisco Group.

AIA Learning Unit credits was available to those architects attending the conference and post-conference tour. The registration fee for Building Green with LEED™ in New Jersey was $90 and included continental breakfast, lunch, course reference materials and entrance to the trade show. Contact Carol Broccoli at (732) 932-9271 x618 (or via e-mail at broccoli@aesop.rutgers.edu) for additional information. Click here for the complete agenda.

The Roof Consultants Institute's Region 3 Meeting: "Rooftop Greenscape" was held on July 25, 2002 in Romulus, MI. The Roof Consultants Institute (www.rci-online.org) offered a one day program on greenroof research updates, topical speakers, and greenroof manufacturers product exhibits at the Marriott Detroit Airport at Romulus, 30559 Flynn Road, Romulus, MI 48174.

Some of the topics and speakers included Jim Sheahan, RRC, FRCI, of J.P. Sheahan Associates, who spoke on behalf of the Institute of Research in Construction (IRC) & the RCI Research Committee Demonstration Project, and presented findings to date; Charlie Miller, P.E., of Roofscapes, Inc. presented "Vegetated Roof Covers As Building Systems - Integration & Limitations of Landscape with Buildings, Runoff Management, Energy Benefits, System Components, Roof Penetration, Irrigation;" and Brad Bass, PhD - Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto presented "Public & Private Benefits of Green Roofing - Municipal Benefits to the Environment & Private Green Amenities beyond Economic Savings, Horticultural Therapy, Habitat, and Bio-diversity."

The Rooftop Greenscape Program was open to the general public, and non-RCI architects, engineers, building owners, facility managers, and public officials were invited to attend this meeting, and over 60 participants enjoyed the proceedings. Read the Rooftop Greenscape Meeting Highlights here. For program content questions contact: RCI Region 3 Director, Bob Humbarger; Phone: 574.234.2198; E-mail: humbarger@conspectservices.com.

Fred Oesch of Oesch Environmental Design, had the national television broadcast of his sustainable architectural design work, including "The Quarries ecoVillage," on Home and Garden Television (HGTV) on July 13, 2002.

Oesch Environmental Design offers services in environmental design/solar, straw bale, green oak timber frame, living earth roof systems/organic environmental control systems. If you are interested but were unable to see this broadcast, please request a complimentary video copy from Oesch Environmental Design at 434.977.9919.

For more information, please contact Fred Oesch of Oesch Environmental Design at 108 2nd St. N.W., Charlottesville, VA 22902; http://www.hfoesch.com; Phone: 434.977.9919; FAX: 434.977.9914.

Earth Pledge Garden Roof in Manhattan
The Earth Pledge Foundation Garden Roof, NY

The Earth Pledge Foundation presented its first greenroof symposium in New York entitled: "The Fifth Elevation: Greening New York's Rooftops" on Saturday, June 1, 2002, from 1:00 - 5:00, followed by a tour of the new garden roof and reception. The half-day symposium included presentations from leading thinkers and designers on how planted rooftops can mitigate negative water and air quality issues and will conclude with a tour of Earth Pledge's new garden roof, followed by a reception to launch the Earth Pledge Green Roof Initiative, their campaign to promote the environmental and social benefits of greening urban rooftops.

Speakers included Hillary Brown, Principal, New Civil Works; Marc Yaggi, Senior Attorney and Watershed Program Supervisor of Riverkeeper was scheduled to speak, but Senior Attorney Justin spoke on his behalf; Dr. Hashem Akbari, Director, Urban Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA Associate, Founder and Publisher, www.greenroofs.com; Diana Balmori, Landscape Designer and Principal, Balmori and Associates; and Steven Peck, Executive Director, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and Green Roof Infrastructure Monitor.

The Spring 2002 "Greener by Design" inaugural lecture series opened with "Interior Logic" on May 23. According to the Earth Pledge Foundation, "the Earth Pledge Lectures is an ongoing series taking place each Spring and Fall, featuring artists, authors, designers, chefs, critics, filmmakers, business leaders, and other creative figures whose work exposes and explores sustainable alternatives for how we think and live (www.earthpledge.org)."

Please click here for complete symposium program information. The lectures will be held at the Earth Pledge's Carriage House Center on Global Issues, 149 East 38th Street, Manhattan. The cost is $15 in advance; $20 at the door, and all ticket purchases are tax deductible. RSVP-Seating is limited. Email: CHo@earthpledge.org or call 212.725.6611 X249.

The Philadelphia Flower Show was held on March 3 - 10, 2002 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, this year's theme was "The Pleasures of the Garden." The Great Gardener Events included The Lecture Series, The Gardener's Studio, Garden Tea at the Flower Show, All-Star Culinary Presentations, The PFS Book Fair, and the American Institute of Floral Designers.

On March 3 at 4:00 a presentation was given on greenroofs from The Lecture Series by Robert Berchage of Penn State University. The Lecture Series "offers national and local gardening authors, celebrities and experts to discuss a broad range of horticultural topics including how-to tips for your flowers, yard and vegetable gardens," (www.philaflowershow.com/events.html).

The Philadelphia Water Department showcased "A Roof with a View." According to the Exhibit Descriptions, "The pleasures and advantages of a rooftop garden are shown with an exquisite Philadelphia skyline background. In addition to aesthetic appeal, a green roof responsibly addresses the issues of water conservation and water quality by helping to prevent storm water runoff. Other practical benefits include energy savings (temperature moderation) and increased durability of the roof's surface. A window box, shade tree, potted plant island, raised plant bed, and tiered containers show creative, low maintenance options for city dwellers who have no yard or lawn to cultivate. By utilizing native plant species and offering botanical beauty in a protected place, this realistic construction also provides a habitat for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects," (www.philaflowershow.com/2002exhibitdescriptions.htm). For further exhibit information, contact Arthur M. Holst at 215.685.6143. For additional show and ticket information, please visit www.philaflowershow.com.

The 2002 Southeastern Flower Show was held in Atlanta, Georgia on February 20 - 24, 2002 at the Atlanta Exposition Center. The largest flower and garden event in the southeast benefits the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and this year's theme was "Garden Treasures." The professionally designed vignettes of lush strolling gardens and environmentally friendly education gardens were entertaining and interesting. Many speakers educated and inspired visitors, and many people enjoyed the floral arrangements, horticultural specimens, guided tours, make and take workshops, unique offerings from the Marketplace, and fine tea in the English tradition in the elegant Tearoom.

Our environment was the "Garden Treasure" for the Atlanta Botanical Garden's exhibit, which featured a living extensive greenroof and material section. Tom Harvey and the horticulture crew, including Ozzie Johnson, of ABG was responsible for the beautiful greenroof design, and Linda Velazquez of Greenroofs.com provided the greenroof material section and designed the educational posters on display. Greenroofs.com would like to extend a special thanks to those who provided materials for the greenroof material section: Bobby Saul of Saul Nurseries for the plants and It' Saul Natural for the lightweight soil mix; Brian Sandven of The Garland Co. and Pride Roofing for the 3-ply waterproofing membrane. Linda was on hand Wednesday, February 20 to share her thoughts on greenroofs. For complete show information, see www.flowershow.org. To learn more about the Atlanta Botanical Garden, go to www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org, or visit them at 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta GA.


Opening day of the Flower Show, February 20, 2002		Atlanta Botanical Garden's Greenroof & Material Section

Read a review of the Southeastern Flower Show from the Atlanta Daily Journal online: (Make sure you read the blurb on greenroofs under "R" for TREASURES.)

Click on image to view or print each greenroof educational poster as a .pdf file:

Greenroof Ecological Benefits		Greenroof Aesthetic & Psychological Benefits
Greenroof Economic Benefits		Greenroof Residential Applications
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