Rafael Espinal, Jr of City & State NY writes:

When the new concert venue Brooklyn Steel opened its doors a couple years ago, it brought a state-of-the-art cultural amenity to north Brooklyn – a place where people could see their favorite bands, enjoy local food and drinks and dance the night away. But hidden from view was something that truly set the new venue apart: a green roof.

This wasn’t just for aesthetic reasons. Green roofs, which are roofs that are partially or completely covered in some form of vegetation, are tremendous assets to neighborhoods and the environment. They can be used to sound-proof buildings by acting as a sound insulation barrier, as Brooklyn Steel did. They can also cut energy usage, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect, which refers to a phenomenon where cities have higher average temperatures than surrounding areas.

New York City should Require Green Roofs

Barclay’s Center Plaza at Atlantic Yards is the $1 billion newly-opened landmark sports and entertainment arena in Brooklyn, NY. Originally designed by SHoP Architects and the sport facility practice at Ellerbe Becket, the arena was constructed above the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center subway station.

American Hydrotech technology successfully helped bring the architects’ plans to life, transforming the subway transit entrance into an innovative and visually-appealing green space for residents and patrons of the center to enjoy.

Follow Rafael Espinal, Jr.’s (councilman from Brooklyn) efforts in bringing legislation for Green Roofs in NYC here:

• New York City Council Committee held a Hearing to Consider Green Roof Legislation
• Green Roof Bill Hearing at New York City Hall

Read more: New York City should require green roofs