Wanting to play a leadership role, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) constructed their offices in Norristown, Pennsylvania to be so environmentally responsible that the building has earned the ?Gold? certification from LEED?, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. Although many factors are considered, overall the certification is given based on site selection, design, construction materials, and operation of the facility in an environmentally responsible manner, protecting the health of building occupants with minimal impact on the environment.

This green roof is part of a new building constructed for the Southeast Regional Headquarters of the Pennsylvania DEP, and, in addition to the green roof, the building incorporates many green features such as daylighting, water collection and reuse, and recycled materials.

Planted in December, 2003, the extensive green roof layout comprises two sections and was designed by Weston Solutions. It features six different sedum species arranged randomly on the roof to resemble a patchwork. These modules had been grown out for approximately 1 year prior to installation and provided full coverage at the time of placement. Employees can access the green roof at any time.

And the system they selected: a modular green roof system designed by Weston Solutions? and installed by GreenGrid? Green Roofs. But why modular? As with most facilities, GreenGrid?s modular system is preferred because it is cost effective, quick and easy to install, and easier to maintain than comparable built-in-place green roof systems.