GREENBACKS FROM GREEN ROOFS: FORGING A NEW INDUSTRY IN CANADA STATUS REPORT ON BENEFITS, BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREEN ROOF AND VERTICAL GARDEN TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION Prepared by: Steven W. Peck Chris Callaghan Monica E. Kuhn, Architect B.E.S., B. Arch., O. A.A. and Brad Bass, PhD. Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Environment Canada Prepared for: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation March 1999 Table of Contents Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................4 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................5 1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................9 1.1 Research Objectives and Methodology....................................................................9 1.2 Overview of the Report...........................................................................................10 2.0 History, Definitions and Applications..........................................................................11 2.1 Early and Recent History........................................................................................11 2.2 Green Roof Definition.............................................................................................13 2.3 Vertical Garden Definition .....................................................................................15 2.4 New Buildings and Retrofits - Loading Capacity and Upgrading for Accessibility ..16 2.5 Installation, Maintenance, and Upkeep ..................................................................17 3.0 Quantifiable and Qualitative Benefits.........................................................................17 3.1 Improvement of Air Quality..................................................................................18 3.2 Climate Change – Mitigation and Adaptation ......................................................19 3.3 Temperature Regulation .....................................................................................21 3.4 Creation of Microclimates....................................................................................21 3.5 Plants and Building Insulation .............................................................................22 3.6 Moderation of the Urban Heat Island Effect ........................................................24 3.7 Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Exchange ..............................................................25 3.8 Stormwater Management....................................................................................26 3.9 Water Filtration and Quality Improvement...........................................................29 3.10 Other Water-based Benefits...............................................................................29 3.11 Sound Insulation.................................................................................................30 3.12 Building Envelope Protection and Life Extension ...............................................30 3.13 Aesthetic Improvements .....................................................................................31 3.14 General Health Benefits and Horticultural Therapy ............................................31 3.15 Improved Safety .................................................................................................32 3.16 Recreation/Amenity Space .................................................................................33 3.17 Community Building............................................................................................33 3.18 Economic Benefits..............................................................................................34 3.19 Job Creation .......................................................................................................37 3.20 Preservation of Habitat and Biodiversity.............................................................39 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................40 4.0 Barriers to Green Roof and Vertical Garden Technology Diffusion ...........................40 4.1 Lack of Knowledge and Awareness .......................................................................41 4.2 Lack of Incentives to Implement.............................................................................44 4.3 Cost-based Barriers ...............................................................................................45 4.4 Technical Issues and Risks Associated with Uncertainty.......................................46 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................49 5.0 Generating Opportunity – Towards A National Action Plan .......................................50 5.1 Addressing Knowledge and Awareness Barriers ...................................................50 5.2 Generating Awareness through High Profile Demonstration Projects....................51 5.3 Government Procurement Support for Technology Diffusion.................................52 5.4 Establishing Direct Government Policy and Program Support ...............................52 5.5 Exploring Additional Financial Incentives to Overcome Cost-based Barriers.........53 5.6 Technical Issues and Associated Uncertainty........................................................53 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................54 References........................................................................................................................55 Appendix I.........................................................................................................................58 Appendix II........................................................................................................................60 Case Study A:The Boyne River Ecology Centre ...........................................................60 Case Study B:Conservation Co-operative Homes Inc...................................................61 Case Study C:Luxury Condominium Building................................................................62 Case Study D:Mary Lambert-Swale Green Roof, Homes First Society.........................63 Case Study E:University of Toronto Vertical Garden ....................................................64 Case Study F:Franz Schryer Vertical Garden ...............................................................65 Case Study G:Field to Table Green Roof......................................................................66 Case Study H:Gruendack fuer Kuehlwasser .................................................................67 Case Study I: Vancouver Public Library Green Roof ....................................................68 Case Study J: Mountain Equipment Co-op Green Roof................................................69 Case Study K: Cooperative d’habitation Chloé – Green Roof.......................................70 Case Study L: Copropriétés Manrêse – Green Roof.....................................................71 Appendix III.......................................................................................................................72 Appendix IV.......................................................................................................................77 This project was carried out with the assistance of a grant from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the terms of the External Research Program (CMHC File 6585-P085). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the official views of the Corporation. Acknowledgements This research project was made possible by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through its External Research Program and through the in kind support of Environment Canada, Environmental Adaptation Research Group. The report was prepared by Steven Peck, Principal, Peck & Associates; Monica E. Kuhn, Architect; Dr. Brad Bass, Environment Canada; and Chris Callaghan, Associate, Peck & Associates. The project received valuable support and guidance from a Senior Advisory Team comprised of: • Greg Allen, Principal, Allen Kani & Associates • Frank Baxter, Vice President, Semple-Gooder Roofing Ltd. • Sean Cosgrove, Consultant, Toronto Food Policy Council • Dr. Roger Hansell, Associate Director, Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto • Evan Jones, Energy Analyst Specialist, Rose Technology Group • Arnie Rose, Manager, Programs and Administration, City of Toronto Housing Division The project advisor from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation was Susan Fisher. The workshop component of the research was made possible through the support and efforts of a number of individuals and organizations: • Debra Wright, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jack Layton, Toronto City Councilor; and Marie-Anne Boivin, Soprema Inc. (Presenters) • Anna Hercz, Senior Associate, Peck & Associates (Lead Facilitator) • Stephanie Tencer and Karen Campbell, Research Associates, Peck & Associates • Lauren Baker, Tracy Loverock, Michelle Rothman and Hayley Easto (Recorders) Special thanks for their in-kind and/or financial sponsorship of the workshop to: • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation • Environment Canada • Air & Waste Management Association