GREEN ROOF

Here are just a few reasons of why I propose OCAD to implement the Green Roof project for out Sharp Center of Design at 100 McCaul Street:

1. GRs (Green Roofs) reduce increase in air temperature:
- they re-radiate most of sun's energy
- they have heat insulation properties
- therefore, less energy is required to cool off the building
- therefore, less hot air needed from mechanical cooling systems
2. GRs improve air quality:
- they reduce out-site air temperature
- less dust in the air
- they serve as natural air filters (photosynthesis)
- they reduce internal temperature fluctuations
- and roof's life span extends
3. GRs provide for the reduction of storm water runoff:
- plus, they reduce incidents such as surcharge, overflow, creek erosion etc.

Ok..... NOT ENOUGH reasons?
4. GR's improve building's aesthetics (wouldn't those pictures in T-Dot magazines look much more attractive?)
5. GRs create more jobs
6. We can contact with nature right on our roof! Why not even have proposed Yoga sessions on our new green roof?
7. Additional green space where we can grow veggies for our new Health Food Booth

Now, MONEY of course matter in the first place, as always... so what are our market prices for GRs?:
- Inaccessible extensive green roof with 150 mm of thick growing medium costs more than $12 per sq. foot than a standard flat roof, which excludes structural upgrades and maintenance
- Accessible intensive green roof costs THREE times more

Now, my question is Would such costs likely reduce as the use of green roofs increases?

Here are some great examples of already existing GR projects around the world...
Above is Library of Delft Technical University in the Netherlands

Above is one of the Chicago's GR projects

Above is my favourite so far is the Fukuoka building in Fukuoka city in Japan, which accommodates offices and retail spaces, 2,000 seat theatre and a museum.

Thank You,

Yana Haiduk