Make It Green!

By: Sasha Bueno, Jenn Emon, Angela Leung, Amy Kwan, Vicky Vitasek

OCAD has always had a green mind, so we thought that our school should have a green roof to prove the point. Through research we have come up with a plausable plan of action to make OCAD's green roof possible.

Here's what we've got...

Inter view with Peter Lashko, Director of Facilities Planning Management

Entry Level Green Roof (minimal)
- White tar paper, reflecting back the heat of the sun so no need to air conditioning. Unfortunately in the winter it would be useless because you would want to retain the heat.

Second Level Green Roof

-Garden, trees, shrubs, bushes contained in a plastic (petroleum) or metal base

Green Roof, Sharpe Centre for Design

Estimated cost: $420,000

- Install small sections of “green” roof around the existing mechanical equipment

- It will encompass up to 50% of the total rooftop area

- This project will conform to the Strategic Plan as a step toward enhanced sustainability

- It will reduce energy consumption and green house gas emissions

- It will absorb of rainwater.

- Access and structural capacity of the roof would allow for a green roof with environmental benefits but not for a social amenity space

- Because of the height, installing a green roof on the Sharp Centre will not be as visible as 205 Richmond (except from the CN Tower and other tall buildings)

Green Roof, 100 McCaul Main Building

Estimated cost: $125,000

- Install up to 4000 sp. ft of “green” roof on the east and west sides of the main elevator core where there is relatively little mechanical equipment (over the front lobby or over the great hall)

- Shade tolerant plans will be required due to the shadowing effect of the Sharp Centre

- Storm water will have to diverted from the Sharp centre roof to the lower roof for irrigation purposes

- This project will also conform to the Strategic Plan as a step toward sustainability.

- Access and structural capacity of the roof would allow for a green roof with environmental benefits but not for a social amenity space

- Because of the number of existing ventilation units, a green roof on the 100 McCaul will not be as visible as 205 Richmond.

Green Roof, 205 Richmond St.W

Estimated cost: $200,000

- Install a “green” roof to provide environmental benefits and high-profile demonstration of OCAD’s commitment of sustainability

- It will also confirm the Strategic Plan as a setp toward enhances sustainability

Access and structural capacity of the roof will allow for a visible green roof with environment benefits, but not for a social amenity space. (cost for accessibility would be too high, extending elevators and stairs, fire exit)

What’s on a green roof?

• Because of the increased droughts in Toronto in the summer we have to think of plants that can stand up to the heat
• Also, plants that are low maintenance don’t require gardeners to come and water and prune every week
• Some of these low maintenance options are grasses and plants native to central Canada
• Grasses, when they grow tall, are huge heat absorbers and can lower the ‘urban heat island’
• Examples of hardy plants are peonies, tiger lilies, orange poppies and wild columbines
• What about trees?
• Green roofs have a shallow layer of soil so trees like ash, willow and apple wouldn’t survive
• Conifers like pine, spruce and juniper require little room for their roots and stand up amazingly to heat and drought
• Therefore tough plants that can be found in Canadian meadows would have the best chance against the harsh urban sun

Fundraising

Since the budget of acquiring a green roof(s) for OCAD is quite costly, there are several ways that can be done to help promote and fundraise for one:

1) Possibly to have those in ID designing and set a donation “box” promoting the green roof project in the sharp centre. Ideally, the money would be collected every night (if not week) to prevent any theft. Posters would also be made from other students in the art/design faculties, and those posters are to be put up around the school. Also, the project could perhaps be advertised in several student publications.

To widen our scope, we could promote the project on the Alumni newsletter and ask if there are any willing to volunteer.

2) Similar to year one’s principle of interaction design class, holding an annual fair filled with activities that endorse sustainable design for fundraising at Butter field park. Instead of lasting for one day, it could last around one week (possibly one day per year level; ie- day one, year one holds the fair, day two year two, etc).

Garden sales can be held throughout the year in Butter field park, selling various type of plants and flowers.

3) OCAD could hold a special benefit event (be it a small banquet, a show of student work comprised of recycled materials, etc) along with contests. This event could also invite the donors of OCAD and other guests, having tickets sold prior to.

These methods are meant to be taken in steps and are meant to be a process. It may take some time before we can afford one roof, but the effort put into it will not be forgotten.

The amount of input towards this project from our community can vary; this can start off as a student club, or even reach to being a final project in a think tank class, anyone can be involved.

Thank You For Your Time! Make it Green!