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City of Toronto to Require 'Green Roofs' on New Buildings
Almost a month ago, Toronto became the first city in North America to pass a mandatory green roof bylaw. Effective next February, all new buildings boasting over 2,000 square meters--residential, commercial and institutional--will be required to have a 'green roof' on a portion of their rooftops.
My initial assumption was that 'green roof' referred to improved insulation or some solar panels, but these green roofs will actually be green. The green roofs will include: a waterproof membrane, layers for root resistance, drainage, a growing medium and vegetation.
A study from Ryerson University influenced the City Council's decision to pass the bylaw. The Ryerson study claimed that the widespread greening of Toronto's roofs could reduce local temperatures from .5 to 2 degrees Celcius. Other enviornmental benefits include cutting energy consumption, improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff and providing space for local food production. Another study found that green roofs will reduce expenditures on infrastructure for storm water runoff, erosion control measures, pollution and energy costs.
The bylaw is not without its critics. Some argue that these green roofs might not be as beneficial as other options, such as solar roof panels. Solar panels and other technologies that might produce more energy or have greater environmental benefits will be ignored by designers now, some worry. Opposition also comes from much of the development industry, which already faces a tough environment to secure funding in for new projects. The vice-president of condominium developer Tridel Corporation told Reuters that green roofs could add $200,000 to the cost of construction and will be more costly to maintain.
Read more about Toronto's green roofs from the City of Toronto, Reuters, or Realty Times.
My initial assumption was that 'green roof' referred to improved insulation or some solar panels, but these green roofs will actually be green. The green roofs will include: a waterproof membrane, layers for root resistance, drainage, a growing medium and vegetation.
A study from Ryerson University influenced the City Council's decision to pass the bylaw. The Ryerson study claimed that the widespread greening of Toronto's roofs could reduce local temperatures from .5 to 2 degrees Celcius. Other enviornmental benefits include cutting energy consumption, improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff and providing space for local food production. Another study found that green roofs will reduce expenditures on infrastructure for storm water runoff, erosion control measures, pollution and energy costs.
The bylaw is not without its critics. Some argue that these green roofs might not be as beneficial as other options, such as solar roof panels. Solar panels and other technologies that might produce more energy or have greater environmental benefits will be ignored by designers now, some worry. Opposition also comes from much of the development industry, which already faces a tough environment to secure funding in for new projects. The vice-president of condominium developer Tridel Corporation told Reuters that green roofs could add $200,000 to the cost of construction and will be more costly to maintain.
Read more about Toronto's green roofs from the City of Toronto, Reuters, or Realty Times.
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