Ziptrek Ecotours

The Power of the ‘Groof’

JUNE 2011

The design and ingenuity put into the built environment can have a significant impact from an environmental standpoint. The choice of building materials, a pragmatic use of resources, the decision to install energy and water conserving products, and the choice of where to develop housing and other facilities all have a clear influence on the ecological footprint of a building, both during construction and in the long term.

Whistler is home to some excellent examples of green building initiatives, including the Spring Creek Firehall, the Austria Passive House, and the Whistler Public Library, in addition to other LEED certified projects (for more details, please see the whistler2020 website). Interestingly, an attractive feature of the Whistler Public Library is also a feature that contributes to its green reputation – the green roof. Green roofs, or ‘groofs’ are aesthetically pleasing features of buildings (for those of us who prefer a touch of nature versus a concrete jungle). However, many believe that the contribution of groofs to greening a community ends at the aesthetic level.

It is crucial, therefore, to demystify the green roof – features which are an unusual hybrid of attractiveness, affordability (in the long-term), and most importantly, they are efficacious in making buildings more environmentally friendly and their surrounding environment more clean.

The environmental benefits of green roofs are widely varied. The most pronounced advantage is the reduction in the energy usage involved in heating and cooling of buildings. The organic material acts as an insulator, preventing heat loss in the colder months. For cities, the energy associated with cooling buildings in the summer is decreased as the vegetation on green roofs reduces the urban ‘heat island’ effect. Other environmental advantages include the reduction in stormwater runoff which can adversely affect fish and wildlife habitat; the creation of opportunities for community gardens and local food production; and finally an improvement in air quality.

Cost is an interesting point of contention with green roofs. They are undeniably pricey to install and maintain - the going rates for installation of green roofs range from $10 to $25 per square foot. In the long term, however, the environmental advantages give rise to economic advantages. The major savings come into play in terms of lowering energy requirements. A study conducted by Ryerson University estimated the annual savings that would occur if all rooftops in the City of Toronto installed green roofs – the results were staggering. It was estimated that the total savings of the city would be approximately $37 million, with $21 million of the total due to the reduction of building energy costs.

The green roof movement is slowly but surely gaining momentum in North America. Although it is not feasible at this stage to consider covering every rooftop in Toronto or Vancouver with groofs, there is certainly enough evidence to support a more dramatic emphasis on their usage. It is safe to say that more green roofs would be a welcome addition to the Whistler community.

by: Alison McKenzie