LANDSCAPES N E W S L E T T E R
NORTH J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE:
GREEN ROOFS: AN OVERVIEW
BY JAY LAZZARIN
Green Roofs - 1
An Overview The current movement of green architecture in respond to specific design opportunities and con‐
North BAmerica
Y J A Yhas L Abeen
Z Z Apresent
R I N for approxi‐ straints.
Toronto’s 3 mately the past ten years. In reality, green roofs
Green Roof
have a much longer tradition in Europe and have Green Roof Categories
Featured
earlier ties to North America, utilizing older tech‐ There are three basic categories of green roof
4
nology and heavier materials. The intent of this infrastructure, based on the depth of the growing
Featured Pro- 5
article is to provide a general overview on the medium and its ability to support particular plant
basic components, types of green roofs, and their species: extensive, semi‐intensive and intensive.
benefits. Each of these three types have different charac‐
Food Security 6
teristics as described in Table 1‐1 (at end of arti‐
Basic Components cle).
All green roof systems contain a number of essen‐
tial components that should be specified on all Generally speaking, each category of green roof
projects. As illustrated on the sketch below, these provides design and performance based opportu‐
include a waterproofing membrane, insulation, nities which reflect its characteristics. Some of
these design characteristics are as follows:
• the deeper the growing medium, the
greater the diversity of plant species.
• extensive roof systems have lower capital
and maintenance costs and maybe de‐
signed with no irrigation system. (In most
situations, semi‐intensive and intensive
roof systems require irrigation systems).
root barrier, drainage layer combined with filter
cloth, growing medium and vegetation.
There are also a number of optional components
which, depending on design, can be instrumental
to a project's ability to meet its performance
goals. These include a water retention layer, irri‐
gation system, water features, walkways & patios,
curbs and edging, railings and lighting. Extensive green roof
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
The products and installation methods will vary • intensive roof systems provide the best
from project to project to meet design require‐ insulation properties and storm water
ments, budget and project constraints. Numer‐ management.
ous green roof products are on the market which
Article continued on next page
PAGE 2
….continued from pg.1
Benefits Urban Agriculture ‐ Food products could be gener‐
Green roofs pro‐ ated from propagation on green roofs.
vide a wide vari‐ Air Quality ‐ Airborne particles and pollutants are
ety of private and filtered from the atmosphere by the substrates and
public benefits. vegetation on a green roof.
Some benefits Amenity Space ‐ In dense urban environments
are common to there is often a lack of green space for residents.
all projects, while Roof Gardens and roof top parks provide valuable
others result space for relaxation and refuge.
Intensive green roof system from specific Extended Roof Life ‐ Although green roofs are rela‐
Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver, BC
design and tively new in North American, European examples
owner objectives. The challenge of green roof de‐ have show that the life span of a roof membrane
signers is to develop green roofs with multiple bene‐ can be extended 2 to 2.5 times longer.
fits, integrating the green roof design into the over‐
all function of the building. Several common and With all these benefits, why aren't more green
project specific benefits associated with green roofs roofs being developed? As you can surmise, the
are as follows: primary reason is capital cost. The cost to develop
Reduction of Urban Heat Island an extensive green roof, (the cheapest of the three
Green roofs are recognized to have a positive effect categories), is $10 to $19 per square foot. Hope‐
on reducing the Heat Island Effect, minimizing im‐ fully, as new technologies and materials become
pact on microclimate and human and wildlife habi‐ more readily available, this cost can be reduced. In
tat. addition, as more municipalities (such as Portland,
Biodiversity ‐Green roofs can provide important Oregon; Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto) em‐
refuges for wildlife in urban areas. brace the numerous benefits of green roofs and
Water ‐ Green roofs can significantly reduce the offer incentives for their installation, it is hoped
surface run off volumes and rates of rainfall leaving that bonuses, cash fee rebates and incentives to
roofs. As a source control mechanism in the Sus‐ develop green roofs will be available in more cities
tainable Urban Drainage System green roofs can to accelerate their construction.
help reduce flash floods as a consequence of intense
rainfall events. This will become increasingly
important as a consequence of climate
change.
Green roofs also improve the quality of wa‐
ter, and although the amount of water is
reduced, it is possible to harvest rainwater
from roofs which have been greened.
Thermal Performance ‐ Green roofs cannot
be given a U‐value at present, however they
have been shown to significantly reduce the
need for air conditioning in summer and can
provide a degree of insulation in the winter.
Sound Insulation ‐ The combination of soil,
plants and trapped layers of air within green
roof systems can act as a sound insulation
barrier. Sound waves are absorbed, re‐
flected or deflected. The growing medium
Semi-Intensive green roof system
tends to block lower sound frequencies whilst the Agora—UNBC, Prince George, BC
plants block higher frequencies.
….continued on next page
LANDSCAPES NORTH
NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
Table 1‐1
CHARACTERISTIC EXTENSIVE SEMI-INTENSIVE INTENSIVE
Growing Medium Depth 6" or less 25% above or below 6" More than 6"
Accessibility Often inaccessible Maybe partially accessi- Usually accessible
ble
Fully Saturated Weight Low Varies High
10 - 35 lb / ft2 35-50 lb / ft2 50 - 300 lb / ft2
(48.8 - 170.9 kg / m2 (170 - 244.1 kg / m2) (244.1 - 1,464l7 kg / m2)
Plant diversity Low Greater Greatest
Cost Low Varies High
Maintenance Minimal Varies Varies , but is generally
high
Chart: Green Roofs Infrastructure: Design and Installation 201
Participant's Manual
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
www.greenroofs.org
TORONTO’S GREEN ROOF BYLAW—A MODEL
By Steven W. Peck
From Living Architecture Monitor, Fall 2011
Cities around the world have begun mandating green roofs on their
new buildings because they turn wasted roof spaces into green infra-
structure that generates multiple benefits. Toronto’s leadership with
the Green Roof Bylaw is helping law makers across North America.
For example, in Devens, Massachusetts, they recently used the To-
ronto Bylaw to model their new green roof policy which also includes a
requirement for accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRP’s) to work
on green roof project teams.
Toronto’s Bylaw has already resulted in more than 1.2-million-
square-feet of new green space planned on new commercial, institu-
tional, and multi-unit residential developments across the City. The
Bylaw came into effect January 31, 2010, and the resulting public and
private green roof benefits will include the following: 10 years: 10.4 million square feet
• More than 125 full-time jobs related to manufacture, design, installation and maintenance.
• Reduction of more than 435,00 cubic feet (approx. 50 Olympic sized swimming pools) of stormwater each
year.
• Tangible reduction of the urban heat island effect, the artificial heating of the city.
• Annual energy savings of over 1.5 million kWh for building owners and improved air quality.
• Extension of the waterproofing life expectancy which saves building owners money and reduces landfill waste.
• Aesthetic improvements and new recreational opportunities on accessible green roofs.
• Preservation of biodiversity, particularly birds, bees, and other beneficial insects and plants that support urban
agriculture.
If we continue to implement green roofs in Toronto at this rate, we can see significant annual impact on energy
consumption and a reduction in the urban heat island effect. Environment Canada modeling has demonstrated that an
area covered by 10-million square feet of green roofs, the size of 10 Queens Parks, would reduce temperatures in that
area by one to two degrees centigrade and will help save tens of millions in energy costs by reducing the peak load de-
mand in Toronto. Environment Canada scientists have estimated that the energy savings on heating and cooling gener-
ated by 10-million square feet of green roofs in Toronto are over 15 million kWh, the equivalent of running 29,593 60-
watt light bulbs year-round. For more information about Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw go to www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/overview
LANDSCAPES NORTH
PAGE 4
FEATURED PLANT
AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS
On many occasions, I have been asked if Azaleas and Rhododendrons will thrive in North and Central
British Columbia. There are a few hybrids which are hardy to –35°C and research is ongoing to increase
this selection. The genus ‘Rhododendron’ is one of the largest genera of woody plants, containing over
800 species. The names ‘Azalea’ and ‘Rhododendron’ are general terms used to describe sub-groups
within the genus. The few Azaleas which survive in North/Central British Columbia belong to the sub-
genus Pentanthera and are characterized by being deciduous. The majority of Rhododendrons have
evergreen leaves and usually two stamens within the flower, and are not hardy to North/Central BC.
Northern Lights Series of Hybrid Azaleas
(“Pink Lights’) pictured at left
Flower Color: Light pink with a sweet floral
scent.
Mature height/spread: 2.4m (8’-0”)
Hardy: To –40ºC
“White Lights” Azalea (pictured right)
Flower color: White with a slight yel-
low blotch, extremely floriferous.
Hardy: To –35ºC
Mature height/spread: 1.52m (5’-0”)
“Orchid Lights” Azalea (pictured left)
Flower color: Lilac pink
Hardy: To –45ºC
Mature height/spread: 1.0m (3’-0”)
Rhododendron “P.J.M.” (pictured right)
One of the few evergreen Rhododen-
drons hardy to North/Central BC.
Flower color: Lavender pink flowers
Hardy: To –35ºC
Mature height: 0.6m (2’-0”)
Mature Spread: 1.0m (3’-0”)
SITE SELECTION AND SOIL PREPARATION
The ability to grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons successfully depends on site selection and soil prepara-
tion. For Azaleas, an area with full sun to partial sun is preferable although they will tolerate slight shade.
The evergreen Rhododendrons will tolerate more shade than Azaleas and need protection from winter
sun to prevent leaf burn.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are also sensitive to extreme heat. Try to avoid selecting areas
such as an exposed south side of a house where heat is reflected and can build up. Also avoid areas
where wind and root competition with other plants could be a problem.
Because of their shallow, fibrous root systems, Azaleas and Rhododendrons tend to dry out rap-
idly and will require watering during dry periods, especially during hot summer days. With this need for
irrigation, a site with good drainage is a must.
……..continued on next page
LANDSCAPES NORTH
NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
Azaleas and Rhododendrons require an acid soil for best growth. As most of our northern soils are
not acidic, the addition of compost, peat, sulphur, or ferrous sulphate can lower the pH. A pH of 4.0 to 5.5
is optimum. Organic matter should also be added liberally to the soil. Compost, manure or peat moss
will provide necessary organic matter.
In our climate, Azaleas and Rhododendrons do not have many serious pest problems and pesti-
cides are usually not necessary. If proper species and cultivars are chosen, no winter protection is needed
other than that used to discourage rabbits, mice, and deer.
FEATURED PROJECT
COMMONWEALTH SENIORS COMPLEX
Client: BC Housing & Commonwealth Financial Partnership
Architect: Access Engineering & Graham Goodall Architect
Contractors: Yellowridge Construction
Landscape Architect: Jay Lazzarin Landscape Architect
Landscape Contractor: L&L Landscape & Design Ltd.
Completed: July 2012
Landscape Value: Approximately $100,000.00
A former gaming hall and associated onsite parking lot have been trans-
formed into a medical building and a 36 unit, 4 storey senior's housing com-
plex.
In conjunction with the senior's complex, a 340m2 irrigated green roof was constructed on the former suspended concrete
parking lot. The green roof consists of a highly valued semi-private patio, semi-intensive green roof, planting beds and two
screened outdoor courtyards adjacent to two senior units. The 78m2 hydrapressed concreted patio, located adjacent to the
meeting / all-purpose room, provides the opportunity for group outdoor activities, BBQ's, personal reflection and year round
visual appeal. The courtyard provides protection from sun and wind with the installation of an overhead trellis, enclosure on
three sides with building walls, and on the remaining south side, a 6'-0" high stained, wood screen fence.
As 'phase 1' of a two phase housing project, the hydrapressed slab walkway will connect with the outdoor patio of an adjacent
second housing development. The fence on the south boundary provides a temporary division between a united outdoor
courtyard, approximately twice the current size.
Plant material consists of three varieties of Sedum, Blue Oat Grass,
Virginia Creeper and Explorer Series Roses, that provide flower
color during the summer months.
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PAGE 6
A SKY-LEVEL ANSWER TO THE ISSUE OF FOOD SECURITY
From Living Architecture Monitor, Fall 2011, 2011 Awards of Excellence
Award Recipient: Brooklyn Grange
Brooklyn Grange is a pioneer in rooftop agriculture. The nity for Brooklyn
40,000 square foot commercial farm is located on the roof- Grange’s compost pro-
top of a six-storey building in the dense environment of gram, and this further
Queens, New York. The project integrates traditional in- reduces the amount of
tensive green roof design with organic agriculture and per- inputs needed to maintain
maculture principles to create a commercially viable urban the growing medium. As
farm. In its first abbreviated growing season, the farm well, the green roof sys-
raised 13,000 pounds of produce, a number that will be tem holds up to 1” of wa-
topped in 2011. In its second season (year) of full produc- ter in reserve, reducing the
tion, the farm is producing dozens of varieties of vegetables burden on New York
and herbs and is selling the output to local restaurants and City’s stormwater man-
direct to the public through farm markets and community agement system and allowing for less frequent crop irrigation.
supported agriculture (CSA) shares. This local distribution The farm has entered into unchartered territory in the
lowers the fossil fuel consumption by transportation. The urban agriculture movement by achieving a scale never before
farm participates in community outreach programs by pro- seen in an urban rooftop farm application. This hybrid green
viding tours and volunteer opportunities to local residents, roof farming project has generated global interest and has
schools, community groups, and other community mem- proven the feasibility of commercial rooftop farming in the
bers who otherwise would not have an opportunity to ex- urban environment. Brooklyn Grange is an innovator in the
perience an organic farm. roof is continuing to grow. A chicken coop was recently in-
The green roof uses a 6”-18” media depth depend- stalled and a small flock of Rhode Island hens lay eggs and call
ing on the location, using organic soil media by Rooflite the roof their home. Four beehives were also added in 2011.
mixed with compost. The roof is designed to use minimal As Brooklyn Grange continues to evolve, it will further cement
resources. Food scraps, fallen leaves, wood shavings, and itself as a successful link between the green roof and urban agri-
other biodegradables are collected from the local commu- culture communities.
Jay Lazzarin
Landscape Architect
#202 - 1300 1st. Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 2Y3
(Tel.) 888-563-6158 www.jl-landarch.com
LANDSCAPES NORTH
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2013
