Summer 2026: The Water Issue

This article explores how water impacts us physically and psychologically through examples of its influence on Polish history, development and green roof design. 

In dense urban environments with aging sewer systems, effectively managing rainwater poses several challenges. Learn how the City of Vancouver’s recently updated rainwater management criteria for new development targets these issues, and green roofs provide a practical strategy to support the updated requirements. 

Learn about the community-centric City Sponge program in New York City dedicated to managing flooding by being a clearinghouse of information about widespread, decentralized rooftop greening and other flood mitigation methods. 

As extreme rainfall increases, sponge cities offer a proven approach to flood mitigation, water management, and climate adaptation through green infrastructure.

This article explores the pros and cons of different approaches to irrigating green wall systems.

Learn the key differences between conventional and protected membrane roofing systems, waterproofing best practices, and how to build long-lasting green roof assemblies.

This article highlights the National Research Council of Canada-led Nature-Based Solutions on Commercial Roofs initiative, which is developing science-based methodologies to quantify and standardize the hydrological performance of rooftop flood mitigation assemblies.

Hear from artist, designer, and water expert Herbert Dreiseitl as he explores how cities can use natural systems to manage water, build climate resilience, and create healthier urban environments.

Learn the basics of municipal stormwater management planning and how green and blue-green roofs can be designed to meet water balance, quantity and quality targets, often contributing to more cost-effective compliance. 

Hydrologically diverse green roofs can treat wastewater on-site, conserve energy, retain 100 percent of stormwater, and support regional biodiversity. Learn about thirty-eight plant taxa for wet, mesic, or xeric green roofs.

Explore the top green infrastructure events of 2026, including CitiesAlive New York City (Sept 30 - Oct 3), Grey to Green Costa Mesa, and hands-on green roof training programs.