Exploring Innovations and Insights: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' Upcoming Events
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Urban environments around the world are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, pollution, and overdevelopment. In the pursuit of creating healthier and more sustainable cities, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) has created three upcoming events that will help promote the use of green roofs and walls across North America. These events offer a diverse range of opportunities for professionals, students, and advocates to exchange knowledge, learn from experts, and drive positive change.
Virtual Green Infrastructure Research Symposium - October 25th
The Virtual Green Infrastructure Research Symposium is to be held online on October 25th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST. This pay what you can symposium will bring together a dynamic array of professionals, researchers, and students who are passionate about green roofs and environmental research. The symposium will be a catalyst for knowledge exchange and all industry professionals are invited to attend to discover the latest in North American green roof research.
Prominent academics and emerging professionals will lead the symposium along two distinct tracks:
Academic Research Track: Established Experts in the field will share their research findings, showcasing the latest trends and developments in green roofs research. Presentations like "Grassland Green Roofs" and "The Effect of Annual Compost Additions to Green Roof Media on Lettuce Production" will provide a deep dive into recent academic findings.
Emerging Professionals/Students Track: This track will showcase the research of the next generation of professionals, offering a platform for them to present their ideas. Explorations such as "Stormwater Management Using Blue Roofs" and "3D Printed Green Wall for Sustainable Food Production" will exemplify the sustainable solutions that the future holds.
The symposium prides itself on being inclusive, featuring a "pay what you can" model to ensure that all interested individuals, regardless of financial constraints, can access this valuable knowledge-sharing opportunity. To the full agenda with abstracts, and to register, please see here.
New York Region City Grey to Green Conference
October 23-24, 2023, the New York Region City Grey to Green Conference will gather industry experts and professionals to explore the latest advancements in green development specific to New York City’s needs.
GRIMP training in Toronto during the Grey to Green Conference, 2023.
Urban sustainability and resilience have never been more crucial, and the Grey to Green Conference aims to address these challenges head-on. As a leader in green infrastructure, GRHC has collaborated with New York City to drive the adoption of green roof mandates and incentives, aiming to achieve the ambitious goal of 12% green roof coverage by 2050 as described in the comprehensive GHG reduction plan, Project Drawdown.
Day one of the conference, which has a separate registration from day two, will feature expert plenary sessions discussing new regulations, local laws 92 and 94 and more, will take place against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Grange - Sunset Park Urban Rooftop Farm. Day two will feature the "Green Roof Installation & Maintenance Professional Training" (GRIMP) program and certification, combining expert presentations with hands-on training to equip professionals with the skills needed to make an impact. The training will take place at the New York Green Roofs facility.
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Speakers and topics include:
Melissa Enoch, Managing Director of Green Infrastructure Planning & Partnerships, New York City Department of Environmental Protection: NYC DEP Unified Stormwater Regulations
Vicki Sando, Education Green Roof Consultant and STEM Coordinator, PS41 - The Greenwich Village School: Designing Educational Green Roofs In a Post-Pandemic World: A Case Study
Dr. Paul Mankiewicz, GRP, Ecological Engineer, Leaf Island Inc.: Dense Green Roof Vegetation Supplied with Water Reverses Local Urban Heat Island
Registration fees which include expert speakers, lunch and beverages are $200 USD or $175 USD for GRHC Members. The conference is expected to be approved for 7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by organizations such as AIA, ASLA, and is approved for 7 Green Roof Professional (GRP). To learn more about the detailed agenda, pricing, or to register, click here.
Cascadia Grey to Green Conference: Empowering Change Through Green Infrastructure
Speakers during the Toronto Grey to Green Conference, 2023.
Scheduled for November 2-3, 2023, the Cascadia Grey to Green Conference offers a blend of hands-on training, expert speakers, tours, and panel discussions. This in-person event held in Vancouver aims to empower architects, urban planners, engineers, policymakers, researchers, students, and advocates to tackle climate change and enhance sustainability through green infrastructure.
Day one of the conference, on November 2, will feature the final "Green Roof Installation & Maintenance Professional Training" (GRIMP) session of the year at RCABC headquarters in Langley. Day two will feature a full-day conference with plenary-style technical sessions, technical presentations, panel discussions, and a trade show, all aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to implement more green roofs. Registration for the plenary style sessions will be $150 USD ($205 CAD).
Speakers on day one include:
Jean von Bargen Root, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA, PMP, ASSOC. DBIA - Principal | Director of Sustainability, MWA Architects
Christine Thuring, PhD, GRP - GRIN-BC/Ecotone: Restoring Biodiversity
Ryan Vasseur - Manager of Living Architecture Ecosystems, Architek Group of Companies: Maximizing Biodiversity on Green Roofs
The conference will be approved for 7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). It is approved for 7 Green Roof Professional (GRP) Credits, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals to enhance their learnings. For more information and to register, click here.
Conclusion
GRHC is leading the charge in advancing urban sustainability and environmental resilience through its upcoming events. The Virtual Green Infrastructure Research Symposium offers a platform for diverse academics to exchange knowledge and explore cutting-edge research in green roofs. The New York Region City Grey to Green Conference and the Cascadia Grey to Green Conference empowers a wide range of professionals and advocates to combat climate change through green infrastructure. These events not only facilitate learning but also contribute to the collective mission of creating healthier, more sustainable cities. By participating, attendees play a vital role in shaping the future of urban environments and promoting positive change on a global scale. Visit the GRHC website to join this transformative journey towards greener, more resilient cities.
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Rushil Malik is the Marketing Manager at Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. She is a recent graduate from the University of Western Ontario, receiving an Honours Bachelors of Arts.
