On the Road with GRHC: Green Roofs, Conferences, and New Resources in 2025

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Green Roofs for Healthy Cities 2025 Road Trip

*Green Infrastructure on the streets of the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood in Vancouver, seen right after our post-conference networking session. Photo: GRHC*

This year has been incredible for advancing the conversation around green infrastructure, as we have hosted a series of dynamic Grey to Green Conferences and GRIMP Training sessions across North America. Each event brought together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners to share their knowledge, exchange new ideas, and strengthen the skills needed to accelerate the adoption of green roofs and walls. The energy, engagement, and enthusiasm from participants has been truly inspiring.

On May 23rd, we kicked off the season with the Vancouver Grey to Green Conference. The presentations were outstanding, covering everything from new green infrastructure mapping practices that were undertaken by GRIN BC and Gentian, to design philosophies on how to retrofit cities and buildings for climate change resilience.

*Jennifer Court, Executive Director, Asset Management Ontario & Ruthanne Henry, CSLA, OALA, Senior Project Manager, City of Toronto delivering their presentation on asset management. Photo: GRHC*

From June 19–20, the spotlight shifted to the Toronto Grey to Green Conference, Co-Hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University, and Green Roof Installation and Maintenance (GRIMP) Training hosted by Gingko Sustainability at their facilities. Students took part in building four different types of green roof systems, just before the rain came. At Grey to Green, the conference sessions highlighted the incredible findings from the Urban Farm Living Lab and the TOsustain Research Program, advances in climate change asset management by the City of Toronto, and an interactive panel discussion on best practices in green roof maintenance and installation with prominent green roof and wall contractors in Toronto. Our GRIMP Training, led by Blaine Stand of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, was a major highlight — the session was packed, and participants walked away with hands-on tips and proven techniques from our trainers to help them excel in installation and maintenance.

On August 14–15 our road trip continued with the Denver Grey to Green Conference, co-Hosted by Colorado State University Spur, and GRIMP Training with Andy Creath, President of Green Roofs of Colorado. Conference attendees enjoyed a powerful lineup of presentations covering the full spectrum of green infrastructure topics, from using a sponge-city design approach to manage stormwater in urban areas, to exploring the opportunities for technology to be integrated into rooftop farms and other urban agricultural practices. The GRIMP Training, led by Andy Creath was a huge success, with participants gaining practical, real-world knowledge and insider tips that will set them up for success in implementing and maintaining their green roof projects.

Together, these events showcased the power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on learning to drive the green infrastructure movement forward. With every conference and training session, we continue to build momentum and inspire new champions for greener, healthier, and more resilient communities across North America. Upcoming Grey to Green and GRIMP Training events include Houston (Sept. 25), Raleigh NC, (Oct. 23-24) and Washington DC (Nov. 14-15). See below.

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*Denver GRIMP Training participants celebrating the progress on their green roof modules! Photo: GRHC*

Lastly, a big thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors this year:

Rooflite
Soprema
City of Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University
Colorado State University - SPUR Campus
DJS Reps
American Hydrotech / Sika
Ginkgo Sustainability
LiveRoof
SMT
Hydrosystems KDI
Douglass Colony
Green Roofs of Colorado
Blackwood Educational Land Institute
Hoerr Schaudt
W.R. Meadows
Living Roofs Inc.
Airpump USA

2025 Conferences & Events

We invite you to review our 2025 prospective event list. For details on our upcoming virtual and in-person events visit greenroofs.org/events-2025. Please note that dates are subject to change.

September 25 | Grey to Green Conference: Houston, TX
October 23 | GRIMP Training: Raleigh, NC
October 24 | Grey to Green Conference: Raleigh, NC
November 13 | GRIMP Training: Washington, DC
November 14 | Grey to Green Conference: Washington, DC

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities: 2025 Grey to Green Conferences + GRIMP Training

As climate change continues to impact cities across North America, the need for resilient, sustainable solutions has never been greater. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is proud to present an exciting lineup of events in 2025 that will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to explore the latest advancements in green infrastructure. Our Grey to Green conference series will be making stops in five major cities, each facing unique environmental challenges and opportunities for green infrastructure innovation.

Whether you're in Raleigh, Washington D.C., or Houston, these events offer:

An unparalleled opportunity to stay informed on the latest green infrastructure policies in your region
Network with like-minded industry professionals
Learn new skills through our robust training programs that were created in collaboration with industry experts
Continuing education credits to maintain your accreditations

Houston – September 25, 2025

Houston is no stranger to extreme weather, including hurricanes and heavy rainfall that contribute to devastating flooding. Green roofs and other nature-based solutions can help absorb stormwater, reduce urban heat, and improve community resilience. The Grey to Green event in Houston will be held at the award winning POST Houston green roof, and focus on the role of living architecture in disaster mitigation and sustainable urban planning. This conference is approved for 7.0 HSW CEUs from ASLA, and 5.25 HSW CEUs from AIA.

*The venue for Houston Grey to Green - The Skyfarm on POST Houston, featuring a section of medicinal herbs and cilantro/coriander. Photo: Blackwood Educational Land Institute*

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Grey to Green Conference Website Link

Registration Link

Raleigh – October 24, 2025

Raleigh, part of the fast-growing Research Triangle, is at a critical juncture in balancing urban expansion with environmental conservation. Green infrastructure can help manage stormwater, support biodiversity, and improve public health. The Grey to Green conference in Raleigh will bring together experts and decision-makers to discuss how cities in the southeastern U.S. can integrate green infrastructure into their growth strategies. This conference has been submitted to AIA and ASLA for CEU Approval.

Grey to Green Conference Website Link

Registration Link

Washington DC – November 14, 2025

Washington D.C. has been a national leader in implementing green infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on green roofs to meet its ambitious stormwater management goals. As part of the District’s MS4 Permit requirements, the city has promoted green roofs to reduce runoff and improve water quality in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. With hundreds of green roofs already installed across government, commercial, and residential buildings, Washington D.C. serves as a model for how vegetative roofing can support climate adaptation, urban cooling, and public health. The Grey to Green Conference in Washington D.C. will highlight successful projects, policy frameworks, and technical innovations that are driving green roof adoption in the nation's capital. This conference has been submitted to AIA and ASLA for CEU Approval.

Grey to Green Conference Link

Registration Link

Join us this Fall, as we continue our road trip for greener, healthier cities. Stay tuned for registration details and speaker announcements by visiting the Grey to Green Conference website at greytogreenconference.org.

Sponsorships for the remaining 2025 events are available. Please contact Eric Durnford, Director of Business Development and Events at edurnford@greenroofs.org

Upcoming Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training

For up to date details on our hands on GRIMP hand on training visit greenroofs.org/green-roof-installation-maintenance-professional

Raleigh, NC – October 23, 2025
Washington, DC – November 13, 2025

New Resources

Solar Green Roof Resource Guide

A brand new free Resource Guide designed to provide a review of different green roof and solar energy systems; scientific research on their many benefits; and best practices around how to integrate them. THe Guide was co-created by experts from the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), the European Federation of Green Roofs & Walls (EFB), Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, and Solar Power Europe. The Resource Guide iis available for free download at:

https://insights.wgin.org/solar-green-roofs-resource-guide.

Professional Training

The Living Architecture Academy brings you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices for green infrastructure. Start your professional development journey today!.

New Course Released on the Living Architecture Academy

Introduction to Green Roof and Solar Integration

Green roofs and solar technologies have long been considered to best exist independently of each other, both competing for roof space in the fight against climate change. But what if these technologies worked better together than they ever could apart. Introduction to Green Roof and Solar Integration explores the synergies and efficiencies that can be gained from combining these two approaches, and how we can accelerate urban resilience by expanding the scope of sustainable roofs. Click here to access the course.

Other popular courses on the Living Architecture Academy Include:

Solar + Green Roof Integration Virtual Symposium Recordings - Multiple Presenters
Introduction to Solar Green Roof Integration - Blaine Stand, Professional Resources Manager
Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance - Cynthia Pohl, Living Lands Landscape and Design
Biophilic Holism - Elizabeth Calabrese, Biophilic Studies
Green Infrastructure Research Virtual Symposium - Multiple Presenters
Green Infrastructure Policy Virtual Symposium - Multiple Presenters
And many more!

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New & Returning Corporate Members

GAF Materials Corporation: GAF is known for being North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer. GAF manufactures residential and commercial roofing products and accessories including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, roofing membranes, coating systems, and more. GAF Energy, the solar roofing business unit of GAF, launched the world's first nailable solar roof, Timberline Solar®

Congratulations Green Roof Professionals (GRPs)

With the Green Roof Professional Exam now online, it has never been easier to complete your accreditation. Congratulations to our most recent graduates. We look forward to working with you to grow the green roof industry across North America.

Murray McKay
Caj Thomasson

Congratulations Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professionals (GRIMPs)

Responding to a lack of formalized, independent hands-on installation and maintenance training around green roofing systems and a lack of qualified professionals, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities began the process of developing a new training opportunity to address those deficiencies in the form of the Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) certification program. Certified GRIMPs have to complete course work and pass an online exam.