Building Momentum in 2026: Green Roof Events, Training, and Industry Connections
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Introduction
As we move further into 2026, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) continues to build momentum, advancing living architecture and green infrastructure across North America through a growing portfolio of events, professional development programs, and industry partnerships. We’re excited to be hosting the 2026 CitiesAlive Conference in Brooklyn, NY from September 30th to October 2nd. The last time we had CitiesAlive in New York was in 2018 and much has changed since then. Additionally, GRHC will be hitting the road with two Grey to Green Conferences, one in Chicago (June 11-12) and a second event in Costa Mesa, CA (September 14). Our events bring together industry leaders, landscape architects, architects, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to explore the latest advancements in green roofs, walls and other forms of green infrastructure.
2025 Denver Green Roof Installations and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) trainees and instructor Andy Creath of Green Roofs of Colorado behind two mock green roof assemblies they constructed. Photo: Eric Durnford.
Whether you're joining us in Chicago, Costa Mesa, or Brooklyn, these events will help you to:
Stay informed on the latest green infrastructure policies and programs in your region
Network with like-minded industry professionals
Learn about local projects from award winning designers and design best practices
Learn new skills through our robust training programs that were created by multiple industry experts, like the hands on Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) training and accreditation.
Earn continuing education credits from ASLA, AIA, GRHC and more….
Meet local and regional suppliers of products and services.
2026 Conferences & Events
The Farm and Food Forest at the Javits Center, the planned opening reception venue for CitiesAlive 2026. TBD September 30, 2026.
We invite you to review our 2026 prospective event list. For details on our upcoming virtual and in-person events visit greenroofs.org/events. Please note that dates are subject to change.
June 12: Grey to Green Conference | Chicago, IL (Omni Ecosystems HQ)
May 22: GRIMP Training | Toronto, ON (Ginkgo Sustainability HQ - Etobicoke, ON)
September 14: Grey to Green Conference | Costa Mesa, CA (SCCWRP HQ)
September 30 - October 2: CitiesAlive Conference and Award Ceremony | Brooklyn, NY
October 27-30: World Green Infrastructure Congress | Barcelona, ESP
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Chicago GRIMP Training and Grey to Green Conference | June 11 to 12
Renowned for its iconic skyline and legacy of architectural innovation, Chicago is a leader in green infrastructure development and urban resilience. Facing increasing challenges from urban heat islands, intense stormwater events, and the need to support biodiversity, the city has embraced green roofs, permeable surfaces, and nature-based solutions as critical tools for sustainable development. The Grey to Green conference in Chicago will showcase best design practices on how living architecture can support the city’s climate action goals and enhance stormwater management.
Costa Mesa Grey to Green Conference | September 14
Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a dynamic and design-forward community increasingly embracing sustainable urban solutions. As Southern California faces mounting pressures from heat, drought, and water management challenges, green infrastructure—particularly green roofs, walls, and water-efficient landscape systems—plays a critical role in enhancing urban resilience. The Grey to Green conference in Costa Mesa will highlight how these nature-based solutions can reduce heat impacts, improve stormwater capture, and support regional sustainability goals across Southern California. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has partnered with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project to combine complementary expertise and deliver an impactful Grey to Green conference.
CitiesAlive Conference | September 30 to October 2
As New York City confronts intensifying stormwater challenges, urban heat island effects, and the need for green space, green roofs and walls have proven to become essential tools in creating a more sustainable built environment. The CitiesAlive Conference in Brooklyn will bring together industry leaders, designers, policymakers, and researchers to explore how green infrastructure can enhance stormwater management, and help meet New York City’s ambitious climate goals.
Marketing and Sponsorships for 2026 events are now available. Please contact Eric Durnford, General Manager at GRHC at edurnford@greenroofs.org for more detailed information. Click here to view the Marketing and Promotional Brochure. CitiesAlive.org
GRIMP Training and Accreditation in North Carolina led by Emilio Anacaya of Living Roofs Inc. requires students to conduct hands-on assembly of mock green roof systems. Photo: Eric Durnford.
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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!.
Popular courses on the Living Architecture Academy Include:
Green Roof Professional Training and Accreditation
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!
Visit LivingArchitectureAcademy.com for more information and to take a course or listen to a lecture.
New & Returning Members
Jost Greenhouses: Jost Greenhouses / LiveRoof Midwest is a family owned and operated wholesale grower in St. Louis, propagating and growing our own plants since the 1980s.
Columbia Green Technologies: Columbia Green Technologies are committed to providing green roofs and green amenity spaces to assist with the impact of the ever-changing climate.
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Katarzyna Wolańska - board member of the Polish Green Roof Association responsible for cooperation with cities and PR. Publicist specialising in green infrastructure. Since 2013 she has been running her own thematic portal www.ZielonaInfrastruktura.pl.
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