Exploring Green Roofs: Hands-On Experience and Expertise with GRIMP Training
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The author (centre) moving a modular green roof tray into place during the New York GRIMP Training hosted by New York Green Roofs. Photo: Steven Peck
Introduction - Diving into the World of Green Roofs
While I had a good understanding of green roofs, the brand new Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) training offered by GRHC provided me with more information about the complex nature of green roofs: from the different types of green roofs, to the benefits associated with them, and of course, how to install and maintain them. Learning about extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive green roofs allowed me to better understand what type of green roof is appropriate for what situation.
As someone earlier in their career, the hands-on training component helped me gain some experience and helped to boost my confidence. The opportunity to work alongside expert Roxanne Miller of Soprema Canada, and other New York Green Roofs staff, such as Chris Brunner, was very helpful. I gained practical skills such as knowing how to install two types of green roofs, that are essential for a successful career in green roof installation and maintenance.
Gaining Expertise with Hands on Experience
Students install drainage layer over mock green roof platform. New York GRIMP Training. 2023. Photo: Steven Peck
While there are many courses and lectures online, such as the Green Roof Professional accreditation, the GRIMP training was hands-on. The detailed course plan started with some in-class training and finished with hands-on activities, and provided an immersive learning experience.
About four hours of the training included installation instruction. During this time I was able to go through the mechanics of installing a green roof with other members of the class. We installed two types of roofs, a conventional assembly, and one with a protected membrane, also known as an inverted roof assembly. Not only did we install two roofs, we also worked with different types of vegetation, from vegetated mats and modular systems to plugs and sedum cuttings. The instruction on how to safely use different types of saws and opportunity to practice cutting modules was a great bonus!
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Learning about Protecting Waterproofing
The instruction on protecting waterproofing was particularly important, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the success of green roof projects and how to protect it during the installation of the green roof assembly. Vegetation can also make or break a green roof project, from less expensive but more time consuming planting methods such as seedlings and plugs, to more expensive pre-grown vegetative mats and modular units. Learning best practices for all these subjects ensures that I have the knowledge to select appropriate methods for my clients, and understand various installation.
Green roof layers can be installed above the installation in a protected membrane assembly, or directly on the membrane in a conventional assembly. In both cases care needs to be taken to test the waterproofing integrity prior to installation and to protect the membranes during installation of the overburden.
Green Roof Maintenance Visit
Near the end of the day we completed an exercise in removing green roof overburden to find the source of an imaginary leak. We then cleaned up and headed out to a real green roof nearby to learn about maintenance. Chris Brunner, the co-founder of New York Green Roofs led us to Vital, a climbing gym that also features other recreational activities. Their unique roof had climbing equipment all over it, as well as extensive and intensive green roofs. The roof was stunning, and a great example of how to integrate practical design with a biophilic twist. There were over 40 people on the roof, enjoying the climbing, sitting amongst nature, working on their laptops, and more. Chris Brunner was able to explain how they maintained the roof, the equipment they needed to get to the hard to reach places, and making sure there weren’t any invasive species taking over the planted vegetation. The GRIMP training has empowered me with the tools to avoid project failures resulting from inappropriate design, installation, and maintenance practices. Even better, soon other professionals will have the opportunity to learn and enhance their skills at training sessions in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Portland, and Boston throughout 2024.
A visit to VITAL Climbing Gym, a company with climbing walls on its roof, along with an extensive and intensive green roof provide a great opportunity to learn directly from the people who maintain the systems. Photo: Steven Peck
Looking Ahead: A Greener Future
With the new knowledge I’ve gained from taking the GRIMP Certification, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the growth of the green roof industry. Next up, I’ll be studying the resource manual which is included with the training and then completing the online multiple choice exam, so that I can attain my official GRIMP Certification. The hands-on experience, coupled with the understanding of installation and maintenance best practices, has provided a solid foundation for my career journey!
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Rushil Malik is the Communications Manager for GRHC and is actively learning about the green roof industry. Connect with her at rmalik@greenroofs.org
MORE INFORMATION
GRIMP Accreditation Package Includes the following:
One day of hands-on training
Potential visit to a green roof for maintenance discussion
2.5 hours of online instruction focused largely on maintenance best practices
Access to a digital Resource Manual
Access to a one hour multiple choice exam
One year individual membership
In 2024, GRIMP training is being offered in Toronto on November 6th in conjunction with CitiesAlive (citiesalive.org); Chicago on June 6th in conjunction with Grey to Green Chicago (greytogreenconference.org/chicago), and dates in Portland, Boston, and New York coming soon. For more information on the training and certification program, or to register for one of the upcoming dates, visit our website or contact Blaine Stand of GRHC at bstand@greenroofs.org.
